How to Choose a Mobile Phone Service
Answer
What genius said competition makes everything better? If you've shopped for mobile phone service lately, you know that the variety of service plans and phones is overwhelming. Carriers entice customers with hot new phones, but that's the last item you should think about. First choose a carrier, then a service plan, then your hardware.
Compare competing carriers' coverage
Step1
Make
sure a prospective carrier's service works where you do. Carriers
provide maps of their service areas. If you travel a lot, look for
national coverage.Step2
Ask
friends and colleagues which carrier they use and how satisfied they
are with its service. Then ask them to check reception by making some
calls in your home and office--there's nothing worse than a dead spot
where you spend all your time.Step3
Check where data services--such as e-mail, Internet access, games and pictures--are available if you want these services.Compare service plans
Step1
Look
at your needs. If you stay close to home, a plan with unlimited local
or regional calling may suit you. But if you travel a lot, a national
plan can save you money. Roaming charges can add up in a hurry.Step2
Watch
the clock. If you use your phone throughout the day, more "anytime"
minutes can be a better deal (since day rates are higher) than lots of
"night and weekend" minutes.Step3
Remember
where you call. Mobile phone plans can include free long distance--a
big money-saver if you frequently make long distance calls.Step4
Ask that standard features such as call waiting, voice mail and caller ID be included in your plan at no extra charge.Step5
Look for a plan with rollover minutes that don't expire at the end of the month if your calling pattern varies over time.Step6
Watch for rounding up. Most carriers round phone time up to the nearest minute.Step7
Check
into package plans for data services if you plan to use their services
heavily. They can add an extra charge per month-- often at a cost per
kilobyte of data.Step8
Look
for a plan with a low cancellation fee if you think your needs might
change. But before you pay such a fee, ask your carrier to switch you
at no cost to a plan that makes better sense for you in the future.Select a telephone
Step1
Ask about free phones. You can get some great full-featured phones when you sign a one- or two-year contract.Step2
Make
sure the phone's basic features work simply and well: an easy-to-use
keypad, clear sound, long battery life, voice dialing, a minute
counter, and voice mail are important for most people.Step3
Insist on a hands-free headset with your phone.Step4
Consider
advanced features, like color screens, speaker-phone operation,
built-in cameras, address books that synchronize with your computer, or
custom ring tones.Step5
Look for Global Positioning System (GPS) location capability on high-end phones, good if you need to be found in an emergency.Step6
Consider a combination mobile phone and PDA if you rely on these services heavily. They are costly, but can reduce the load in your briefcase or purse.