How to get the best value from your Cellular Phone

The most important thing that a cellular phone user must remember is that every time you make or receive a call on your phone you will be billed. Most companies charge by the minute so you should be aware of the time you spend on calls - minutes add up - and you will be responsible for paying the bill at the end of the month.

Evening calls are generally less expensive than calls made during the day. If your plan offers long-distance service rates you will be billed for both your long-distance and your air-time rate.

Consumers should use discretion with their cellular phone number, as they pay for calls received as well as calls made. It may be helpful to use a caller ID feature so you need only answer and pay for the calls you need or want to receive. If you receive calls on your cellular phone but have access to a fixed line you can save money by using the fixed line to return calls.

Check to find out if you will be liable for fraudulent charges. If possible, choose a phone with a password feature to deter fraudulent use of your telephone. Also, find out what action you should take if your phone is lost or stolen.

The practise of using a cellular phone while driving is extremely dangerous. If you must use a telephone while in your car, opt for one that will allow for hands free use or, better still, pull off the road first.

If you have a complaint that is not first satisfied by your Cellular Service Provider you may contact the Consumer Affairs section of the Public Utilities Commission. You may file your complaint or inquiry by mail to

Public Utilities Commission
P.O. Box N 4860,
Nassau Bahamas

or phone 322-4437.

How to Make your Complaint Count

From time to time for various reasons consumers may experience problems with their telecommunications services or with the service providers themselves. Perhaps your telephone bill included calls to Timbuktu and you don't even know anyone who lives outside of The Bahamas, or maybe your Internet service has been down more than it's been up, or perhaps it's you who's behind on your bill payments. In such cases how do you get the problem resolved? If you have a complaint with a utilities service provider you're more likely to get satisfaction if you go about it the right way. To make your utility complaint count, first discuss the situation with a service representative at the utility company.

Utility companies have customer service representatives who will try to answer your questions or solve your problem. The utility should investigate your complaint promptly and report the results of its investigation to you. The utility company will also try to settle the dispute and, in the event that you are behind on your bill, give you a chance to make a deferred payment arrangement.

For more advice, please feel free to download our Consumer Rights Brochure using the link below:

Consumer Rights Brochure (PDF)