Ken Vander Meeden
Better Business Bureau

Many consumers in the Grand Rapids area are discovering a new convenience: prepaid cell phones. If you need a cellular phone, but don’t want to sign a multi-year contract, these may be a good option for you. With prepaid cellular phone plans, users prepay for the airtime much like they buy prepaid long distance phone cards. There are usually no credit check, activation, monthly or early termination fees to pay.

A prepaid cellular phone comes with a specified number of airtime minutes. You can then purchase more or «recharge» your minutes online or by calling the toll-free number on your prepaid phone. With most plans, you receive an automatic warning when you need to buy more airtime minutes. Once your minutes run out, you can no longer make or receive calls.

While prepaid cell phones can be great for occasional use, the Better Business Bureau suggests you keep the following in mind:

* Be aware of the cost of a call. Calls can be more expensive on a per-minute basis with a prepaid phone plan. Some long distance calls cost twice as much with a prepaid plan compared to a monthly plan. Check the plan’s details before buying.

* Not all services are included. You may not be able to get features such as call waiting or caller ID, and you may not be able to surf the wireless Web or use your phone in an analog area. Ask your service provider about these extra features.

* Pay attention to your expiration date. Know how often you must load new minutes. Most plans require you to use your airtime or purchase additional airtime within a specific timeframe, usually 30 to 90 days. You purchase airtime in 30, 60 or 90 increment minutes. If you don’t recharge your airtime before the expiration date, your service may be deactivated. Read your carrier’s policies carefully.

* Ask the service provider about their coverage area. What good is a cell phone with a small area or poor call sound quality?

* Be aware that incoming calls and voicemail messages can deplete your minutes.

* Ask if you will be charged for incoming or outgoing calls that are not answered.

Before deciding on a service provider, be sure to check the company out with the Better Business Bureau. Visit our Web site, www.grandrapids.bbb.org, or call us 24 hours a day at 1 (800) 6 THE BBB. If you have problems, use our Web site complaint form or mail details to us at: BBB, 40 Pearl, N.W., Suite 354, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Our office serves Ottawa and Allegan counties.

Ken Vander Meeden is president of the Better Business Bureau of Western Michigan.