Even though cell-phone sales remain strong, and cell phones are one of the best ways to reach people when you're traveling, there are alternatives that work at shorter range--and, more important, without needing an often expensive monthly service plan.

What's available

Two-way radios are the leading cell-phone alternatives. There are two types: family radio service (FRS) models, which transmit with enough power to cover about two miles in an open field, and general mobile radio service (GMRS) models, which transmit at higher power and can cover five miles under ideal conditions. Neither type carries activation or service fees, but GMRS radios require a $75, five-year license from the Federal Communications Commission. Two-way radios don't rely on transmission towers, so they can operate in remote locations. Leading brands include Motorola, Cobra, Uniden, and Audiovox. Prices range from $40 or $50 for a pair of radios, to as much as $200 per pair.

Pagers also make a good alternative to a cell phone, although they are less widely used than they were a few years ago. The newest pagers let a caller send full text messages--not just a phone number or a few numbers of code (1-4-3 equals "I love you" in pagerspeak). Pagers can be one-way (receive only) or two-way (send and receive via a tiny keyboard). The pager itself can cost $50 to $150. Monthly service ranges from $10 to $60, depending on the volume of messages you exchange.

Text-messaging services provide pagerlike functions through a cell phone. Many new phones and some older ones can perform this function. Text messaging lets you exchange messages of up to 160 characters with other cell phones or Internet e-mail addresses. Some phones receive only these messages, properly called Short Message Service, or SMS. Others let you enter messages via the phone's keypad, which is tedious. Typical SMS charges are 10 cents per message sent or a few dollars a month for 100 messages. You get the service through your cellular provider.

Important features

With two-way radios, look for the following: 22 channels with subcodes. This effectively expands the number of channels you can communicate on to more than 500. Any two-way radio can communicate with any other brand as long as both are tuned to the same channel and subcode. A side-mounted talk button is easier to use than one on the front. Button lock prevents important controls from accidentally being pressed when you carry the radio. Vibrate alert signals an incoming call without disturbing those around you. Transmitter cutoff stops transmissions when you've held the talk button for longer than a minute, to conserve battery power. Auto squelch automatically quiets background noise when no signal is present. Batteries that can recharge in the radio are also handy (however, some radios use only disposable batteries). A low-battery indicator helps you monitor battery usage. Pagers have no important features to speak of.

How to choose

Performance differences. You can expect a two-way radio to perform as expected in the open or in a vast interior space such as a shopping mall. But reception may suffer downtown or in the suburbs. Pagers also communicate reliably, although those with minuscule keyboards tend to be hard to use, and service may be hard to get. With SMS messaging, most providers now let you send messages to--and receive messages from--phones connected to other providers. But SMS may only work when you are in your home area.

Recommendations. All the cell-phone alternatives have their uses. The type you choose will depend on how you need to stay in touch. If a brief text message will suffice, then a pager or SMS service is what you want. If messages must arrive reliably, look into pager service. SMS is best when time isn't critical and you're in your home. If you need to have a conversation, then choose a two-way radio.