CellRev

So, now that you know what the problem is with the American wireless industry and why you should care about it, your probably wondering how you can help. Well, there is a lot that consumers can do about it at a personal and governmental level.

NOTE: Used in the text ahead are many technical terms and acronyms referring to various mobile standards and technologies. Understandably, these can be very confusing, which is why I have explained mobile standards and the language used to describe them in this article.

As a consumer looking to get the most out the wireless industry today, you need to select your mobile device and service provider carefully. The first step is to choose a service provider which uses GSM, the most open network technology in use in the United States today, which means using either the AT&T or T-Mobile network. When opening an account with either operator, be sure to select a month-by-month or pre-payed billing scheme and do not enter into an kind of contract. When looking at the many options offered by your operator, consider not getting a voice plan and only a data plan if you will be using a smart-phone, as many smart-phones have the ability to route voice over the data connection via programs like Skype. Once you have an account with either AT&T or T-Mobile you will be given a SIM card for use with any GSM device of your choosing. Unlocked GSM devices are best purchased online, directly from a manufacturer’s website or a major reseller such as Amazon.com. The easiest devices to obtain unlocked are those made by European companies such as Nokia, SonyEricsson and Option Wireless Technologies, but those made by Asian companies can also be found. Once you have purchased a device, all you need to do is insert your SIM card and start using it.

Now, its worth noting that this freedom isn’t without a price. Generally, American operators try to deter the use of open devices by making services more expensive when not purchased in conjunction with or otherwise tied to a device, so unfortunately, you may end up paying a lot for the privilege of basic mobile rights. It is also worth pointing out that if you live in an area serviced only by a CDMA operator, such as Sprint Nextel or Verizon Wireless, you will have to use crippled, operator provided devices, as they will not allow non-operator approved devices to be connected to their network (they are able to control this because CDMA systems do not use SIM cards and a device’s radio identification number would have to be physically added by the operator to it’s list of approved devices).

Although it is possible for one to use an open device in America, it is only possible with certain operators and is clearly very difficult and time consuming while still leaving the consumer subject to the mobile network operator’s draconian tactics. This leads to the the subject of long term change and fighting for mobile rights at the governmental level. Since mobile operators have become what they are today as a result of lax regulation, a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) intervention or some form of increased regulation imposed upon operators will be necessary to bring mobile rights to America. Consumers should consider this when participating in our democratic processes. When the time comes for a new FCC official to be elected or appointed, take any opportunity you have to voice your support for mobile rights and vote for candidates who support regulating the wireless industry.

Above all, spread the word! Tell people you know about mobile rights and how to make the most out of mobile today. Educate them on the truths the American wireless industry and why they should care about it, or send them to this website. The more people realize how unfair the industry is, the closer we are to a revolution and mobile rights in America.