Cell Phone Buying Guide

By: Staff Writer, Published: 2005-07-13, Parent Category: Buying Guides

Cell Phone Plans Outlined

Once you've determined what type of cell phone you'll need, you're ready to select a plan. Keep in mind that every provider is different, and there are special offers unique to each provider that you'll need to carefully examine. Knowing what is available in advance as well as your own cell phone plan needs will enable you to shop with confidence.

Cell Phone Minutes

Minutes are usually the center of attention with all cell phone plans. Choose your minutes wisely. If you feel that you'll use 100 minutes per month, choose 200 just to be safe. Find out when your provider's peak calling times will be so you can let others know. Never assume that a friend's cell phone provider will have the same peak times as yours.

Many providers will offer incentives such as unlimited minutes for nights and weekends. Learn how to maximize your calling times based on your cell phone needs.

Roaming Out of Your Area

Unless you sign up for a national calling plan, your provider will inform you of the area where you can make calls without roaming. Roaming charges may apply when you dial a number out of that particular area. Within the U.S., you'll dial the roaming number the same as you would dial long distance: 1 + area code + seven-digit phone number.

If you plan to travel internationally and use your cell phone, make sure your plan has international roaming available.

Your provider may offer "roaming specials" which enable you to roam some for free. You'll want to take advantage of these if you feel that you'll frequently make calls out of your area.

Individual Cell Phone Calling Plans

If you're wanting to purchase only one phone for your own usage and plan to use your phone often, you'll want to shop for an individual calling plan.

Each provider will offer different types of plans and specials. Before speaking with a salesperson, write a list of questions you want to ask based on your needs. Your goal is to find the right phone and plan which both fit into your budget.

If you're pressed for time, and not able to shop around town physically, you might want to consider shopping online. There are plenty of resources and websites where you can locate a cell phone and plan that best suits your needs.

Family Calling Plans

An option to consider if you'll need several phones for your family is a family calling plan. This type of plan usually includes getting several cell phones and a large segment of minutes which are shared by the entire family. Family plans are often referred to as "share plans". With this type of plan, you can save money while still enjoying many great features.

Contract Commitments

One thing you'll need to be clear about when signing up for a cell phone plan is the terms of the provider's contract. Find out the commitment time length of the contract before signing up. Most individual and family plans will require a minimal one or two year contract which locks you into a monthly payment. This is the norm, so don't worry. Just be sure you're signing on for the length of time you desire.

Pre-Paid Calling Plans

If you only want a cell phone for emergency situations, or are uneasy about signing a contract in the beginning, you can test the waters safely with a pre-paid calling plan. Pre-paid calling plan simply means that you're paying for your minutes in advance, and when they run out, you have the options to renew or not to renew. This plan works well for someone who doesn't plan to use a lot of minutes and wishes to be flexible with a cell phone plan. Perhaps you only want minutes on special occasions or only certain months out of the year. The pre-paid calling plan works well for those circumstances, and you're free to buy your minutes when you want.

Rollover minutes are offered with many pre-paid calling plans, which allows you to keep your minutes from month to month if you don't use them. The time frame for this will vary with different providers.

No matter which plan or cell phone you choose, you should carefully examine the features and options available before making a commitment. Shop around and ask plenty of questions to find the combination that best meets your cell phone needs.

More Cell Phone Features

This article was written by Staff Writer.