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I don't feel that I'm important enough to need to have a phone with me at all times.
(My heart goes out to all those "Assimilated Borgs" who have them surgically implanted on the side's of their heads)
Be that as it may... this info may be of use to some people. (as I do carry one of my brother's old phones in a saddle bag when travelling)
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Free Cell Phones for Emergency 911 Use
Many people buy cell phones to keep in the car for "emergency use only." They often pay rates such as $15/month and $50 sign-up fees. These fees are NOT necessary.
You can use a used cell phone to call 911 without paying anything at all. Cell phones are regulated by the FCC. FCC requirements state that ALL cell phones, regardless of status of service (or even the lack of service) must be able to dial 911. Whether you have a telephone number or not, whether you have signed up for service or not, your cell phone can connect to 911.
There are two kinds of cell phones: analog (the old, thick cell phones) and digital (the slim phones.) Analog phones are out of fashion because the signal wasn't very clear. But they still work. You can buy an old analog phone for $5 or less at yard sales or the small shops that sell cell phones and pagers. Insist on buying it without service. Be sure to get a cigarette-lighter adapter cord with it (you can buy these at any cell phone store, Target, Walmart, etc.) You can also buy emergency cell phones without service at EmergencyCellPhones.com or eBay.com. Used digital phones sell for less than $15.
In many areas, you can place other calls as well. Test this by dialing a friend's number and see what happens. You may get an operator who will offer to place the call for you and bill your credit card. The call may cost up to $3 per minute, but that's cheaper than paying $15/month for years. You can use this if you have a flat tire and so on.
In some areas, when you press 0 (zero) or dial a number, an operator will answer and ask if you want to charge the call to your credit card. Just use your credit card to place the call. You can also have the phone reprogrammed. Reprogramming enables the cell phone to make credit card calls. EmergencyCellPhones.com can reprogram phones for about $30 (I have no connection to them).
Keep your emergency phone in your car under the seat or the trunk (but not in the glove compartment, where things are often stolen.) You don't need to recharge it or keep it charged. Just plug the phone into your car's cigarette lighter, turn it on, dial 911, and it will work.
(My heart goes out to all those "Assimilated Borgs" who have them surgically implanted on the side's of their heads)
Be that as it may... this info may be of use to some people. (as I do carry one of my brother's old phones in a saddle bag when travelling)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Free Cell Phones for Emergency 911 Use
Many people buy cell phones to keep in the car for "emergency use only." They often pay rates such as $15/month and $50 sign-up fees. These fees are NOT necessary.
You can use a used cell phone to call 911 without paying anything at all. Cell phones are regulated by the FCC. FCC requirements state that ALL cell phones, regardless of status of service (or even the lack of service) must be able to dial 911. Whether you have a telephone number or not, whether you have signed up for service or not, your cell phone can connect to 911.
There are two kinds of cell phones: analog (the old, thick cell phones) and digital (the slim phones.) Analog phones are out of fashion because the signal wasn't very clear. But they still work. You can buy an old analog phone for $5 or less at yard sales or the small shops that sell cell phones and pagers. Insist on buying it without service. Be sure to get a cigarette-lighter adapter cord with it (you can buy these at any cell phone store, Target, Walmart, etc.) You can also buy emergency cell phones without service at EmergencyCellPhones.com or eBay.com. Used digital phones sell for less than $15.
In many areas, you can place other calls as well. Test this by dialing a friend's number and see what happens. You may get an operator who will offer to place the call for you and bill your credit card. The call may cost up to $3 per minute, but that's cheaper than paying $15/month for years. You can use this if you have a flat tire and so on.
In some areas, when you press 0 (zero) or dial a number, an operator will answer and ask if you want to charge the call to your credit card. Just use your credit card to place the call. You can also have the phone reprogrammed. Reprogramming enables the cell phone to make credit card calls. EmergencyCellPhones.com can reprogram phones for about $30 (I have no connection to them).
Keep your emergency phone in your car under the seat or the trunk (but not in the glove compartment, where things are often stolen.) You don't need to recharge it or keep it charged. Just plug the phone into your car's cigarette lighter, turn it on, dial 911, and it will work.
With the choice of cheap, prepaid phones available, there is little excuse not to have one 'cept for those that hate em. This hatred evaporates when you can reach under the seat or in the saddle bag and summon help. This last summer, mine saved me a $300 tow bill when a $13 relay turned my 300hp I/O into a 700lb lump of steel in my boat. Quick scroll thru my phone book located a buddy already on the lake. He thankfully towed my back to the dock and drank all my beverages while doing it.
Small price to pay.
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