THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, December 22, 1995 TAG: 9512220530
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: D1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY STEPHANIE STOUGHTON, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 55 lines
Planning to give your sweetie a gift-wrapped cellular phone and service over the holidays?
Read the contract carefully.
Over the past several years, cellular phones and service have grown increasingly popular because they provide convenience and a sense of security. Packaged deals that include use of a free phone and discounted rates have made the service more affordable.
But those in the cellular phone industry say would-be gift givers need to think carefully before signing on the dotted line. That's because the person who signs the contract is responsible for the bills.
While complications are rare, they still ``crop up every once in a while,'' said Bob Sage, Sprint Cellular's area general manager in Virginia Beach.
For example, John Doe might buy a one-year contract for cell phone and service for his girlfriend, Jane. Chatty Jane might run up a bill that makes John swoon. John is responsible for the bill, at least until he can figure out a way to get out of the mess.
And the tiffs and misunderstandings aren't just limited to girlfriends and boyfriends. It could be husbands and wives or parents and children, said Carla Ussery, area general manager of GTE Mobilnet in Virginia Beach.
``It's really across the board,'' Ussery said.
To avoid complications, one option is to buy the base-model plan, which does not require a contract and can be canceled at any time with no penalties. These plans cost about $15 or $16 per month, but the usage rates are generally higher because they are tailored more for limited use like emergency calls.
Ussery also suggests that customers, when buying phones and service as gifts, switch responsibility over the accounts to the recipients after the holidays. The recipient must receive credit approval, however.
The best bet is to listen carefully to sales representatives as they explain rate structures and the length of the contracts. But at this time of the year, many fidgety customers aren't tuning in.
``It depends on how long the customer wants to sit and listen to this,'' he said. ``Sometimes, they'll try to pick up the phone and run off.''
If all fails, the two cell service companies might allow some customers to wheedle out of their contracts. Others might have to pay penalty fees.
``We take it case by case,'' Sage said. ILLUSTRATION: Color photo
Cellular phone
KEYWORDS: MOBILE PHONE SERVICE CELLULAR PHONE by CNB