 Below is a list of frequently
asked questions organized by subject.
Q. Do you ship out of country?
A. Unfortunately at this time we do not ship outside
the United States.
Q. Do you ship to P.O. boxes?
A. We ship to PO boxes, but the shipment would then
need to be shipped via USPS mail, and may cost more
to ship priority shipping. Please indicate the proper
shipping by choosing USPS- for P.O. boxes option.
Q. What are your payment options?
You can pay for an order with Visa, Mastercard or
Discover through our website. We can take American
Express over the phone at 1-888-900-9494. With credit
cards we can ship only to the billing address of the
credit card (see exception below.)
You can mail us a money order for the full amount
of purchase (including shipping) and we will ship the
phone as soon as the money order arrives. You can
mail us a business or personal check and we can ship
as soon as 10 days have passed (allowing the check to
clear.) Make sure that the check includes your
correct current address, phone number and Drivers
License number. Money orders and checks need to be
made out to: Phone Warehouse.
Our shipping method of choice is by UPS. We can
ship to the continental United States (thats the 48
states, not including Alaska or Hawaii) using the
following rates for one (1) 5 pound package:
UPS Ground (usually 4-10 days) - $10.00
UPS 3 Day Select - $15.00
UPS 2 Day Air - $20.00
UPS Next Day Saver - $35.00
UPS Next Day A.M. - $45.00
(Friday only) UPS Next Day Air with Saturday Delivery
- $60.00
(Saturday only) UPS Next Day Air with Saturday Pickup
(ordered before 1:00pm CST) and Monday Delivery -
$60.00
(These shipping times are accurate pending product
availability.)
For customers in Texas we are required to charge
state sales tax. For the other 47 continental states,
you can add the above listed cost of your preferred
shipping method to the cost of your order (4 pounds
or less) to find your total charge. If you live in
Texas, Alaska, Hawaii or one of the US territories
(or if your order is going to weigh more than 4
pounds) just call us at the number below, let us know
what your location and your zip code is and we can
get you a quote on the shipping rate.
If paying by check or money order you can send
your payment along with a note indicating the item
you are ordering, your shipping preference, your
address and phone number to:
Phone Warehouse
Attn: Internet Orders
6815 Southwest Freeway
Houston, TX 77074
Q. What if I want my order shipped to an
address other than the billing address of my credit
card?
A. Unfortunately, we see many attempts to use stolen
credit cards on our website each week. The good news
is that the security measures we use prevent almost
every one of them from succeeding. Those measures
include processing all orders through a secure
server, verifying the credit card address and
shipping to the billing address of the credit card.
However, we understand that many of our customers
would like to have there orders shipped to other
locations (like sending it to work or to a friend as
a gift.) This is easily arranged. All we ask you to
do is to call the bank/company that issued your
credit card. Ask them to register this alternate
shipping address on your account. They will add a
memo to the computer indicating that this alternate
address is a legitimate shipping location requested
by the cardholder.
Then call us at 1-888-900-9494 and let us know
that you have done this. We will call the
bank/company that issues the credit card and verify
the alternate shipping address. Once that is done, we
will be glad to ship to the address you have
requested.
Q. How do I change my order after it has
already been submitted?
A. To change your order, you must contact Affordable
Phones as soon as possible after submitting your
order. You can contact us by e-mail at info@affordablephones.net
or by phone at 1-888-900-9494. If the phone or
accessory has already been shipped, you will have to
wait for it to arrive and then we can arrange for an
exchange.
Q. How do I return an item?
A. Affordable Phones does it's best to make sure you
will be satisfied with every purchase. However, if
any item does not entirely meet your satisfaction,
you may return it to us (unused, complete and with
all original packaging) within 30 days of purchase
for a refund of the purchase price. We will credit
your original method of payment, excluding any
shipping and handling charges. Please do not refuse
delivery of your package, as that could incur further
shipping and handling charges, thereby reducing your
credit.
You must contact Blane Mather in our shipping
department to receive a Return Merchandise
Authorization (RMA) number at 1-888-900-9494. Do not
return your item(s) without first obtaining this RMA
number, or we cannot guarantee your credit.
Q. What should I include with my return?
A. Please include all items that were originally in
the box. Returns MUST include a copy of the
sales receipt as well as a brief note describing the
problems you had with the unit. Returns
must have the RMA number on the outside of the box.
Q. What is the warranty period?
A. All refurbished units have a 90 day warranty; the
exception to this is the Sony IT-M804 4-Line
refurbished phone, which carries a one year warranty.
All other new products carry a one year
manufacturer's warranty unless otherwise specified.
Q. How do I track the status of my
package?
A. If you would like to know the status of your
order, contact Affordable Phones by e-mail (info@affordablephones.net)
or by dialing 1-888-900-9494 between the hours of 9
a.m. – 6 p.m. CST.
