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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 (in "like
new" condition, 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 or the reason for the return. You can then ship
the product to the following address:
Phone Warehouse
Internet Returns - RMA ######
6805 Southwest Freeway
Houston, TX 77074
Returns must have the RMA number on the outside of the box. We
recommend shipping by UPS Ground for best cost/tracking value,
but the choice is up to you
Q. What is the warranty period?
A. All refurbished units have a 90 day 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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