Consumer Tips on Navigating Technology University of Wyoming Joel Kelsey, Policy Analyst September 25th, 2008

1. Consumer Tips on Navigating Technology University of Wyoming Joel Kelsey, Policy Analyst September 25th, 2008

3. Television and Internet Competition is Growing Phone companies (telecos) are rolling out fiber-optic networks to handle more HD TV, voice, and internet Service areas are still limited Not doing much to reduce the cost of TV service Cable, Satellite or Teleco? COMPETITION one-third of US HHs have a HD TV set This has driven increased competition for HD TV and other telecom services LIMITED SERVICE Few million have teleco, 65 million cable, 30 million satellite COSTS More and more people are bundling their TV, phone and internet together Ultimate cost savings � you can use an antenna to get free OTA HD signals (no ESPN, Discovery, etc) AS COMPETITION GROWS, SO DO ADVERTISING BUDGETS COMPETITION one-third of US HHs have a HD TV set This has driven increased competition for HD TV and other telecom services LIMITED SERVICE Few million have teleco, 65 million cable, 30 million satellite COSTS More and more people are bundling their TV, phone and internet together Ultimate cost savings � you can use an antenna to get free OTA HD signals (no ESPN, Discovery, etc) AS COMPETITION GROWS, SO DO ADVERTISING BUDGETS

4. CABLE PROS Few or no upfront costs or contracts Local broadcasts Best for video on demand CONS Limited bandwidth prevents internet usage and addition of new HD channels Horrible customer service

5. SATELLITE PROS More satisfying to customers than cable Most HD content available CONS Bad weather can knock out reception Must acquire equipment

6. TELECO PROS Highest bandwidth Highest scores on consumer satisfaction CONS Limited availability Contracts and extensive installation

7. TIPS TO CHOOSE Determine what�s avaliable Consider equipment and contracts Find a lineup that suits you Decide on a package, check your bill, haggle when promotion is over! Cable is accessible in most parts of the country, but 98% of markets have only one cable company (fiefdoms). Satt available nationwide from DISH and DirectTV Cable gear is rented and less contracts $5 � 8 per month for cable box Best deals in Satt. are generally 12 � 24 month contracts, with ETFs usually free or rentable equip (buy a DVR $500 with DISH, $300 DirectTV) Teleco offers month-to-month, or 12 month bundle with ETFs $10 per month for box, $16 per month for DVR Any service for basic channels Sports packages � DirecTV for SundayTicket ($380 � 180 HD games) EVERYTHING IS BUNDLED AND TIERED, SO BE REALISTIC ABOUT THE CHANNELS YOU�LL REALLY WATCH (most consumers only watch 15 channels)Cable is accessible in most parts of the country, but 98% of markets have only one cable company (fiefdoms). Satt available nationwide from DISH and DirectTV Cable gear is rented and less contracts $5 � 8 per month for cable box Best deals in Satt. are generally 12 � 24 month contracts, with ETFs usually free or rentable equip (buy a DVR $500 with DISH, $300 DirectTV) Teleco offers month-to-month, or 12 month bundle with ETFs $10 per month for box, $16 per month for DVR Any service for basic channels Sports packages � DirecTV for SundayTicket ($380 � 180 HD games) EVERYTHING IS BUNDLED AND TIERED, SO BE REALISTIC ABOUT THE CHANNELS YOU�LL REALLY WATCH (most consumers only watch 15 channels)

8. Wireless Plans Untangled Alltell � Top in customer service, connectivity and best consumer friendly features AT&T � Home of the iPhone, but trails other carriers in almost all respects Sprint � Bottom ranked due to spotty service and low customer service T-Mobile � Solid performer, often offers more for your $$ Verizon � Among the better carriers this year, a standout in connectivity

9. Five Ways to Cut Your Bill Look into special caller deals. Avoid overage charges. Control usage of others on your plan. Shop around for the extras. Consider a prepaid phone. Carrier-to-carrier deals with VZW and ATT. Alltell and T-Mobile you can choose any carrier, limited lines. Temporarily increase your month�s minutes allotment (45 cents / min for overage). Make sure they don�t automatically extend your contract. ATT has �smart limits� plan: $5 per month control via web the numbers your child can call and timing. SMS! How much do you use the phone? 300 minutes or less?Carrier-to-carrier deals with VZW and ATT. Alltell and T-Mobile you can choose any carrier, limited lines. Temporarily increase your month�s minutes allotment (45 cents / min for overage). Make sure they don�t automatically extend your contract. ATT has �smart limits� plan: $5 per month control via web the numbers your child can call and timing. SMS! How much do you use the phone? 300 minutes or less?

10. PROBLEM - SOLUTION PROBLEM � Poor Coverage SOLUTION � Listen to our readers� experiences. Check the signal strength down to street level in areas where you�ll use the phone most frequently. Interactive online coverage maps, offered by most carriers except Alltel, provide some guidance as to what you can expect. 1. Alltel and Verizon got high marks across the board for connectivity.T-Mobile had relatively high satisfaction scores, problems with AT&T for gaps in service and static, and with Sprint for dropped calls.1. Alltel and Verizon got high marks across the board for connectivity.T-Mobile had relatively high satisfaction scores, problems with AT&T for gaps in service and static, and with Sprint for dropped calls.

11. PROBLEM - SOLUTION PROBLEM � Early Termination Fees SOLUTION � Attack this problem based on your specific circumstances. Try to negotiate a waiver. You might also consider transferring your contract: www.celltradeusa.com or www.cellswapper.com. The person who takes over your phone and service becomes responsible for future payments, and you walk away. End of your contract? especially if service quality has deteriorated, or you�ve moved to an area the carrier does not serve well or at all, or the company has been taken over by another carrier. For about $15 to $20, you can transfer a contract with the cell carrier�s approval. But remember, if you want to keep your current phone number, arrange that with your carrier before the transfer to avoid any potential complications. End of your contract? especially if service quality has deteriorated, or you�ve moved to an area the carrier does not serve well or at all, or the company has been taken over by another carrier. For about $15 to $20, you can transfer a contract with the cell carrier�s approval. But remember, if you want to keep your current phone number, arrange that with your carrier before the transfer to avoid any potential complications.