You have the number; you have the name; you even have the location. Seemingly all of the needed information is at your command, just waiting to be used. Except… There is still one piece missing, that one sliver of fact that will tell you everything you want to know about a caller: the service provider.

While many may think this a pointless thing to know (after all, what good is knowing the provider going to do?), it actually can be quite useful. How? The explanation may surprise you.

Many networks will only allow benefits to pass through their lines. All privileges and extras are offered to those who stay within the network, talking to those who are also part of it. The reason for this is simple, of course: it encourages more customers and increases business which, in turn, increases profit. While individuals are allowed to speak with those from other networks, they may not find the same advantages.

How does this apply to you?

If you find yourself with a previously unknown number (you have already taken the time to look it up and see who it belongs to), you may also want to know whether the same rates and discounts your provider has will belong to them. No one refuses saving money, after all, and this is an obvious way to do it.

Assuming you can see what their network.

Obviously, the quickest way to do this is to simply ask. You can call the individual, see who they are associated with and have the problem solved within seconds.

If reaching them has become a problem, though, you might need to try another method: looking for them online. Just as you did with the phone search, you can seek out providers through websites.

The most helpful of these tends to be a free cell phone lookup. Its easy format and free services will allow you to find what you need. You can have both the number and the network in one simple step. And, then, you can best see how your own provider’s benefits will do in the situation that follows.

By: Martin Verite