| When it comes to choosing a cheap cellular | | | | plan? Do you expect to use the phone so rarely |
| service plan, there are plenty of options. However | | | | that you just want the cheapest monthly cost? |
| it's important not to just grab the cheapest plan | | | | It's important to think about your expected usage |
| you see, because it may not be appropriate for | | | | of the cell phone, so that you can find a service |
| your needs. A cheap plan doesn't always stay | | | | plan that matches your requirements. You're not |
| cheap if it turns out your usage is completely | | | | saving anything if the plan you choose doesn't fit |
| inappropriate for that plan. | | | | your usage, and means you rack up lots of extra |
| The other thing you need to think about is quality. | | | | call charges. |
| Just because you want a cheap cellular service | | | | This is very important if you end up using the |
| plan, it doesn't necessarily follow that you'll be | | | | phone a lot for making calls. Most plans have an |
| happy if the service is lousy. It can be worth | | | | allowed number of minutes per month, and once |
| paying a few extra dollars to stick with names | | | | your usage passes that point, rates can jump |
| that have a proven track record, such as Cingular | | | | substantially. There's no point choosing the |
| AT&T, Tmobile, Verizon or Sprint Nextel. | | | | cheapest monthly plan available if you end up |
| The first step to take is to visit the websites of | | | | paying heaps extra for call charges. It's also |
| the various providers you're considering, and | | | | amazing how fast the minutes pass when you're |
| check out their basic plan for individuals. You can | | | | in the middle of a conversation! So don't |
| generally find a plan that's less than $30 a month. | | | | underestimate the amount of time you will spend |
| Be aware, though, that getting a cheap plan | | | | on the phone each month, or it can become |
| almost always involves signing a long term | | | | costly. |
| contract, sometimes for as long as 2 years. You | | | | Most cellular service plans also offer lots of other |
| can certainly find cellular plans that don't require | | | | features, and you need to decide whether or not |
| you to sign up for a set period, but generally you | | | | you want to access them. Some are available for |
| will pay extra for the privilege of freedom. | | | | free with your plan, but others are extra. If your |
| Now you have a few basic plans to look at, make | | | | main purpose in having a cell phone is for others |
| a thorough comparison. Certainly you want to find | | | | to contact you in an emergency, then having |
| a cheap cellular service plan, but at the same time | | | | voicemail is probably essential for you. Other |
| you want to make sure that you're getting good | | | | features such as call forwarding or paging may |
| value for your dollar. If your purpose in having a | | | | also be appropriate. Shop around and either find a |
| cell phone is simply to have it on hand for | | | | plan that includes these features for free, or |
| emergencies, then the cheapest, most basic plan | | | | make sure you get them for the smallest possible |
| is probably going to work for you. Otherwise, you | | | | cost. |
| need to look at the various features in a little | | | | Getting a cheap cellular service plan requires some |
| more detail. Will you pay long distance rates if you | | | | research, but it's worth spending the time looking |
| call outside your local calling area? Do you get free | | | | around if it means you end up with a plan that |
| calls on weekends or in the evenings? Do incoming | | | | suits your needs at the best possible price. |
| calls count against the minutes in your service | | | | |