Finding a suitable phone plan for your lifestyle can be overwhelming because the market has numerous carriers, ranging from traditional to non-traditional to smaller online carriers. If you’re unfamiliar with what to look for when choosing the right phone plan for you, look no further! Consider the factors below before signing any contracts.
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Consider How Many Lines You Need
First and foremost, are you purchasing a new phone plan for yourself, or are you purchasing one for your whole family? Consider also that many phone plans are not restricted to family members—meaning you and your roommate could be on the same phone plan. Plus, the more phone lines you add to your plan, the more money you could potentially save through discounts and promotions.
Consider How Much Data You Need
Another significant factor affecting your decision is the amount of data you need to use your phone. Some individuals only use their devices for texts, calls, and emails, while others spend hours streaming videos or participating in Zoom calls. Consider how much data you currently use and whether you could benefit from an unlimited data package. You could also begin with one of the many affordable cell phone plans and upgrade after a few months if you need more data.
Determine Whether You Need a New Phone
Typically, new customers believe they need to purchase a brand-new phone to start a contract with a new carrier. However, if your previous smartphone is compatible with the carrier’s network, you generally won’t need to purchase a new model.
Still, some carriers might offer promotions or zero-percent financing on new phones. They could also potentially make it necessary to purchase a new phone to start a plan on their network. Therefore, ensure you look into this before deciding on a specific carrier.
Compare the Coverage of Each Carrier
Each cell phone carrier, such as AT&T or Verizon, has different types of coverage. Choosing the right phone plan for you will mean comparing the coverage of these carriers to determine which network your phone will work best on.
For example, Verizon’s 4G LTE/5G might work perfectly in your area, but Sprint might not due to their network not reaching your region. Compare these networks and carriers to make the best decision for yourself.
Compare the Cost of Each Plan
After you examine the variables above, don’t forget to also compare each phone plan’s costs to make your final decision. While cost isn’t the best determining factor, it can help you make a final decision between two different plans.
If you’re in the market for a phone plan, don’t purchase the first phone plan anyone offers you. Instead, use these tips to find the best option before locking into a contract with the carrier.
