Figuring out what cell phone works best for you can be a challenge. Add to that the best wireless plan, and the proper provider, and you are in for hours of research. The best thing one can do is go to the most trusted sources. There are many websites on the Internet recognized for providing solid, up-to-date cell phone information. Several can help you analyze all the wireless plan options available from Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T and Sprint.



First, decide what kind of phone you want. Are you looking for a phone designed just for making phone calls, or do you need something with more horsepower, like a BlackBerry Bold, iPhone, or LG Dare? Or, are you a heavy emailer? In that case, a QWERTY keyboard may be necessary as a touchscreen phone alone may not serve all your needs. Once you decide what kind of phone you want, you can then start taking a look at the different data and calling plans available to you.

There are many different wireless plans available. Some phones, such as your BlackBerry smartphone, require data plans to work properly. However, if you primarily use your mobile phone to make phone calls, you can disregard data plans and simply decide how many minutes you need. If you are really on the go, and text, email and call all day, you will probably want to decide on a smartphone with a compatible data plan.

Having decided on the best value cell phone for your needs, and the requirements of your calling and data plan, the next step is to review the major providers. Some networks have proven to be better for heavy data users, such as the much advertised Sprint 4G network, while others are known for superior coverage, such as the Verizon Wireless network. If you are always going to be in an urban area, you can also include T-Mobile and AT&T as perfectly viable wireless options.

Once you have decided on the right cell phone, wireless plan and carrier, you are in a position to search for the best price. There are many different websites to choose from, but there are usually always a variety of free phone deals being offered by the major carriers. At the time of this writing, Verizon Wireless is offering a free BlackBerry Curve phone and a free LG Dare phone. Among the free phones from AT&T is the most coveted Samsung Eternity. T-Mobile is offering a free T-Mobile Wing phone. Sprint is offering a free LG Rumor phone as well. Many of the newest phones on the market can be found for free from the major carriers with a new two year agreement.

Inarguably, every individual's mobile phone is an indication of himself or herself. Choosing the right cell phone, wireless plan, and carrier, then focusing on finding the best price is the surest way to go when upgrading your mobile phone. Fortunately right now, with so much competition among wireless cell phone carriers, it's not too hard to find a free cell phone that meets your needs.