Technology

Choosing the Right Mobile Phone Plan

By: Joseph Akintaju on May 29, 2013 @ 3:31 am.

With the newest smartphones and all of the apps, Internet browsing, texting and everything else you can do with a smartphone, the plans that are affordable get more and more difficult to find, especially for people on a budget, and students.

Reports have been compiled to help you in your search for the best cell phone plan for your money, and needs.

Some information you might want to know before you start looking to get a new plan, or change your current plan:

  • Know how many minutes you generally use, or estimate the amount you might use – this could be one of the more important price factors in your decision. So, even if you’re not sure, you could always commit yourself to a specific amount, keeping that monthly fee down. For example: 400 minutes a month is about 13 minutes per day, and each cell phone gives you minutes used with a simple keystroke.
  • If you’re on a budget then features are really important in relation to cost, as well – such as text messaging, Internet access, being able to message photos, use games, and music… these things all cost so knowing what options/features you’re most likely to use and eliminating the others could save quite a bit.
  • Make sure your server/carrier provides reliable service. There is nothing worse than being on the phone with a client or professor and the call is dropped. When you decide on a carrier, do some asking around to be sure they are reliable, because generally – if they are cheaper than the rest, there might be a reason.
  • Do a coverage search of the area you frequent – make sure that service is reliable and ample so that you don’t get a phone that only gets service if you step outside your home, or worse. Most carriers offer coverage maps – but it is also best to talk to friends and associates who have different carriers, to find out which is best in your area.

A test has been compiled to help you make decisions about service, size of cell phone, carrier and a whole lot of other things at About.com. This should help narrow down your needs and choices, so that when you start looking at carriers, you have an idea what you need and want.

Consider pre-paid phones for a great deal on basic phone and text service. They don’t offer much in the way of Internet or apps, but they can save a lot of money monthly. Just put the amount you can afford (most have a minimum of $20.00) each month, and you’re good until it is used up.

Some prepaid plans offer more than others, but they are much less expensive, without the contracts and perfect for tight budgets, and to try to budget cell phone expense.

Just check the coverage, and the plan because not many of them are alike. Some require minimum usage fees, different minute fees and prices and some include free weekend and mobile-to-mobile minutes. Look for the plans that allow you to roll over unused minutes before they expire – wasting good hard cash.

When you figure out what cell phone you want, buy it from the carrier online. They offer huge discounts for cell phones, especially if you sign a contract with a specific carrier. Sometimes you can bargain the phone for free.

The biggest factor in choosing a carrier, and a cell phone is doing your homework. Getting the exact plan that you need, and not letting them sweet talk you into more than you actually want. Find out exactly what it is you need and want before you make that call!

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