Ask most people how often they replace their cell phone, and they themselves might be surprised by what they tell you. From a very unscientific and informal survey of friends, relative and readers, I found that at least seven out of ten people (or 70 percent) replace a cell phone at least once a year. While some of these replacements are due to upgrades, the majority of reasons given for replacement were broken, lost or stolen cell phones.
Replacing your cell phone can be an expensive business. While most cell phone carriers do offer customers a minimal insurance, most customers don�t take advantage of the offer. And, since most cell phones are discounted to the customer as part of the enticement to sign up for service, such discounts are not given when a cell phone needs to be replaced during the service contract. In general, to replace a cell phone may cost a consumer a minimum of $100 and up to $400, depending on the phone.
Of course, there is the option of taking a lost or broken cell phone and creating the opportunity to change out the cell phone and or the cell phone service; however, canceling a cell phone service and going to another carrier will cost you in early termination fees, and often the final number is based on the number of lines you have in your service.
The old saying goes that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. I’ll be offering some advice and tips to keep your cell phone at hand and working well.
Treat your cell phone like the expensive piece of equipment that it is. If you keep it in a back pocket, remove the cell phone before sitting down. If someone asks to borrow your cell phone, don�t throw it across the room in a game of catch.
Next up, we�ll talk about ten major hazards for cell phones. Chances are that your cell phone is in jeopardy right now.
Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.
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