Calling plan key to cell phone satisfaction

By DAVID SMITH
Collegian Staff Writer

As the cost of cellular phones falls, many students are asking themselves if now is the time to get connected. But students who decide to get wired have more decisions to make than whether or not they should carry around a phone.

Perhaps the most important choice to make in buying a cellular phone is what calling plan to sign up for, said Dan Doherty (senior-psychology), an employee of The Communication Station, 118 S. Pugh St.

Doherty said he asks customers two questions about how they think they will use their phones:

-- How often will you use your phone? For students who are only looking for a phone to use in emergencies, it is important to look for a plan with a low monthly fee, even if the plan has a high per-minute rate, Doherty said. If the student doesn't plan on using the phone often, the high rate won't matter.

Brian Hartnett (senior-kinesiology) said he bought his phone because he travels frequently. After breaking down on the highway several times, he wanted a phone to use for emergencies. Hartnett decided to sign up for a plan with a monthly fee of $11.95.

"I shopped around and I found this was the best deal for me," Hartnett said.

-- When will you use your phone? If students plan on using their phones during peak hours which are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, they should think about getting a plan that offers a low per-minute rate during peak hours or free minutes during peak hours, Doherty said.

If students think they will use the phone mostly at night or on the weekends, they should consider a plan that offers free weekends, low off-peak rates or free off-peak minutes.

Students have had even more of an incentive to get connected since 1997 when Penn State formed an agreement with Cellular One and Northern Telecom to create the Vanguard Alliance, one of the largest private wireless networks in the world. Vanguard Alliance has booths selling cellular phones at locations on campus, including Findlay Commons and the HUB.

The Vanguard Alliance offers two plans to Penn State students, faculty and staff. The Blue plan offers a $10 monthly fee and a $.10 per-minute rate, while the White plan offers a $20 monthly fee and a $.05 per-minute rate, said Todd Snyder, public relations manager for the Vanguard Alliance.

These special rates are only available on the on-campus network. When students move to surrounding areas the per-minute rate increases by $.05, Snyder said.

Snyder added this is still significantly lower than most commercial rates. Cellular One, for example, offers a plan with a $10 monthly fee but a $.35 per-minute rate.

Snyder admits shopping for a cellular phone can be confusing and suggests students shop around before making their decisions.

"My biggest recommendation is to get someone to clearly explain all the costs and charges," he said.