Switching wireless providers is not the same process as choosing a new carrier. Switching wireless carriers may or may not be an easy goal. Some years ago, switching on a monthly basis became popular, as impatient users would move their service to whoever was offering the best "deal" at the time. Wireless providers finally stood up to their fickle subscribers and said, "No more switching at will without paying us for the privilege."
Along with instituting one and two year contracts that offered the best deals, wireless carriers took other measures to entice AND retain subscribers. When you're thinking of switching providers, you should have a checklist that looks a bit different from the one you use for evaluating new service and new lines. Consider these items at a minimum.
Items to consider when switching wireless carriers
Contract terms and penalties for early service deactivation
While most contracts pertaining to cell phones and service are very similar, they are not all created equal. Compare other carriers' early termination language and penalties along with their other "Terms of Service" with your current provider's agreement. Note any differences, whether positive or negative.
Cell phones
Unlike earlier years of wireless service, many cellular providers make proprietary agreements with handset manufacturers for different models. These cell phones are then configured to work with these providers but not others. Although many can be modified (called "unlocking") to work with another wireless carrier, it takes some knowledge or cost (to use an experienced third party) to "unlock" your handset.
Monthly and prepaid cost comparisons
If wireless carriers you are considering are offering short-term pricing deals, you should examine their standard charge structure. Since you will likely make a longer-term agreement when you switch, to compare apples to apples, you need to know what typical charges you'll face after the introductory "teaser" period is over.
Coverage areas and reliability
Should you consider switching wireless carriers because of unsatisfactory coverage, dropped calls, or network issues, you'll want to be sure you are not trading one set of problems for another, equally troublesome situation.
What items you should know before you switch wireless carriers
Among the specific items you should know prior to making any official agreement to switch wireless providers, are the following.
SIM card compatibility
You have decided to take advantage of a shiny, new, state-of-the-art cell or smart phone, available at low or no cost from your new prospective carrier. BUT – what about the gazillion phone numbers and other information that is either hard wired into your current phone or that resides on your present SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card that is in your phone now?
Will your current SIM card work in your new phone? Will you need to physically enter all phone and caller data into your new handset? Does your new prospective carrier offer the option of transferring your data to a new SIM card? What will a new SIM card cost if you switch providers?
Calling plan features
Examine ALL costs and service levels, not just coverage area and monthly cost for minutes. Do you need an unlimited text message plan, too? Even if you save $5.00 per month for voice service, if unlimited texting will cost you $25 versus the $15 per month you now pay, aren't you losing money?
Does your current plan provide for unlimited domestic long distance calls AND no roaming charges? Compare that with a different carrier that also offers free long distance calls but fees for roaming calls. Compare all other services and fees to get a complete picture of the competing carriers.
Other considerations
Along with the items noted previously, you should build your analysis on a "fair comparison basis" to ensure that you are not giving up what already may be the best plan for you. Cell phones and wireless carrier evaluation has become a challenging exercise in recent years.
There are many more features now offered in addition to good voice quality, including music downloads and playback, high speed Internet access, e-mail, mobile word processing and spreadsheet software, sophisticated digital cameras, PDA (personal digital assistant) capability, and other options.
Be sure to analyze all features you currently use and wish to continue to enjoy. Also, compare the cost and service level of other features that you may not have now, but are considering adding in the future. This will help you determine your projected monthly cost both now and months from now.
Spending this quality time in analysis should ensure you stay with or switch to the best wireless carrier for you.
