| With all the decisions to make when buying a cell | | | | service providers will allow you to easily upgrade |
| phone, it can get pretty confusing at times. After | | | | to more minutes on a plan, but very few of |
| all, you have to decide on which cell network to | | | | them will allow you to downgrade. So when |
| join, which one of their service plans to choose, | | | | choosing your plan, try to estimate the number |
| which phone to buy, and more. But here is a | | | | of minutes that you will need overall through the |
| step-by-step guide to how you can buy a cell | | | | month and then choose a plan that fits that need |
| phone the smart way and save money too. | | | | as closely as possible. Most cell phone users don't |
| 1. The very first step in buying a cell phone is to | | | | come anywhere close to using all of their minutes |
| decide on which carrier network you plan to join. | | | | in a month, so you can save money on your plan |
| This is necessary because specific phones that | | | | by simply buying the minutes that you need and |
| work with one carrier will not work with another | | | | then upgrading later if you have to. |
| one, so the first place to start is with the carrier | | | | 5. Although most cell phone companies will try to |
| and not the phone. | | | | sell you a lot of extra features with your cell |
| 2. To decide on which carrier network will work | | | | phone plan when you first start out, you can |
| best for your needs, you need to do some | | | | usually save a lot of money by just starting with |
| research in advance. The first place to go for | | | | a basic plan first and then adding extra services |
| information is the internet as there are web sites | | | | later on if you decide you need them. |
| available that help rate the individual cell phone | | | | 6. You can also save money on cell phone plans if |
| networks by service and performance. But | | | | you only plan on using the cell phone for local calls. |
| another way to get good information on which | | | | Most cell phone service providers have plans that |
| cell phone carrier works best in your area is to | | | | allow you to just call locally without adding in |
| simply ask your family and friends about their | | | | long-distance calls. These local service plans often |
| experiences with cell phone networks. Usually, you | | | | cost much less than the full service plans that |
| can get plenty of valuable information very quickly | | | | they usually promote more heavily. So only buy |
| with this method. | | | | the cell phone service that you really know that |
| 3. Of course, you also want to check on the | | | | you will need. |
| coverage area for each cell phone carrier to be | | | | If you follow these simple suggestions on how to |
| sure that they offer complete service in your | | | | select a cell phone service provider, a cell phone |
| local calling area. | | | | plan, and the cell phone itself, you should be able |
| 4. When you have selected the cell phone carrier | | | | to find exactly what you need and save money |
| that you feel will be the best choice, it's time to | | | | when you do. |
| select your plan. Remember too that all cell phone | | | | |