Wireless Provider nTelos and others Expand West Virginia Coverage

According the Herald Dispatch in Hungtington West Virginia, several wireless providers are competing for subscribers in West Virginia.

Wireless provider nTelos has long focused on Virginia and West Virginia, with 52 towers in the area and more coming. nTelos has added 2 new sites with 4 more scheduled this year. In addition nTelos has commited $80 million to its mobile broadband service, which will bring broadband access to its entire subscriber network.

While nTelos has focued on the area, it is not without competition. Verizon Wireless, Sprint, ATT, Alltel, and Cingular all have a presence in the region and offer wireless service to West Virginia residents.

Still nTtelos remains focused on the region and their increase in cell towers should help all cellular users in the West Virginia area.

Many Cell Phone Termination Fee Developments

It has been awhile since I posted. Without a doubt one of the biggest stories in the Wireless Phone industry has been the way providers have started to treat early termination fees and a legal ruling about cell phone contracts.

First, in May AT&T began prorating early termination fees. As before, early termination fees start at $175 at the beginning of the contract, but 5 dollars is subtracted after each month in service. I think this makes a lot of sense.

Not to be outdone ( hey, when one provider does something the rest soon follow. See: unlimited wireless calling plans, for example), T-Mobile started prorating fees. They have a little different method. T-Mobile is dropping its $200 termination fee down to $100 during the last 6 months and finally to 50 bucks during the last 3 months.

Of course, the judiciary couldn't leave well enough alone. While some major corporations are certainly slow moving, the market tends to adjust well without too much outside interference. For example, once ATT decided to prorate fees, the others had to play catch up. These companies are in competition for customers and will end up eating each other for breakfast, spitting it out, and even risk cannibalizing their own business. However, just in case you need a judge to help you out with your cancellation fees- A California judge ruled that early termination fees violate state law. Now, don't get too excited. This is STATE law in California after all. However, this will probably have wide reaching results, if not legally than at least consensually.

Wireless Phones for Valentine's Day Gifts?

I think my wife would probably kill me if I gave her a wireless phone for Valnetine's day- no matter how nice it is. I'm gonna stick to chocolate and roses.

Apparently this guy has a different idea : Valentines Day- Give the Gift of a Cell Phone.

At least he made the wise disclaimer that if you are gonna give a cell phone, get some chocolates (verizon chocolate LG ?), flowers, or jewelry as well.

I would have to agree.