| a fact that Cell phones have become a necessity of | | | | using it as a primary means of communication, then |
| life for many people. And that they can hardly | | | | you will need a plan that offers you enough minutes |
| remember (assuming they are old enough to | | | | each month that you will not go over and that offers |
| remember!) when they didn't have a cell phone almost | | | | you other perks, such as unlimited nights and |
| permanently glued to the side of their head! Still, it is not | | | | weekends or free long distance calls. There are also |
| surprising. Cell phones give us a means of | | | | 'Pay As You Go' mobile phone deals which have no |
| communication in the car, on vacation, at work, and | | | | contracts. However typically the phone companies |
| anywhere else. They are incredibly convenient. So, | | | | then charge you much more to buy the cell phones in |
| finding the right cell phone and cell phone plan that | | | | the first place (no discounts for you!). So you need to |
| works for you is essential, but also somewhat | | | | weigh up all the advantages and disadvantages of a |
| overwhelming with the myriad of choices in phones, | | | | contract versus pay as you go type deals BEFORE |
| companies, and plans. So, how do you make sense of | | | | you commit. |
| all of this and make the right mobile phone choice for | | | | If you do go the contract route then make sure you |
| you and your specific needs? | | | | read the fine print of your contract. Do not sign a |
| The first thing to do is to assess your lifestyle and | | | | contract without understanding what the terms of your |
| phone usage. Do you need a basic cell phone or one | | | | contract are. Make sure you know about any hidden |
| that has lots of bells and whistles? Does it have to be | | | | fees that can increase your monthly costs. Read the |
| a 'fashion accessory' or is 'it works' good enough? Cell | | | | section about terminating your service to ensure that |
| phones offer everything from cameras to | | | | you understand what you will need to do just in case |
| PDA’s that can be included in your phone. The | | | | you decide to end your service with a particular |
| more features that your phone has, then the more | | | | company. Reading fine print can save you money in |
| expensive it can be. So choose a phone based on | | | | the long run, as you will know what to expect and will |
| how you will use it, not for the neat little gadgets in it. | | | | better understand your rights as a consumer. Typically |
| (Unless you particularly like 'neat little gadgets' like me. In | | | | mobile phone companies have minimum contract |
| which case... GO FOR IT! Just know what you are | | | | periods of a year. So make sure you are in a financial |
| getting for your money.. To help there is an article here | | | | position to meet an ongoing commitment. |
| called 'Knowing the Difference between Cell Phones | | | | Research several different cell phone companies. |
| and Cell Phone Plans Will Save You Time and Money' | | | | Compare rates as well as coverage area and plan |
| - | | | | options. There may not be much difference between |
| Decide what purposes that you are going to use your | | | | companies in your area, but they may also vary |
| cell phone for. Are you going to use it only in | | | | widely, so it is always a good idea to research and |
| emergencies or are you going to use it as a primary | | | | compare. If you already have a cell phone provider |
| means of communication. Is it for personal use only? | | | | and it is time for your contract to end, then take your |
| Or is it for the company? Depending on what you | | | | bill around to different companies to see if they can |
| need it for will dictate exactly what functions you will | | | | beat the price you are getting from your current |
| need it to have. For example a Real Estate agent may | | | | provider. Based on your usage, you may be able to |
| well have a legitimate reason to have a camera on | | | | get significant savings this way. |
| their cell phone for photographing houses they visit. | | | | Finding a cell phone plan that meets your desires and |
| Cell phone plans are based on the number of minutes | | | | your budget, should not be an overwhelming decision. |
| that you use your phone monthly, so if you are only | | | | Research, ask questions, and compare your choices |
| going to use your phone in emergencies, then you will | | | | to help you make the decision that is right for you and |
| want to choose a cell phone plan that costs less and | | | | your needs. Do your research and you will be sure to |
| offers fewer minutes. On the other hand, if you are | | | | find that plan and cell phone that will work for you! |