Embarrassingly stupid question Re: Cell Phones. I am thinking about buying

[patricia92243]

buying a cell phone, and I want to know if a person calls ME, are the minutes counted on my cell phone. I can't find this information anywhere - they probably think most people know this, but I don't.

The answer will help me determine if I want to buy a cell phone or not.

[trof]

1. Far as I know, yes.

You're "charged" for incoming calls as well as outgoing.

[DawgHouse]

2. Yes but with some companies, you don't use minutes

when the caller is using the same provider. For instance, all of my phone calls to or from cingular subscribers don't use any minutes. Maybe you could start with a prepaid phone to see how much you use it and then switch to a regular plan.

[patricia92243]

4. That is what I want to do for now. I have a prepaid phone I got from my s

sister and wanted to know about the incoming minutes. She never learned how to use the phone and didn't know any more about it than I did.

My goal was to use it only. I'm trying to figure out how to save money so I can get broadband for my computer. If I can't figure out how to get rid of something else that I have to pay for - no broadband for me :(

[CBGLuthier]

3. depends

the company I use does not charge for any calls made to me from anyone.

It is US Cellular.

All companies have different deals.

I got that deal as it is a business phone and I expect more incoming than outgoing useage.

[radwriter0555]

5. It's true, you're charged for incoming AND outgoing calls... isn't that

nuts?

However, a lot of the cos now have calls discounted on nights and weekends, which helps take the sting out if you can discipline yourself.

[survivor999]

6. I have Verizon

On my plan, all calls to/from another Verizon customer cost nothing. Other than that, I pay for all IN and OUT calls.

[LostinVA]

10. And, my entire family all have Verizon

So, we call for free all teh time. Love it!

[calico1]

7. It can vary greatly from one company to another and

from one plan to another. With the plan I have I pay a set amount each month and get 250 minutes a month anytime of day. And yes, it includes incoming and outgoing. If I call or get calls after 7 pm or weekends then I have another 1000 minutes. I would get charged for minutes if I went over but I never do. Unlike a landline, with a cell phone you get charged for using the "air" time no matter who makes the call. But there are some plans out there where you don't get charged for incoming calls and others where you don't get charged if it's the same company, at least at certain times. It all depends. You should check out different plans with different companies to find what suits you best.

[VeggieTart]

8. In many cases, yes.

But a number of plans have free night and weekend. I'm with Working Assets Wireless, and while only 1 percent of my billings go to the charities, at least I know they aren't donating to causes I find objectionable.

[Dem2theMax]

9. I have a pre-paid cell phone from Verizon.

As long as I am talking to another Verizon customer, I am NOT charged for minutes, incoming or outgoing. But to everyone else, I'm charged. Doesn't matter if I called them or they called me.

Every company has a zillion different plans. Shop around like crazy. Then check back with DU'ers when you get down to the final few you are considering and get a lot of feedback.

I'd go pre-paid phone if all you want is a simple, no bells, no whistles kind of phone. It's CHEAP. I pay $15.00 a month. NO contract. I am not a phone person. I don't like to talk on the phone. I have the cell phone for emergencies and things like that. I rarely use up the minutes I have. You can text message but you don't get voicemail - at least not with Verizon.

[WannaBeGrumpy]

11. yes usually...

unless... I know some plans allow you to call others on the same plan for free!

[Guy Fawkes]

12. Ask the salesperson!

Some carriers do charge for incoming, some don't. Ask the salesperson- they're there to clarify the plans and phones for you!

[Richardo]

13. Yes, in most cases. + leaving voicemail + checking voicemail +

...your calls.

[northzax]

14. leaving voicemail?

I've never been billed for someone leaving me voicemail.

If you look around, you can find what you need, I have 400 daytime, 2500 nights/weekends (starting at 7:00) 2000 text messages and unlimited wireless web access for just over $50/month. works out for me, since I don't have a land line.

[Richardo]

15. I had a terrible plan once. It's just something to look out for.

I got better. :)

[belladonna]

16. I think, for the most part, the answer is yes

Although, my fiance once had U.S. Cellular and, if I called him, it didn't count against his minutes all. So double-check with whoever you buy the phone from...