GREENSBORO, N.C. — Maybe you’ve seen ads for cell phone service from companies you don’t usually think of when it comes to mobile phones. More and more cable and broadband companies are offering cell phone plans
About 5 million people now get their cell phone service from a cable or broadband company.
"Cable companies lease wireless capacity from major carriers and use WiFiwhenever possible to provide service, and that saves consumers money," said Octavio Blanco, Consumer Reports.
If you already get internet service from Spectrum or Xfinity or any service offered by Altice’s Optimum or Suddenlink brands, adding a cell phone plan to the bundle could lower your mobile bill.
All three companies offer one phone line with unlimited talk, text, and data for just $45 a month. And they offer flexibility, so you can sign up for customized data plans for each of the members of your family.
CR says there are a few drawbacks to consider. Your service could get slowed down if network traffic is high, fees or taxes may not be included in the advertised rates, and automatic monthly payments may be required.
Consumer Reports says if money is tight, this could be a way to afford both cell service and a wired broadband connection in your house.
HOW TO TAKE BETTER CELL PHONE PICTURES
Make your smartphone pictures the best!
First things first, take the picture horizontally not vertically.
Taking the picture horizontally gives you a wider canvas. You don't have to squeeze everything into such a small space.
Second: If you're taking pictures outside, look for the sun. Make sure it stays behind the photographer. You don't want the people in the picture standing in front of the sun.
Third: Phones don't have optical zooms, which means there's no lens to move closer to the subject of the picture. The photographer shouldn't zoom in because it lowers the resolution. Instead, they should simply step closer to the subject of the picture.