Buying a new phone is the fun part. But picking a new phone plan can be painful, especially when you’re watching your budget. The good news is that phone plan carriers are constantly competing for our business. There are more phone plans today than ever before. And that helps you find one that suits your needs.
This article will tell you everything you need to know to pick the best plan — without having to schlep to a store or talk to a salesman.
- Check what’s available to you: One of the first things you’ll want to figure out when searching for a cell phone plan is which carriers provide service where you live. If you live in or near a major city, you’ll likely have access to most networks. However, if you live in a remote suburb or rural area, your options may be more limited. Check carriers’ coverage maps to know what networks you have access to. It’s also a good idea to inquire with your neighbors and friends, and family who live in the area about how good their phone coverage has been.
- Keep your budget in mind: When you’re shopping around for cell phone plans, the various options can seem dizzying. And when you start looking at unlimited plans, the prices can seem very attractive, but it’s important you know that those are prices per line on your account. If you’re shopping for a single line, you may have to spend around $70 per month, plus taxes and fees in most cases. For four lines, expect to pay around $140 for your total bill. Keep these numbers in mind so you don’t end up overpaying for a phone plan.
- Pick between unlimited and shared data: Plan costs can add up pretty quickly, but there’s a way to save some money if you don’t mind looking beyond big carriers’ plans. If you don’t use a lot of data, for instance, you could save a lot of money by getting on a shared data plan. While carriers may steer you toward unlimited plans, it’s important that you pick a plan that will work for your requirements and budget.
