qcelp to mp3How do I prevent an MP3 being sent to my Verizon phone from being converted into a QCELP?

Everytime i send an MP3 to my Verizon phone to be saved as a ringtone, the phone automatically converts the file into a QCELP which deteriorates the sounqcelp to mp3d quality. I want to have better sounding non-staticy ringtones! Why does this happen?? and How can I prevent it!?
The ring tones have to be that horrible qcelp to mp3format.

I use Audacity to down-convert my MP3s before using them as ring tones. They still sound pretty bad, but not as bad as if the phone did it.