Radio Shack Offers Multiple Wireless Providers. So Do Online Vendors

I was just reading an article about Radio Shack and how their new CEO wants more credit for offering multiple wireless providers. Well, that's nice. What else is new? Radio Shack has been around for a long time, and I think the perception is they have really been on the downside for a long time. A lot of chain electronics stores have offered multiple wireless providers for many years.

I worked in the Circuit City wireless department many years ago. We offered Verizon ( I was there before Verizon existed), Sprint, and other carriers. I think they subcontracted out to Verizon exclusively after I left. Best Buy has long offered multiple providers, as have other stores.

I think the Radio Shack CEO has a good point. Consumers do need choices when it comes to wireless phone plans and phone selection. We all have different needs.

But really, all the information you need on choosing a wireless provider can be found at home on your computer. You can also complete the full order process online. You can browse cell phone reviews and cell phone plan ratings, research what's available in your area, and make your purchase online- either through an official provider site or affiliate.

Maybe all the online videos, service lookup tools, and reviews don't help you make a decision. Maybe you want to go into a store and hold a phone in your hands before you buy. What makes you choose Radio Shack over Best Buy or a provider store like Verizon or AT&T? I think that's what these stores need to worry about.

Verizon Wireless Comes Through in Indiana

There are many ways to evaluate wireless phone providers. Just as there are many methods to evaluate the provider of ANY service. Sometimes you just take for granted that your service is going to work and you won't have the need to deal with customer service. No dealings with customer service is the best service in this scenario.

However, there are just some services that will always have some level of problems. In this case some issues are expected but it's how the provider deals with the problem that matters.

I think how a company deals with its existing customers says a lot about that company. I came across an article today about how Verizon Wireless helped a customer that was having TERRIBLE cell phone service issues and even retained the customer for the foreseeable future. This customer will renew their contract when the time comes.

According to the article the Indiana customer did not have Verizon service for weeks. After trying everything they could think of eventually Verizon was able to solve the problem. In addition they waive the billing charges and made additional compensation.

In some cases providers give lousy service. In others the provider isn't intentionally at fault and if they can make it right they get a thumbs up in my book.

Picking a Wireless Plan that Fits Your Needs

How did I pick the Wireless Provider that I use? Way back in the "old days" I picked the only provider in my area and just got the cheapest possible phone plan. I have been lucky. Ten years later I have Verizon Wireless and have always been happy with the service and value. I can't see myself switching unless something drastic happens.

If I were to pick a new plan today, I would look for coverage and reputation. In my area Verizon has coverage reliability everywhere and has long been established as the top carrier. They were born out of a merger involving the entrenched Bell local phone company. Back then there were a LOT of new carriers with spotty coverage. When I sold at a retailer 7-8 years ago, for example, Sprint had very bad coverage and was for easy for people with credit issues.

These days that's not as big an issue. Most of the major carriers are well established. It comes down to certain features and price. Find a good carrier and get a plan that will cover you without ripping you off. If you only use 100 off peak minutes and 50 SMS a month, don't pay for unlimited data plans with 1500 minutes off calling. It seems obvious, but I'm sure a lot of people are paying too much.