Finding The Best Cell Phone Plan For You

By Author: Constance Martinez
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If you are that one in a million person who still has not decided to have a cellphone, or, are undecided on which cellphone plan is best for you, then this article should answer a few of your nagging questions. After you have decided on which cellphone you want to use, you have to ask yourself whether or not you are willing to commit to a contract or go the prepaid route.The decision you make may affect you for a number of years so choose wisely and remember to read the fine print.

If you decide that you are want to commit to a contract, there are a number of things that you may want to know and consider.The minimum contract period for cellphone service is usually one year, but can be as long as three years. If you commit to a contract, it means that you are obligated to pay for services from that provider for the amount of time specified on the contract. Breaking a cell phone contract can be very expensive.

Along with a monthly fee for a plan with a set amount of minutes, there will also be a monthly fees for access to the network as well as 911 service. One of the benefits of a contract is that when you commit ...
... to a contract, you may receive a phone free of charge, or at a reduced price. The service provider may include additional features as a bonus or at a reduced cost, often for a limited period of time, for committing to a contract. Make sure that you know how long the contract is for. Ask if you can break the contract and whether you can change your plan during your contract period. If you are not comfortable with the contract terms, do not commit.

Contracts with a Monthly Plan

If you choose a monthly plan, you will pay a flat monthly fee for a given amount of minutes each month. However, the total cost for your service each month will also include a monthly fee to connect you to the network, a 911 service fee as well as taxes. If you exceed the amount of monthly minutes set by the plan, however, additional fees will be charged.You should base your plan choice on the amount of minutes you think you will need each month. A plan that includes a set amount of regular minutes per month might be the best option if you plan on using your cellphone frequently, make longer calls, and rack up higher minute totals.

If you use your phone a lot during evenings and weekends, options may be available to provide unlimited call minutes during these time periods.Consider if you want to have your evenings start early (before 9pm).

Most providers offer the option to begin your evenings before 9pm, at an additional cost. Regular minutes can be used at any time, which includes weekends and evenings. If you don't expect to use the total amount of minutes in your plan, you may not need to buy a more costly weekend or evening option-your ordinary regular minutes will do just fine. Or you may also consider choosing a plan with a smaller amount of weekday minutes as well as an evening and weekend minutes option.Let the provider know if there may be more than one cellphone user in your house. They may have multiple user plans to suit your needs.

Once you have chosen a plan and after a few cellphone bills arrive, review the amount of minutes that you are actually using. Does this amount match the monthly plan that you have chosen? If you find that you are going over or not using the amount of minutes in your plan, ask your provider if there is another plan that would better suit your needs. An important note to remember is that when making any changes to your cellphone or cellphone plan, be sure to ask your provider if this will cause your contract to start over from that date.

Prepaid Card Plans

In the event that you choose not to commit to a long-term contract, you can buy a cellphone outright and use prepaid phone cards instead.There are a few things you may wish to know about prepaid card plans before making a decision. You will need to supply your own cellphone, or purchase a package of a cellphone and a card from a provider. Not all phones are compatible. Providers use different technologies, so always check with the provider you are planning to deal with that the phone is compatible.

Always remember that prepaid card minutes usually have a set expiry date. When buying a card, know the expiry date which can be anywhere from 30 to 90 days or even longer. Failure to buy additional minutes before the expiry date means your unused minutes will be forfeited. Ask your provider the best way for you to buy more minutes, either by using your cellphone, in person at a retailer, or online.

There is usually a one-time activation fee to start an account for your cellphone. However, be aware that if your account remains inactive or with a balance of $0 for a certain period of time, you may need to pay a fee to re-activate your account. Ask your provider for details. The cost per minute is usually higher than in a contract and you will not receive a monthly bill, however, pay attention to make sure that you do not run out of minutes.

You may be required to renew a minimum number of minutes on your phone each month.To carry forward minutes, you must keep a balance in your account. How long you can carry minutes forward for, as well as what will happen with unused minutes varies by provider.

Month-to-Month Plans

Many providers offer month-to-month cellphone service plans.With these plans you pay a monthly rate for a set amount of minutes each month, however, you are not required to commit to a contract. These plans generally require you to provide or purchase your own phone. Many providers may also offer the month-to-month option to customers once their initial cellphone contract runs out.

Hopefully, you have a better idea of what cellphone plan is best for your lifestyle. A little research goes a long way to preventing a lot of future aggravation. Good luck on your quest for the perfect cellphone and cellphone plan. Call you later.
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