Calling Plans: How to Select Your Cell Service
Your cell phone is only as good as the service that goes with it. So you'll need to choose a plan that matches your usage and your budget. Here are a few things to consider before you sign on the dotted line.
1. Use the trial period: A lot of carriers offer you a trial period with your new phone and service that lasts up to 30 days, so take advantage of it. This allows you to test the service and the handset before committing to a contract. Make sure that the service will work throughout your house, in your office, on travel routes, and in places you regularly visit. If you aren't satisfied with the service or the phone, try another.
2. Check the carrier's coverage: In addition to looking at a carrier's coverage map, visit independent sites such as DeadCellZones, which tracks and logs user complaints about places that have poor or no coverage. Consult your friends, coworkers, and neighbors to find out about the quality and reliability of their wireless service.
3. Comparison-shop: Compare carriers' features and prices. Check prices and plans at a carrier's store and at third-party retailers. In some cases, third-party stores offer better deals than the carriers, or vice versa. The specifics of plans may differ as well. For example, one carrier's definition of "anytime" minutes may not be the same as another's. Also, ask the vendor about the monthly bottom-line price with taxes and surcharges.
4. Take your calling area into account: If you travel around the country, sign up for a nationwide plan, which will allow you to send and receive calls from almost anywhere the carrier provides service without roaming fees. Local and regional plans limit your calling area to the city or region the carrier specifies. If you plan on using your phone overseas, you'll need to make sure your handset and your calling plan are equipped for international use.
5. Consider data usage: Plan to browse the Web, download ring tones and games, and exchange photographs, text messages, IMs, and e-mail? Then subscribe to a data plan that accommodates your needs. Sign up for unlimited data service if appropriate.
In This Article:
- E-Mail and Messaging
- Faster Web Access
- Camera Friendly
- Let the Music Play
- Slim and Stylish
- Calling Plans: How to Select Your Cell Service
- Top Cell Phones chart
- Top Cell Phone-PDAs chart
- Cell Phone Photo Gallery
Grace Aquino is a contributing editor for PC World.
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