Here are some steps you can follow that will simplify the process. First, you need to choose you service provider first. Some providers don't work very well in some areas, and if you choose a bad one for your area your reception will be poor.
When trying to decide on a service provider, you should talk to friends and family about how well they like their service. You may find that one of your friends has used more than one service provider. They would know how well each provider functions in your area. Since service providers rely on cell towers, one that works very well in one area might be terrible in another.
One option that you can take advantage of is testing the cell phone you get. Most people don't know that most service providers will allow you to return the phone if it doesn't function properly. You can test it for a few days, and if it doesn't work in an area, take it back!
Most providers will give you at least three days. This, of course, would be a good question to ask the guy at the cell store. You wouldn't want to get stuck with a bad model because you forgot!
Most stores will allow you to also exchange your phone itself. Let's say that the service works great, but the phone is really slow or something. As long as you keep the phone in new condition, they will let you trade it for a different model.
When choosing a phone, you should ask the guy at the store about each model. He will probably know whether people have had problems or not.
Make sure you get all the features you need! Some phones can't take pictures or record video. Some models can't play music. If there's a feature that is important to you, make sure you get a phone that has it.
You will probably have to keep the model you get for at least a year, so it would be worth a couple bucks to get a nicer one. Most times people buy the cheapest phone, and then hate it for 12 or 24 months.
When you choose your plan, make sure you get enough minutes. Usually people think that they don't need as many as they do. You should ask yourself how much you talk everyday.
If you only talk for twenty minutes a day, you'll need at least 500 minutes, even if you have free nights and weekends. If you go over even 60 minutes, one hour, it will probably cost you about $25 extra. If would be a lot better to pay $10 and have an extra two hundred minutes available.
Whatever you do, take your time! Test out a few phones and talk to as many people as possible. A little caution can save you a lot of money, and keep you from being frustrated with your cell phone for the next year or two.
There's nothing worse than being locked into a cell phone service that you don't like or finding out later that another carrier has options that better suit your lifestyle. Because cell phones are becoming more important in our everyday lives, it's essential to carefully compare cell phone service providers to find the best one for your needs. We've all seen the commercials and glossy fliers for the most popular cell phone companies, but in this article, we digs below the marketing hype and compares the two largest carriers: Verizon and AT&T/Cingular.
Service Coverage
The greatest cell phone provider in the world is of no use if you are unable to get a signal. Before making a decision, it's extremely important to find out which carriers have the strongest networks in your area.
Cell phone carriers use two different types of network technology, CMDA (Code Division Multiple Access) and GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications). Verizon uses a CMDA network, which offers more expansive coverage throughout the US, especially in rural areas, but provides limited access in outside of the US.
AT&T/Cingular uses the GSM network which provides extensive global coverage. While this may be great for world travelers, it's not always the best choice for those in small towns. Since GSM inside the US mainly covers only metropolitan areas, the AT&T/Cingular network is available in fewer areas than Verizon.
It is difficult to truly assess a cell phone service providers' effectiveness in your particular area since networks vary widely over even a few blocks. Try asking friends, coworkers, and particularly neighbors about their experience with different cell phones before making a final decision.
Phone Technology
Though Verizon covers more areas, many have criticized the lack of technology and visual appeal of their phones. Historically, they have lagged behind the other carriers in implementing new technologies like Bluetooth and their phones tend to have an outdated look. However, this doesn't seem to be the case today. Over the past several years, Verizon has been quick to implement the latest technologies.
On the other hand, AT&T/Cingular has consistently remained on the cutting edge of phone technology. AT&T/Cingular was among the first mobile phone carriers to offer Motorola's Razr and is currently the only service to offer the Apple iPhone.
Unique Features
Verizon's marketing campaigns tout the fact that the company offers the most reliable network, and this appears to be accurate based on consumer studies. Verizon was the first to launch a high-speed 3G data network for fast internet connection and also launched the first mobile TV network.
One thing that consumers seem to like best about AT&T/Cingular is the plan's rollover minutes. With rollover minutes, users can bank unused monthly minutes for up to a year. Analog roaming is another feature inherent to AT&T/Cingular plans that is unavailable with Verizon.
Choosing the Right Cell Phone Provider for Your Need
Since Verizon offers the widest network, it is probably the best choice for most US residents, particularly those in rural areas. If you live in the city or travel out of the country often, AT&T/Cingular (now partnered with AT&T) is probably a better option.
Both Courtney Tuttle & Christine Harrell are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Courtney Tuttle has sinced written about articles on various topics from Motorola Cell Phone, Mobile Phone Reviews and Internet Marketing. The MotoGuru writes information about . He helps people to make wise choices about cell phone plans.. Courtney Tuttle's top article generates over 33100 views. to your Favourites.
Christine Harrell has sinced written about articles on various topics from Mortgage, Careers and Job Hunting and Personal Desktop. Author is a freelance copywriter. For more information on and consumer reviews, please visit. Christine Harrell's top article generates over 550000 views. to your Favourites.