Q. Does it make a difference which battery I buy for my phone?
A. Yes, the type of battery you choose to use with your phone will determine the length of your talk and standby time as well as the total size and weight of the phone.  Keep in mind that there are many factors that determine the weight of a battery.   For example, sometimes the higher the mAh (milliampere hours) - standard measurement of the energy storage capacity of a cellular phone battery, the bigger the battery will be and therefore the weight as well.  Sometimes it simply depends on the design of the battery, whether it's slim, vibrating, etc, or what it is made of: nickel cadmium, nickel metal hydride or lithium-ion.  All of these factors may determine the weight of a battery.

Q. What is the difference between Nickel Cadmium, Nickel Metal Hydride, and Lithium-ion batteries?
A. Nickel Cadmium batteries tend to be the least expensive but are heavy and prone to memory effect.  Nickel Metal Hydride batteries offer 30% greater talk and standby times than comparable Nickel Cadmium batteries and do not require discharging entirely prior to charging.  Lithium-ion batteries tend to offer the highest energy density for extended talk-times in a lightweight package with the lowest self-discharge rate of all wireless phone batteries.

Q. How long will a battery last before I need to replace it?
A. The average battery can be recharged 200 to 400 times before needing to be replaced.

Q. What is memory effect?
A. Memory effect occurs when your battery can no longer hold a full charge.  To prevent memory effect, completely discharge your battery prior to recharging and follow the manufacturer' s instructions.  Lithium-ion and Nickel Metal Hydride batteries are less prone to memory effect than Nickel Cadmium.

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 do not ship to P.O. Box, P.M.B., or A.P.O. addresses.  Our credit card company requires us to ship to a physical address and have an adult signature.

Q. How do I change my order after it has already been submitted?
A. To change your order, you must contact Phone Warehouse as soon as possible after submitting your order.  You can contact us by e-mail at info@AffordablePhones.net.  Please include your order number in your e-mail.  This number is found on the Order Summary page and in the subject line of your e-mail order confirmation.  If the phone or accessory has already been shipped, you will have to wait for it to arrive and then arrange for a return.

Q. How do I return an item?
A. If the item is within the thirty-day return policy, please call Phone Warehouse at 713.777.9494 or 888.900.9494 for instructions on how to return your item.

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. How long does it take to receive a replacement phone?
A. This depends mainly on the shipping method selected by the customer returning the item.  The replacement phone is sent out within two days of receipt of the returned phone.

Q. What is the warranty period?
A. All our products are new, with the full one-year manufacturer's warranty.

Q. How do I track the status of my package?
A. Click the Order Status link located in the black bar on the right side of the web page.  You will then need to enter your order number for your package (this number is found on the Order Summary page).  Once you enter your order number, the status of your package will be revealed.  If for some reason you are unable to track the status of your package, contact www.AffordablePhones.net by e-mail or by phone: info@affordablephones.net or by dialing 1-888-900-9494 between the hours of 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. CST.

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.

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.

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.

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 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.  Off-peak hours include the weekends, some holidays, and the hours of 7 p.m. to 7 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.

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.

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).

Q. Can using a wireless phone affect my health in any way?
A. Your physician should be contacted regarding any health related questions.

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:

1. The 900MHz wave tends to bounce off objects more efficiently and, as a result, will carry a greater distance than the 43/49MHz signal.
2. 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.