Choosing the Right Cell Phone Provider

As you know, there are numerous cell phone providers out there today. AT&T, Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile are the big dogs in the USA. Others, such as Cricket are sitting on the side lines but making it work.

With so many choices it is hard to decide which provider to go with. They all dangle sweet deals in your face hoping to entice you to choose them. Free phones, mail in rebates, free service for a specified time, all are offered. Each of these offers require a two year agreement or contract.

A main tip I want to focus on is to forget about the offers. Don’t look at the phones or the rebates or the free service. Instead, focus on the service the provider has in your area. Just because a provider says they have the largest network does not mean that they have service where you work and live. Go to each of their web sites and look at their coverage map. Put in any and all addresses you are located on a regular basis. Home, Work, School, Your kids’ soccer field, your mom’s house, wherever you think you might need the phone.

Once you do that, check on the return policy. Most providers give you 14 days* to return the equipment should you decide you do not want it for any reason. If returned within that time, you contract is void and all activation fees are refunded. The only thing you pay for is the usage you incurred during the two weeks.

During the trial period, keep everything that came with the phone. The box, the plastic that everything was wrapped in, the twist ties, manuals, etc. All of this will be needed should you choose to return the phone. Missing anything will result in a “restocking” fee. Also during this time, use the phone like crazy. Use it everywhere, make calls from anywhere you can. Make sure that this phone is going to work where you need it to. Indoors, outdoors, in a basement, in a walk in freezer, whatever. The usage you will pay for is not determined by how many minutes you use (unless you go over your alloted minutes) but by dividing the monthly fee by the number of days in the month and multiplied by the number of days you used the phone.

Check the manual and go over the phone’s features. Determine what fees will be charged for using these features, if any. In a previous post I discussed that at least one provider will require the data feature for smart phones be applied for the life of the contract. Make sure it is something that you will need and use. There is something to be said for having the latest and greatest phone, but in today’s economy, you must be sensible about it and pay for only what you need instead of trying to “one up” the Jones’.

I suggest getting the equipment from a store rather than on the web or over the phone. It is much easier to return to the store than the other options. Should you return the device, call the provider later to ensure your account has been closed under “Buyer’s Remorse.”

Having a cell phone has become a necessity rather than a luxury. knowing what you need and what you want is important before you jump into a two year agreement. Once the 14 days have elapsed, you are locked into the agreement. Break it and you are faced with a $200 Early Termination Fee.”

*California residents have 30 days to return a cell phone under Buyer’s Remourse