The most common complaint among cell phone users is spotty coverage. People who live in the country or near an open expanse of water often have the most problems getting their refurbished cell phones to work reliably. This is due to the small number of towers in rural locations and in locations that are close to water. Sometimes, the layout of the land is to blame as people who live in the hills and mountains know all too well. Regardless of the cause of spotty coverage, there are a few things that you can do when you purchase your used cell phone to ensure that you get the best coverage and reliability possible.

PCS Providers: What an Inexpensive Plan may Cost You

Cell phone providers offer services using two different frequencies. The 1900 mhz frequency, also called PCS, is the least powerful frequency. The 800 mhz frequency is more common and more powerful. PCS services are most commonly used in urban areas where the large number of cell phone towers makes operating a cell phone with a lower frequency feasible and economical. PCS plans often cost less, which makes them an attractive option for city dwellers. Unfortunately, PCS used cell phones are not ideal for country life. A stronger frequency is needed for rural areas.

Ask for Feedback

No one knows cell phone coverage better than the people who rely on their cell phones in your area every day. Talk to professionals in your area about their cell phone service provider. Ask a handful of people who their service provider is. Ask about their experiences with coverage, customer service and reliability. Gather all of the information, and call the service provider that people seem to be the most happy with

Do Not be Afraid to Ask Questions

Asking questions is vital if you wish to select the right service provider and used cell phone. Your salesperson is a great place to start. Ask all questions that you can think of. Be especially careful when purchasing a used Blackberry cell phone. Many people assume that all features are standard with a Blackberry, but many features are not standard and some may not be available in your area at all. Also ask about how different cell phone models. Salespeople know which phones work well in your area and which ones don’t.

Salespeople are a great resource, but they are not infallible. You may get home and find out that your phone works perfectly until you enter your basement apartment. Fortunately, most cell phone companies offer trial periods during which you can return the phone and cancel your contract without penalty. Be sure to ask about a trial period when signing the contract. If the provider does not offer a way out, you may be stuck with spotty coverage for the duration of the contract.

Technology and coverage is improving every day. This means that there are a lot of options available to you. Do the research, ask the questions and follow up. Doing your homework could mean the difference between great coverage and dropped calls.