 Cellular
Phone Security
Q. What is cloning?
A. Cloning is a method of placing illegal calls by
reprogramming a wireless phone using someone else's
valid ESN/MSN combinations.
Q. Are my cellular phone conversations
private?
A. Analog phones are much more susceptible to having
calls intercepted by radio scanners. Digital
cellular and PCS (Personal Communications Service)
phones provide secure conversations, due to the way
in which the sound is transmitted. More
particularly, phones that have (TDMA), Time Division
Multiple Access, are extremely difficult to
intercept.
Q. Where are the ESN and MSN located?
A. The Mechanical Serial Number (MSN) is typically
engraved on the phone underneath the battery
pack. The Electronic Serial Number (ESN)
resides in a memory chip inside the phone. For
transportable and mobile (car) phones, these numbers
often are on the back of the transceiver. Users
don't have access to their ESN's.
Q. What is ESN?
A. An ESN is a unique identification number that is
assigned to each wireless phone for billing purposes.
Q. What should I do if my wireless phone
is lost or stolen?
A. First, you should call your wireless phone
provider to cancel service immediately on your
existing number. If you have wireless phone
insurance you may also want to contact your insurance
provider to file a report.
Network/Wireless Technology
Q. What is AMPS?
A. Advanced Mobile Phone Service (AMPS) is the
standard operating system for analog cellular phone
services.
Q. What is PCS?
A. Personal Communication Service (PCS) is 1900MHZ
digital service for cellular phones.
Q. What is TDMA?
A. Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA). TDMA
helps in the interference of other phones using the
same radio frequencies.
Q. What are the pros and cons of digital
vs. analog vs. PCS technology for cellular phones?
A. When cellular phones first started being used,
almost 2 decades ago, analog was the only available
network technology. This means that cellular
phone calls were being made on a frequency level of
800 or 900 MHz, with an operating standard referred
to as either AMPS (Advanced Mobile Phone Service), or
NAMPS (Narrowband Advanced Mobile Phone System),
which combines cellular voice processing and digital
signaling. Although analog is the oldest form
of transmitting cellular signals and hence the least
sophisticated, it still allows for broad, nationwide
coverage for its users. But, having nationwide
coverage also has its downside, and that is the fact
that airtime rates are becoming higher for analog
users. Analog currently provides better
coverage in rural areas because of the 15 plus years
build-out. Voice quality in general is good,
but can be prone to static and dropped calls.
Police scanners can intercept calls making security
an issue. Analog also requires more power and
batteries do not last as long as with digital phones,
meaning talk and standby times are much less.
In the early 90's, digital became the new and
improved technology. At this point, cellular
phone calls were still being made on a frequency
level of 800 or 900 MHz, however two new operating
standards came into being, referred to as TDMA (Time
Division Multiple Access) and CDMA (Code Division
Multiple Access). (See Glossary for
definitions) Digital technology breaks sound
into codes for transmission, then reconstructs the
code after it is received at the other end, therefore
providing better voice quality, fewer dropped calls
and handle three times as many callers per cell site
which helps avoid busy signals. Being that
sound travels in this way on the digital network,
conversations became totally secure and free of
interception by sophisticated scanners.
Batteries also last 3-5 times longer with
digital. Airtime rates are also cheaper, but
keep in mind this is why digital phones tend to be
more expensive (for the time being). Talk time
and standby times are also much longer as compared to
earlier analog phones. In the advent of digital
technology, came new services such as paging, and
text messaging, caller ID, and voicemail.
Digital service is not as readily available in rural
areas, and is still in the process of achieving
nationwide coverage.
PCS refers to digital technology, and therefore
offers the same benefits. However, it is
different in that it operates on a different
frequency of bandwidth of 1900 MHz. PCS
includes GSM, CDMA and IS-136 TDMA operating
standards, therefore is better suited than analog or
800/900 MHz digital for sending data such as Internet
access or live video streaming. Most carriers
are switching from analog to 1900 MHz digital systems
because of the data capabilities.
The newer PCS phone coming to the market can
support Internet access in which the phone has its
own Internet protocol to access the web. These
phones offer the option of browsing the World Wide
Web with a miniature web browser, as well as both
faxing and emailing capabilities.
Q. What is GSM?
A. Global System For Mobile Communications
(GSM). Operates at 1900MHZ in the United States
and at 900MHZ & 1800MHZ in other countries.
Cell
Phone Instructions
Q. Can I still receive calls while my
phone is charging?
A. Yes, as long as the phone is turned on.
Q. What is the quickest way to contact my
wireless carrier's customer service department?
A. Dial 611 or *611 on your wireless phone to contact
a customer service representative.
Q. Is there a warranty on my wireless
phone?
A. Typically, there is a one-year warranty with the
purchase of a phone; however, you should consult the
owner’s manual to be certain of the terms and
conditions.
