The cell phone industry generated an astronomical $118 billion in revenues during 2004. That sum completely dwarfs the budget of a whole lot of countries. In addition, the industry and its myriad employees paid a whopping $63 billion to Uncle Sam. That money was dumped into the US coffers by way of federal, state and local fees and taxes.



Throughout the next few years, this bottomless industry is expected to swell US coffers by a cool $450 billion. Sporting figures like that makes it easy to understand why they have adopted a relentless run and gun attitude in protecting the industry service plans. They do not take any prisoners when it comes to their cell phone plans.

2004 marked the turn-around year for the wireless industry. It was that golden year that they began to really generate cash flow. The previous 10 wilderness years separated the men from the boys.

The industry made telling investments of $155 billion. Truth be told, during that period the consumer reigned supreme. However, from that watershed year of 2004 the shoe has changed to the other foot. The industry is moving into high gear. They have the upper hand.

There are only two points in time when consumers regain the upper hand. The first time is when making an initial purchase. The second is at the end of your service contract. Carriers get real finicky as end of contract time approaches.

This time is your moment in the sun. Make the most of it! Resist all pressure to sign on the dotted line. As a matter of fact, purposefully change to a month-by-month plan during you decision-making time.

They would never tell you to your face but carriers dislike traitors. These are people who, having used one carrier for a while, decide to change horses in midstream. They would never say it to your face, but they show it in other ways.

If you do not believe me come and take a look! Here it is you just received your free brand spanking new cell phone. It even smells fresh, you know what I mean! Okay, take it easy, some of us find it difficult to afford those hefty mobile phone prices you know.

Anyway, here you are with your new locked but free phone (or maybe you paid a couple of bucks for it). They generally lock it into their particular network. This is done to make you think that you are locked into their particular service plan. Please try not to fall for that!

Most GMS phones work on more than one network. Do your own investigations first before you take certain steps and then are left out in the cold. Your friends know. Ask them. That grapevine is oozing with information.

Are you within your legal rights to unlock your mobile phone? Even if you got it free or for a few dollars? Each case should stand (or fall) on its own merits. Do your thorough investigating.

One thing is certain. The service providers lose money when end-users switch. Another thing I have found out about this industry, you must be a questioner. Always probe, never be satisfied, when you think you have the answer, dig just a little bit more.