If you’re thinking about buying a new cell phone or cell phone plan, UCAN provides a good case for using their Mobile Phone Plan Checker.

UCAN, the Utility Consumers’ Action Network based in San Diego, is a non-profit, public interest consumer advocacy organization. Founded in 1983 by concerned San Diego citizens, UCAN was formed to protect consumers from utility and corporate abuse. Since that time, UCAN’s not-for-profit legal team has saved San Diego consumers billions of dollars in unfair utility rate hikes.

In the 2006 version of the Mobile Phone Plan Checker, they list three reasons why a salesperson will refuse to sign the cell phone shopping guide form they provide:
1) They are hiding something.
2) They’ve been prohibited by their bosses to put anything they tell you in writing.
3) They don’t want to provide written proof of lies they’ve told you.

UCAN observes that most of the complaints they get in their “Fraud Squad” division are from people who signed a contract that was misrepresented to them by a salesperson. The sole purpose of the cell phone shopping form is to confirm in writing that what the salesperson told you about the contract was true.

Download the 2006 version here. Or you can sign up for a free copy with a suggested donation here.

Good luck and share your cell phone shopping experience with us!

It’s already time for school again, and rightfully so, everyone out there is looking for ways to stretch their dollar.  In this second of a two part series, we highlight some ways to save on your cell phone bill via various mobile service providers. In the first part, we highlighted some great computing and gadget shopping tips for students, parents, staff and even alumni.

It’s important to keep in mind that by protecting and caring for your gadgets, you can extend the life of your cell phone, laptop, camera, etc., resulting in increased savings down the road. Happy shopping!

- AT&T Service Discounts -

AT&T offers students and businesses discounts that may vary on a monthly basis, depending on how many others register. In order to register, go to the AT&T Business Center and log your e-mail under the discounts section on the right side. If your school is affiliated, AT&T will take up to 20-percent off your monthly charge!

- Verizon Wireless Service and Accessories -

Verizon offers discounts up to 20% off any voice plan (not just text or data) and 25-percent off accessories. To qualify, your plan must be $34.99 or higher. Visit the Verizon discount program page and enter your school (or business) email address. Don’t worry if the site says “employee,” just enter your school info. They will then email you further instructions.

- T-Mobile Service Discount -

T-Mobile provides up to 15% off your monthly plan. However, you may need to upgrade, switch or sign up for a new 2-year plan in order to qualify, depending on your school. This is good for students, professors and even alumni.

Go to the T-Mobile business page for info, but you’ll need to email, fax, or call them to get started on the process.

- Sprint Service Discount -

Sprint offers up to 18% off monthly rates for qualifying plans, but you’ll need to sign a new 2-year agreement to do so. Go to the Sprint Employee Value Program portal and enter your school (or work) e-mail to register and view your discount rate. Don’t worry if it says “employee,” just enter your school info.