Consumer Tips

GSM Cellular - Making the Right Choice First!

With deregulation of the telecom industry, came an assortment of options for Nigerian telecom consumers. However, with choice often comes confusion and there fore, when choosing a cellular (GSM) phone service you must be a savvy consumer. While competition has started to bring down the cost of all telecom services, calls can add up fast if consumers are not careful.

Before you settle for the package to sign-on (either contract or prepaid), please shop around. Below, are some of the tips that would help you make the best decisions.

Find a plan that best fits your calling pattern and needs. It is important to estimate how many minutes per month you intend to use your GSM phone.

Inquire into all fees associated with a service plan. Some plans contain charges for: airtime, access charge, voicemail, short message services and other value added services.

There are different GSM cellular price plans and package options from which to choose.

Inquire about areas of coverage, if service is unavailable in your area or there are a lot of "dead zones” it would mean you may loose calling days. Therefore, insist on obtaining coverage areas information, maybe a map, from your intended service provider.

Ask if there is any cancellation fees if you terminate the contract early. Some long-term contracts may offer lower
rates, but lock you into a plan that may be inappropriate for you in the future by charging high fees to cancel.

Read the contract carefully, understand all the terms before signing, and be fully abreast of prepaid options Make sure that the GSM hand set you intend to use is type approved by NCC; if in doubt obtain proof from the vendor or confirm from the Consumer Affairs Bureau of NCC.

Get everything Right the First Time. The contract you are signing is a binding contract and once you have signed, the phone service is yours for the duration of the contract.

And remember, if using the phone in your car, safe driving is your first priority and if you must use your GSM phone while driving, please ask your vendor about the hands-free facility!

If you have any further comments or questions contact us at: consuaffairs@ncc.gov.ng