Frequently Asked Questions

We'd like to make it as easy as possible for you to use your cell phone, and understand your bill, so we've provided answers to many of the questions our customers ask most often.

If you don't find the answer to your question here, please call us at 1-800-649-4374, or stop by one of our retail locations in Elkins, Buckhannon or Summersville for assistance.

General questions about cell phones and service

How does cellular service work?

Cell phones transmit and receive messages using low-power radio transmitters located at cell sites throughout the country. Each transmitter covers a limited geographic area called a "cell." Equipment at the cell site transmits these messages back to our switching office to the wireless switch, a powerful computer that runs the network, either through conventional phone lines or by microwave transmitters. The switch then relays the messages to or from the local telephone system to complete the connection.

As you travel from an area covered by one cell site to an area covered by another site, your call is automatically transferred to the new site, to provide you with uninterrupted service and the best possible call quality.

What are the eight counties in your Home Coverage Area?

The eight counties in our Home Coverage Area are Randolph, Webster, Upshur, Braxton, Clay, Nicholas, Tucker and Pocahontas counties. See Calling Plans for more information and a map.

Analog vs. Digitial

Wireless calls can either be transmitted using analog or digital methods. The analog method is very similar to a radio broadcast: your voice is converted into a radio signal which is transmitted through the airwaves to cellular antennas. This type of signal is used with earlier models of cell phones, but is also used in most new cell phones, to ensure that calls can be made and received in areas without digital service, or in areas that use different types of digital systems.

The digital method converts you voice into an electronic signal, similar to the way music is converted and recorded on a CD. These signals are then compressed, transmitted and converted back to analog sounds when they reach their destination. Digital calls are clearer, as the sounds are converted before they can be distorted, allow for increased privacy, since they can't be easily understood if they are intercepted, and allow us to handle more calls and offer more advanced telephone features.

Safety while Driving

Cellular One encourages callers to use a hands-free phone or a Bluetooth™ headset while driving. This allows you to keep both hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road while talking. Cell phone users are also encouraged to understand and use the memory dialing function on their phones to minimize the potential for distraction.

Tips for using your cell phone when you're behind the wheel:

• Give driving your full attention. Don't let anything interfere with your concentration. Do not engage in stressful or emotional conversations that may divert your attention from the road.
• Assess driving conditions before making or answering a call.
• Let Voice Mail pick up when it's not convenient or is unsafe to answer the phone.
• Let the person you're talking to know you're driving at the start of the call; if necessary, suspend the call in heavy traffic or hazardous road conditions.
• Get to know your cell phone and its features, like speed dial, redial and voice activated dialing.
• Program your most frequently called numbers into your phone and use the speed dial feature of your phone. When dialing manually, dial before starting or after stopping your vehicle, or have a passenger dial for you.
• Position your phone where it is easy to see and reach.
• Keep your eyes on the road. Never take notes or look up phone numbers while driving.
• Consider using a hands-free accessory or headset, which allow you to keep both hands on the wheel when speaking. Hands-free accessories include Bluetooth™ headsets, earpieces, dash-mount phone holders, and hands-free car kits.
• Be a Good Samaritan. Dial 911 in emergencies, and to report accidents, impaired or aggressive drivers, crimes or fires. It's a free call.

Battery care and charging

Before using a new battery for the first time, the battery should be charged for 12 hours, or overnight, with a slow charger, such as the charger included with your phone. This is to condition the battery so that it will accept and hold a full charge.

Batteries should not be stored in the charger, since this will attempt to continually charge the battery and shorten its life.

You should recharge your battery on a regular basis, either with a cigarette lighter adapter or a wall or desk changer, at least once a week.

When your battery is old and no longer accepts a charge bring it to a Cellular One store where you can purchase a new battery and the old battery can be properly recycled. Batteries contain many materials which can be harmful to the environment.