| Compare, compare, compare. There are many | | | | Nights and weekend minutes can be limited or |
| plans out there to fit almost every need. Once | | | | offered free and can add up to savings depending |
| you have determined the carrier(s) for your | | | | on your usage at these times. Different carriers |
| needs then it is time to look over the plans. The | | | | determine what time their night and weekend |
| frequency and amount of usage along with the | | | | rates apply to and these do vary from carrier to |
| number and type of wireless devices you need | | | | carrier. |
| and the range in which you will be calling all play a | | | | Rollover minutes are part of some plans and can |
| factor in choosing the appropriate plan. | | | | save you money when you can rollover or bank |
| Overestimating your planned usage may save | | | | unused minutes from a previous month for later |
| you money in the long run. It is very easy to go | | | | use. |
| over your minutes and this in turn can be quite | | | | Are you being charged for both incoming and |
| costly. | | | | outgoing calls? This is usually the case but not |
| Ask about deals and package plans. New and | | | | always. |
| better plan emerge on the market habitually, so | | | | Text messaging is another option on some |
| keep this in mind and do your homework before | | | | phones. If this is something that you will be using |
| continuing with an old plan. | | | | often then a plan that offers a package deal may |
| Family plans can be a great way to save on your | | | | save you dollars as text message rates per |
| wireless bill. Everyone is on one bill and minutes | | | | message can add up quickly. |
| may be shared, phones may be offered as part | | | | Be aware of roaming fees as these charges add |
| of the package, additional lines are usually at a | | | | up quickly. Activation fees, 411 fees, long distance |
| group rate. Some plans allow you to pick a certain | | | | fees, sending/receiving test messages and |
| number of callers to which you can make | | | | pictures can add up. |
| unlimited calls even outside our network; while | | | | Length of plan, usually 1-2 years and contract |
| other plans allow unlimited calling to callers within | | | | stipulations for early termination need to be |
| the same network. | | | | considered carefully. You may be offered a lower |
| Pre-paid plans help you control how many minutes | | | | fee for your phone if you sign a longer contract |
| and how much you are spending. If your phone | | | | but early termination fees can start at $150 and |
| usage is low or you want to be able to control | | | | up. Be sure to check the grace period before |
| usage to a certain level (for example this is a | | | | signing. |
| great alternative for a college student) then a | | | | Don't sign up for services and options you don't |
| prepaid plan may best suit your needs. | | | | need or will use! Don't feel pressured by |
| Push to talk options can be convenient and a cost | | | | salespersons; you can always add if you find you |
| effective way keep in instant contact with others | | | | will need the feature. Pick the fit that is right for |
| on your same network with this capability. This is | | | | you. Check the grace period before you buy so in |
| frequently used by contractors and businesses | | | | case you have second thoughts or are |
| that have workers in the field and enables talking | | | | disappointed you will have recourse. |
| to one or a team at one time. | | | | |