 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||
|
|
HOME |
|
CREDIT CARDS |
|
LONG DISTANCE |
|
INTERNET |
|
LOANS |
|
CELL PHONES |
|
INSURANCE |
|
BANKING |
|
KNOWLEDGE |
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
 |
|
 |
 |
|
:: HOME :: CREDIT CARDS :: LONG DISTANCE :: INTERNET SERVICE :: LOANS :: CELL PHONES · Main Page · Sort by Carrier · Cell Phone Specials · Plans for Business · Prepaid Specials · Sort by Phone · Cell Phone Reviews · Cell Phone FAQs · Cell Phone Tips · Cell Phone Articles · Cell Phone Glossary · More Resources :: INSURANCE :: BANKING :: KNOWLEDGE :: MORE |
|
 |
|
|
|
How to Pick the Right Carrier, Plan & Phone Tips on how to select the best cell phone packageSee below for tips on how to pick the right wireless carrier, cell phone and plan. For additional information about cell phones, visit our new cell phone FAQ section.
 How to Pick the Right Cell Phone and Wireless PlanWhat questions should I ask myself and what features should I look for before signing up? Competition between the major cellular carriers is at a high point, so new cellular offers can seemingly be found every direction you look. All of these deals and offers can quickly create a state of confusion, so take step back and start with a clear head. The right cellular phone and plan may be easier to find than you think. Start by answering these basic questions and you'll be well on your way to finding the cellular carrier, phone and plan that fit your needs. :: How much are you willing to pay per month? If you aren't willing to pay $30 or more per month, your options will be rather limited as far as plan flexibility. In fact, if you fall into this (less than $30 per month) category, you may want to consider going with a prepaid wireless plan. However, if you are willing to pay $30 or more per month, you will find many more options to choose from. If you are willing to pay $40 or more per month, your options will be plentiful and you will probably get the most out of your dollar. :: How many monthly minutes will you need? The next step is to decide how many minutes you will typically need and/or use each month. Although wireless plans come in many different shapes and forms, most mid-range plans allow somewhere between 400 to 1000 monthly minutes. Also, different plans will allow varying minute limits for different "types" of minutes. Anytime or Peak Minutes: This is the amount of minutes that a particular plan allows during the most common calling hours -- usually weekdays from about 8 am until 8 pm (this will vary by carrier). If you plan on getting the most use out of your phone during these time periods, you should consider getting a plan that includes a large amount of "anytime" or "peak" minutes. Night and Weekend Minutes: Many plans will include a significant amount of night and/or weekend minutes, which can also be called "off peak" minutes. These minutes are good during "off peak" hours of the day, which generally include weekends, as well as weekday nights from about 8 pm until 8 am (this will vary by carrier). If you make a lot of calls on weekends and/or weekday nights, you should look for a calling plan that includes fewer peak minutes and more of these off peak minutes. :: What features will you need the most? Nationwide Long Distance: Most carriers now offer certain plans that include free nationwide long distance calling. In fact, most wireless plans now include this feature at no extra cost. So, unless you plan on never making a long distance call with your cell phone, you should look for a plan that includes free nationwide long distance. Nationwide Roaming: "Roaming" occurs when calls are made outside of a user's home calling area. Unless otherwise specified, roaming usually carries an additional charge and can get quite costly in certain circumstances. However, most carriers now offer plans that include free roaming. So, unless you plan on never using your phone in another state or outside of your home calling area in your state, you should look for a calling plan that includes free roaming. Wireless to Wireless Calling: Certain carriers and plans allow free calling to either a certain phone or to other people that use the same carrier. So, if you make the majority of your phone calls to one person or to a person or people who use a specific carrier, you should seriously consider getting a plan that contains such a provision. :: What type of cell phone do you want (and need)? Cellular phones are getting more and more sophisticated these days, but that doesn't mean that you necessarily need the latest and greatest technology. Unless you are in the market for a cell phone that can perform a very specific type of action, a basic cellular phone will probably suit your needs. Even basic phones are pretty advanced these days. Free Cell Phone Deals: With the exception of phones that include the latest technology, many cell phones can be obtained free of charge or for a low cost (sometimes rebates are involved) if you sign up with a carrier for a specified amount of time. You don't have to look very hard to find a deal that includes a free cell phone when service is activated. The only thing to keep in mind is that most deals that include a free phone require the user to sign up for either one or two years. See below for more information on contract length. :: What are other important aspects of a wireless calling plan? Contract Length: As mentioned above, most deals that include a free cell phone require the user to sign up for one or two years. In fact, some deals require this even if you don't receive a free phone. So, what happens if you don't fulfill your agreed-upon contract? Early Termination Fee: This goes hand-in-hand with a specific plan's contract. If a user does not complete an agreed-upon contract length (usually one or two years), an early termination fee will usually apply. The amount of this fee varies widely but is usually a significant amount of money. Don't agree to a deal that includes a contract if there is a good chance that you will be unable to fulfill the requirements. :: In Conclusion As long as you go into the search process with a basic understanding of what you want and need, you should be able to find a wireless carrier, cell phone and cellular plan that fit your needs. Figure out how much you are willing to spend, when you typically make calls, from where and to where you typically make calls and what type of phone you will need and you will be ahead of the game. Be selective and be sure to thoroughly read over the complete terms and conditions of a specific offer before signing up.
:: Compare the Latest Cell Phone Deals Now
:: Search Deals by Carrier: Alltel | AT&T | Nextel | Sprint PCS | T-Mobile | Verizon Wireless | More
^ Back to top |
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Home | Banking | Cell Phones | Credit Cards | Insurance | Internet Access | Loans | Long Distance | More About | Articles | Bookmark | Contact | FAQ | Glossary | Knowledge | Search | Site map | Tell a friend | Tips |
|
|
|
|
 |
Copyright © 2002-2009 e-wisdom.com, Inc. All rights reserved. A Knowlogic, Inc. property. Privacy/Disclaimer |
|
|||||
|
|||||||
|
|