You might assume that as more and more users of cell phones are activated, they develop experience in choosing the best wireless plans for their situations. When it comes to evaluating the cost for specified monthly minute plans, you are probably correct.

However, the complexity of most cell phones and wireless plans, combined with the additional features offered, seems to outpace the average user's knowledge. This can lead to some common mistakes when selecting wireless plans.

The most common mistakes made when choosing wireless plans

Picking a wireless plan because they're offering a "cool" smartphone for free in exchange for a two-year contract.

If the wireless carrier has high pricing or a feature menu that is missing the things you want, you'll quickly tire of your new handset.

Selecting a minute plan that is not right for you.

Instead of saving money, picking wireless plans that don't "bundle" enough minutes every month, you will typically spend much more than the cost of a plan that includes most or all of the minutes you normally use.

Picking the wrong data or media plan

If you use your cell phone for Internet access, e-mail, music, etc., closely compare the features and costs of the "media" plans offered by competing wireless carriers. Should you pick a plan that doesn't bundle the approximate number of media messages or megabytes of data you typically transfer, you will find unpleasant month end surprises in your bill. Downloading data from the Internet can be very expensive if you are paying by the volume of your transfers. Data transfers, if not covered by an all-inclusive monthly fee, can be costly.

Choosing text-messaging plans that seem to be sufficient, but fall way short of your texting tendencies.

For example, you choose a plan with a modest monthly fee that includes 250 text messages. You believe you don't send more than around 200 text messages per month. You then receive your monthly bill and notice that you've logged 425 messages and are charged for 175 more messages than your plan includes. Why? Most of the messages you send will elicit a response.

You are charged for all text messages – both outgoing and incoming. Even if you only sent out 210 messages last month, you will typically have at least an equal response, which will double your message totals.

Evaluate all features offered

Comparing wireless plans only on the minutes covered by different monthly costs is not enough to ensure you choose the best plan for you.

Even if you're most concerned with minutes and calls, you should make a careful evaluation of –

• Your calling patterns. You would not choose a wireless plan that included 1,500 minutes per month if you use your cell phones only for emergencies, as it would be too expensive for your needs. Using the same philosophy, don't choose wireless carriers' plans that cover too few minutes, to save money – you probably won't. When you exceed your included minutes and are charged for excess time at high rates of $.40 or more per minute, you'll wish you had a better plan.
  
  
• Text messaging plans. As text messaging becomes more popular – and not just with teenagers – more inclusive monthly plans appear. You should be aware of your text messaging needs to compare wireless plans effectively. A good-looking plan that costs only $5.00 per month for 250 text messages is not useful if you send – and receive – 450-500 messages per month.
  
  
• Internet connection features. If you want to "stay connected" to the world at all times, you'll probably want a feature that lets you connect to the Internet and send/receive e-mails, too. Compare the connection features offered, the number of megabytes of data covered each month, and the "bundled" cost for usage.
  
  
• Media plans. Interested in downloading music, pictures, videos, and/or other media messages? Evaluate the features and costs of plans offered by wireless carriers. In some cases, you might find "bundled" monthly plans that include both basic Internet and e-mail ability with all types of media downloads, too.

Evaluate all the wireless plans that are offered that even remotely generate your curiosity as you may want some new features in the future. Remember, if you want to receive the best pricing on minutes and other features, you'll probably need to commit to a one or two year contract.

By evaluating all the options offered by wireless carriers, you'll be able to choose the best plan for both your current and future needs.