Wireless Plans

There is hardly anyone who goes without a cell phone these days. That is why choosing the right wireless plan is so important. However, it isn't always easy to know which carrier will work best where you live.

Carrier

The first thing, which usually won't affect the majority of US consumers, is the carrier. There are three major carriers, CDMA, GSM, and iDEN (Nextel). If you travel abroad often then you will want either a tri- or quad- band GSM phone (900, 1800, or 1900), or simply shop for what's called a world phone. GSM carriers are T-Mobile, and Cingular. Otherwise, for those who don't travel frequently, a CDMA carrier such as Sprint or Verizon will work fine. By going directly to the manufacturer's website you can peruse the different carrier's tower locations as well as their coverage maps to get a better idea of which carrier will work best in the area where you live.

CDMA and GSM Guide at Wikipedia

About the Carriers

Verizon

Pros- Very wide coverage area, and renowned as being the best nationwide wireless service, for best customer service, sound quality, and coverage areas. Wide range 3G network and EV-DO high speed network. Push-to-talk available, and a wide variety of plans. Good for picture messaging quality. Cons- Limited phone selection, and a lack of bluetooth phones. Not much international coverage unless you get a CDMA/GSM phone. Short hours for their nights and weekends plans. Bottom Line- While higher rates may scare away some potential customers, their service is the best around for national service.

T-Mobile
	Pros- Second best behind Verizon for comprehensive coverage and as a good overall wireless plan. T-Mobile is also known for having excellent customer service. Lots of international roaming and good 3-day weekend plan. Cons- No high speed data network up and running yet. Bottom Line- Good for most places in the US, despite some holes in service coverage, yet excellent for world travelers.

Cingular
	Pros- Rollover helps save money, lots of plans, and high-speed data networks. Available nationwide, optional international roaming. Cons-3G services limited. Bottom Line- Lots of phones to choose from, decent service, and unlimited EDGE/Wi-Fi plans available.

Nextel & Sprint

Nextel Pros- The first in walkie-talkie technology, well-built unique phones, and nationwide service (except in Montana and Alaska) as well as very limited international roaming. Cons- No rollover or pre-paid plans, most plans may seem expensive for the average consumer, and their phone selection in limited. Bottom Line- Simple but rugged phones are ideal for business users. Sprint Pros- High speed EV/DO data network, push-to-talk service, and the fair & flexible plan is a user-friendly service for the average consumer. Cons- No pre-paid plans, limited phone selection, and not the best costs for limited local plans.

Local Providers- Alltel,  US Cellular, and Metro PCS.

• Pros- Less expensive than bigger carriers. Local and and national plans available, as well as some prepaid plans. Some have picture messaging as well as push-to-talk services. Some have very flexible calling plans (without restricted hours or limited minutes).
• Cons- Some carriers don't offer the newest, most technologically stunning phones.
• Bottom Line- Good bargain, decent coverage and customer service.

Virgin Mobile Prepaid

• Pros- Best prepaid plan offers good customer service and easy refilling.
• Cons- Must be within Sprint network.
• Bottom Line- Perfect for the budget conscious consumer who uses their phone infrequently, or for a teenager.

Choosing a Plan: Usage

This is the most important factor to consider when choosing a wireless plan. Ask yourself these two main questions:

• How much do I talk each month? Find out how many total, as well as peak and off-peak minutes you get.
• What time of day do I talk most? Check the hours for peak and off-peak minutes.
• Consider whether you need local, national, or international coverage. Metro areas, such as the tri-state may only require local coverage. However if you move outside your region you will need regional coverage, whereas a traveler will need national or international coverage.
• You might also want to ask your friends and family about which companies get the best service in your area.
• Consider whether you want a shared or family plan. Verizon's deal is the cheapest at $10 extra per month. Sprint's goes for $25.
• Check for plans that allow free in-network calling, such as Verizon's "In" program.
• ALWAYS over estimate to avoid paying hefty fees for going over minutes.
• ALWAYS read the fine print on what calls you get charged for: incoming, outgoing, check voice mailbox, free in-network calling, and what fees are for roaming as well as for overtime minutes.
• If you don't talk often or if your talking habits are not very regular, you may want to opt for a prepaid plan.

The Fine Print: Cost Adds Up Quick

• Don't forget to factor in activation fees for new plans (usually around $30).
• Extra costs are plentiful- messaging, using the internet, sending photos, national surcharges, etc.
• Cancelling your contract can come with hefty fees (some around $200 or more).
• 411 sounds like 911... Use it inemergencies only unless you don't mind paying the extra $1.50 a call.
• Insurance usually runs about $5 a month, but it may be worth it if your phone ever gets lost, stolen, or broken.

Other Factors

• Analog vs. Digital

Most carriers have switched over to digital, but there are still some analog networks still functioning. If you know that you will often be in a rural area, the ability to have analog roaming is the best option.

• Customer Service

The reliability of a company is a major factor in choosing a carrier. Before you buy, check to find out if the carrier offers a trial grace period so that you can test for reception before being stuck in a two-year contract.

Related Information &
Prepaid Cell Phones	Smartphones	Choosing a Cell Phone	Cell Phone Accessories

External Links

Wireless Plan Review- ConsumerSearch has an excellent review of the major cell phone plans.

CDMA and GSM Guide at Wikipedia