Cellular
Service
Q. What is airtime and how is it billed?
A. Airtime is the actual time that a wireless phone
is in use for conversation. This includes
incoming and outgoing calls. Airtime can
either be billed by the minute or by 30-second
intervals.
Q. What is a dual-mode phone?
A. A dual-mode phone is a digital phone that has the
ability to operate on an analog network when a
digital network is not available.
Q. What is roaming?
A. You are considered to be roaming when you use your
wireless phone outside your designated service
area. Most service plans charge additional fees
for roaming and long distance if applicable.
Q. What does peak and off-peak mean?
A. Peak hours refer to the hours of highest wireless
phone usage. Typically peak minutes are billed
at a service plan's highest rate. Conversely,
off-peak hours refer to the hours of the lowest
wireless phone usage and off-peak minutes are billed
at lower rates. Peak hours are typically
between the hours of 6 a.m. and 9 p.m., Monday
through Friday. Off-peak hours include the
weekends, some holidays, and the hours of 9 p.m. to 6
a.m. during the week. However, some service
plans may vary.
Q. Can I change my service plan at any
time?
A. Yes. You may change your service plan at any
time. However, be sure to review the terms and
conditions of your service contract. You may
incur penalties if you break your contract early.
Q. How do I know which mode my phone is
in?
A. The phone display will show a symbol to indicate
that the phone is in digital mode or analog mode.
Q. How far can I call on a cellular phone?
A. You can place a local, long-distance, or
international call, provided your call originates in
an area where you have wireless service. In
other words, you can only make calls if you are
within range of your carrier's nearest antenna.
Check with your cellular service provider to ensure
you have international long distance before trying to
place an international call. However, many
service providers do not offer this service.
Q. What's the best service plan for
frequent travel in the United States?
A. If you are going to be traveling a lot, you should
look into the many flat-rate plans that are
available. The monthly fee includes all
long-distance and roaming charges, but sometimes with
restrictions.
Q. Can I keep my phone number if I move or
switch carriers?
A. If you move within the same city and stay within
the same area code, you most likely will be able to
keep your same phone number. However you
must check with your carrier. However, you will
not be able to keep your phone number if you switch
carriers. When you cancel service with
one carrier, your phone number is then assigned to a
new customer. You will then get a new phone
number from your new carrier. Presently, a bill
is being considered to allow customers to keep their
same cell phone numbers when they change carriers.
Q. How can I tell which features come with
the plan I selected?
A. Once you choose the service plan that you'd like
to purchase, the Plan Information Page will show up
and display the features that offered with that
particular plan, at no additional cost. Once
phone is sent to you, if you decide that you'd like
to add additional features to your phone; provided
that it is compatible with your phone, call your
chosen service provider and they will add these
features for you. They will inform you of the
additional changes. Sometimes there will be
additional features offered for a monthly fee.
Q. Can I call and just get service for a
cellular phone that I already have?
A. Yes, depending upon what service the phone is
eligible for.
Q. Do you accept international orders for
phones and accessories on your website?
A. Yes we do.
Q. Do you accept international orders for
phones with service?
A. No.
General
Instructions
Q. What is the difference between analog
and digital technologies?
A. Analog technologies modulate radio signals without
compressing data. This is the most inefficient
and therefore most expensive mode of
transmission. Digital technologies, on the
other hand, convert speech into a sequence of binary
symbols over a narrow range of frequencies. A
similar battery will last longer with a digital phone
as compared to an analog phone.
Q. Will I be able to make 911 emergency
calls from my cellular phone even if it is not
activated at that time?
A. Yes, however if you are not in an area with proper
reception, your call may not go through.
Currently the F.C.C., Federal Communications
Commission, is in the process of mandating a law that
all cellular phones are capable of reaching 911, no
matter where the user is. However, the
technology is not available at this time to make this
happen and the scheduled projected date to have this
law in effect is in the year 2005.
Q. Can I have two cellular phones with the
same exact phone number?
A. No.
Product
Information
Q. What's an external antenna?
A. An external antenna is mounted on the outside of
your vehicle to increase your phone’s range for
optimum performance. These antennas are used
with mobile phones (cellular phones permanently
mounted in a vehicle) and with handheld phones that
employ a hands-free kit mounted inside a
vehicle. In a sense, all cellular phones have
an “external” antenna that sticks out of
the phone when the phone is in use. It’s a
safe bet that if someone is talking about an external
antenna, they are referring to a mobile phone rather
than a handheld or transportable phone.
Q. What kind of antenna should I get for
my car?
A. Most cellular phone users will want the
industry-standard “gain” or 0-3 decibel
gain antennas such as the Mini-mag mount and Glass
Mount antennas. People who live in rural areas
with lots of flat terrain should consider an antenna
with 5 to 10-decibel gain such as the Dashmate Incar
Antenna (Great for mobile homes and inside
buildings).
