| If you don't already have a cell phone, you're | | | | priced unlimited data plan that will allow you to surf |
| definitely in the minority. It seems like just 5 years | | | | the web and not have to worry about how much |
| ago, you were a high roller if you were sporting a | | | | data you have transferred. |
| mobile phone on your ear. Now you will find | | | | - Browse their phone selection - Some carriers have |
| pre-teens walking down the streets or the halls of | | | | similar phones but many have unique phones that are |
| their middle school with the latest cellular gadget. Cell | | | | only available on their network. Before you lock in to |
| phones have revolutionized today's society and made | | | | any contract, you have to make sure there is a |
| it easier than ever to get information when you need | | | | phone that will suit your needs and a phone that you |
| it; wherever you may be. | | | | will enjoy. For example, the iPhone is a very popular |
| When shopping for your first cell phone or switching | | | | mobile device that is currently only available with |
| carriers, you have several options including AT&T | | | | AT&T. Make sure the phone is compatible with your |
| Wireless, Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile, Sprint Nextel | | | | needs. If you plan to surf the web or send emails, |
| and various local companies. Each has its unique | | | | your best bet is probably a PDA or Smartphone with |
| advantages and disadvantages. The key is to do you | | | | a full keyboard. If you only intent on making calls, |
| research before blindly signing a 2 year contract. It | | | | receiving calls and typing a few text messages a |
| may not seem like long until you find yourself locked | | | | month, you will likely be able to find a free phone |
| into an unfortunate situation. | | | | that will cover all your bases. |
| So what is the best way to find the right contract | | | | - Test their network coverage - Each carrier has |
| for you? Here are a few pointers: | | | | great service areas and not-so-great service areas. |
| - Compare minutes - all cell phone plans have an | | | | Can you imagine locking into a 2 year contract only |
| allocated number of daytime, night or weekend | | | | to find out that your phone only works in your home |
| minutes. Many carriers now have unlimited plans | | | | half of the time? Testing to see if you get service or |
| although they are pretty costly. Make sure you find | | | | coverage at work, home or anywhere else you |
| out when night and weekend minutes start. Most | | | | spend a lot of time is a requirement. Many cell phone |
| carriers don't start night time minutes until 9 p.m.! | | | | providers have trial periods where you can test this |
| - Research data plans - If you intend to browse the | | | | out. Or if you don't want to go through all that |
| internet, picture, video or text message, you need to | | | | hassle, find a friend that uses a particular cell phone |
| research the various data plans on each carrier. They | | | | provider and test their phone out at your home or |
| can vary quite a bit. Text messaging is getting more | | | | work. Asking existing customers in your local area is |
| and more expensive and if you go over, it is going to | | | | one of the best ways to find out if that service |
| hurt your wallet. Most carriers have a reasonably | | | | provider has good coverage in your area. |