Cellular FAQ

What is my local service area?

Local service areas vary between companies and even rate plans. Visit your nearest Mid-Atlantic ProTel store to find the service that best suits your coverage needs.

What is roaming? How much is roaming?

Roaming is traveling outside your normal service area. Roaming charges depend on your cellular provider and/or the service provider in the area you are roaming in.

How can I track how many minutes I'm using?

Most cell phones have internal timers that track the amount of time elapsed per phone call. See your phone’s user manual for specific information about how to find and reset the timers for your phone.

Can I have two phones with the same cellular number?

At this time, customers are not able to have two phones with the same cellular number for three main reasons. First, when two phones are programmed with the same number, there is a chance for missed calls. Second, a customer would not be guaranteed automatic roaming because of the validation process. Lastly, every phone comes from the manufacturer with a unique electronic serial number (ESN). The FCC declared it illegal to physically change the manufacturer's ESN in a phone.

Does the phone have to be on in order to receive calls?

Yes, the phone's power source must be on in order to receive any incoming calls.

Why don't I have to dial a "1" in front of the area code when calling long distance?

Cellular communication systems usually do not require that you dial a "1" before the mobile number. However, if a "1" is required, you will be instructed as such by an operator recording.

Do I pay for incoming calls to my cellular phone?

Yes, any time that you are using your cellular phone, you are accruing charges.

Why doesn't my phone work in some buildings?

Just like the light from the sun or a lamp, the radio frequencies used in cellular communication cannot pass through the walls of some buildings or other large objects.

Miscellaneous Questions

What is an ESN?

The Electronic Serial Number is a 32-bit number that is stored in the phone. It is used, along with other numbers, to identify your phone.

What are the potential health hazards to using a portable wireless phone?

There are no known health hazards associated with the proper use of portable wireless phones.

What is the difference between "Digital" and "Analog"?

Analog service (AMPS) has been around for many years. Chances are, if you have had cellular in the past, it's been an analog service. Digital technology allows celluar providers to place more calls on each tower by dividing up the signal into "packets." Since more people can "fit" onto a tower, cellular providers can offer lower rates or more packaged minutes.

What are TDMA, CDMA, GSM, iDEN, and PCS?

TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access): Divides the cellular signal into packets based on a time algorithm.

CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access): Divides the cellular signal into packets based on a code. This is the newest technology available in this area. CDMA phones don't have the "digitized" sound quality that TDMA phones are infamous for. Additionally, CDMA has the potential to carry twice the capacity of TDMA.

GSM (Global System for Mobile communication): GSM phones use a TDMA technology. This is the most common system used overseas (Europe and Asia).

iDEN (Integrated Digital Enhanced Network): Used exclusively by NEXTEL phones. iDEN phones operate on a specific TDMA architecture.

PCS (Personal Communication Services): PCS can stand for any wireless personal communication service (cell phone, pager, PDA). It is most commonly identified with high frequency (1.9Ghz) CDMA cellular service.

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