Health
Q. Can using a wireless phone affect my
health in any way?
A. Your physician should be contacted regarding any
health related questions.
Cordless
Phones
Q. What is Spread Spectrum?
A. Digital Spread Spectrum technology transmits your
conversation over a wider bandwidth and at greater
power levels than traditional cordless phones.
The benefits of Spread Spectrum technology are
maximum range, enhanced immunity from noise and
interference, and heightened security against
eavesdropping.
Q. What type of security do cordless
phones provide?
A. Cordless 900 MHz digital cordless telephones offer
two levels of digital security. The first is a
function of proprietary digital encryption
process. When your voice is converted from
analog to digital, the resulting digital code is
scrambled in a way that only the handset and base
unit are programmed to understand. Because the
unique security code is random, other cordless
telephone users, short-wave radio hobbyists, or baby
monitor owners will not be able to eavesdrop on your
private conversations.
The second security level is provided by a digital
security code, which is randomly generated from more
than 65,000 possible codes each time the handset is
placed in its base unit. This code is
continually transmitted between the handset and base
unit, preventing someone else from accessing your
phone line, listening to your conversations or
placing unauthorized phone calls.
Q. How long is the warranty?
A. Most cordless products carry a one-year limited
warranty. Most manufacturers will repair or
replace - at our option - any product without charge
should it fail due to a defect in material or
workmanship within that time period.
This warranty does not apply to loss or damage
that is the result of an accident, misuse,
negligence, or an act of Nature. All other
warranties, expressed, implied or statutory,
including warranties of fitness for a particular
purpose are limited to the time period listed and are
otherwise excluded from this warranty. The
manufacturer may, at its option, void warranty if
unauthorized repairs are attempted.
Q. How much does a repair cost when my
phone is out of warranty?
A. Service charges range from $24.95 to $74.95,
depending on which product you have. This
amount covers all basic repairs, functional testing,
and standard return shipping via ground service to
the 48 contiguous States. Some repairs may
require additional service at an additional
cost. In these instances, technicians will need
to review the damages and provide an estimate for
repair.
Q. Should I purchase a spare battery pack?
A. Although a spare battery pack is not required,
it's a wise investment for two reasons. First,
if you talk on your phone extensively, a charged
spare battery pack will keep your down-time to a
minimum. Just switch battery packs in the
handset and you're back in business!
Q. Why is 900MHz better?
A. The effective signal strength of a 900MHz cordless
phone is greater than traditional 43/49 MHz
transmission units. There are 2 primary reasons
for this:
- The 900MHz wave tends to bounce off objects
more efficiently and, as a result, will carry
a greater distance than the 43/49MHz signal.
- The antenna length on a 900MHz telephone is
more proportionate to the height of a 900MHz
wave, providing an overall increase in
performance when compared to traditional
43/49MHz units.
Q. What's the Advantage of
Digital Transmission?
A. Many cordless models incorporate Digital Audio
Transmission. The advantages of digital over
analog audio are:
Range, Clarity &
Security
Digital audio allows the user to talk further from
the base, while maintaining noise-free
communications, than possible with an analog
unit. The process of Digital Encryption blocks
noise and interference more efficiently than
traditional filtering methods. Furthermore, a
digitally encrypted signal provides security from
eavesdropping by scanners and similar devices.
Q. Will cordless telephones work with a
multi-line office system?
A. Probably. In order for phones to operate
they must be connected to an analog phone line.
Many office phone systems are actually digital
networks, but have analog extensions. Cordless
telephones should work with a single-line, analog
port. Please contact your local phone company
or telephone system vendor for more information.
Some additional hardware may be required for
phones to be used in conjunction with some phone
systems. These devices, called ATAs (Analog
Terminal Adapters), should be available through your
local phone company or telephone system vendor.
Q. Can I use a 2-line phone with only one
line?
A. Yes. 2-line phones are capable of working
with up to two lines. However,
if you only have one line attached, it will still
work normally. All functions, other than
three-way conferencing (and of course the second line
itself) will work with only one telephone line
attached. Caller ID service must be offered by
and subscribed to through your local phone company.
Q. How far will the phone go?
A. The range you experience with your cordless
telephone depends on several factors, including the
environment, location of the base unit and weather
conditions.
The 900 MHz frequency range and digital audio
transmission system used in cordless telephones
provides an increased operating range. The more
physical obstructions there are between the handset
and base unit, the less overall range you should
expect to receive. In some cases, you may
improve the operating range by relocating the base
unit to a different position or level in your home or
office.
Q. Do cordless telephones have headset
jacks?
A. Yes - many do.
Q. How long does the rechargeable battery
last?
A. The Ni-Cad rechargeable battery pack supplied with
your cordless telephone can provide dependable
service for up to two years before a replacement is
necessary.
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