Discovering the U.S.

Page 21

Communication and Media

Telephone

Landlines are still used in many homes in the U.S., and the telephone jack and electrical current

will most likely be pre-installed in your home. Adapters for different phones can be found easily.

The international telephone country code for the U.S. is +1.

Mobile

Most mobile phone providers require that a U.S. Social Security Number be established prior to

obtaining a contract for service. While a contract may be possible, you may have to pay an

expensive deposit before establishing service. To avoid this, it is recommended that you

purchase a pre-paid or pay-as-you-go phone until credit is built.

Several mobile phone providers offer prepaid plans, which allows mobile phone service without

a contractual agreement. Most prepaid plans offer international long distance plans. This type of

service requires the user to purchase additional minutes on an as-needed basis. Below are a

few of the major mobile companies in the U.S., including:

Verizon Wireless –

AT&T –

Sprint

T-Mobile

Television

Cable television service provides more available channels to watch as well as better visual and

sound quality. The selection of cable television providers available in your area will vary

depending on the city, township, or

even the apartment complex in

which you live. To have cable

installed in your home, it is likely that

the provider may need to come into

your home to coordinate initial setup.

Either the service technician or your

consultant can provide you with

information that explains the types of

programming available as well as a

channel directory.