Choosing a Wireless Provider
By Decide.com

Consider the Benefits
To get the best deal, figure out what you need and compare it to what the provider wants to sell you. Ask yourself these simple questions, and then compare your answers to the potential benefits of a particular offer to find the deal that best suits you.

Phone use - When will you use the phone? During the daytime, evenings, or weekends? About how many minutes a month? Will you travel outside the coverage area with your phone? Will you make long distance calls from your phone? Do you need additional features such as voicemail, text messaging, and caller ID?

Budget - How much do you want to spend each month for your wireless service? (When comparing the amount you want to spend with the amount the service provider is likely to charge you, be sure to factor in the cost of additional features, long distance charges, and the cost of additional minutes beyond those included in the monthly fee.)

Service providers - Who are the service providers in your area? Does another provider offer a deal that better suits you?

Customer satisfaction - What is the company’s customer satisfaction record? Ask your friends about their experience with service providers. Read Consumer Reports and other magazines that publish reviews.

Promotional offers - Does the special offer complement your requirements, or give you features you don’t need or won’t use? How long does the offer last and what happens to your plan when the offer expires?

Added incentives - If you purchase a phone and service through a particular service provider, will they offer you incentives or discounts on accessories? If you recommend them to another subscriber, do they offer a referral bonus?

Beware of the Pitfalls
Be sure to consider the possible downsides of some promotional offers before you sign up.

Free phone - If a promotional offer contains a free phone, find out the minimum time of the service commitment. Don’t sign up for a service that requests a commitment longer than one year unless you think the benefits are significant.

Free minutes - If a promotion contains free minutes, find out the particulars. Do these bonus minutes ever expire? Do they accrue to the following month if unused? Are they peak period or off-peak minutes? Can you use the minutes while roaming? Are the minutes for incoming as well as outgoing calls?

Coverage area - Find out whether the service provider’s coverage area is sufficient for your needs. Does their network cover all the potential areas where you may travel? If not, where do they have roaming agreements and how much will it cost? If you need coverage everywhere, find out whether you are purchasing a dual-mode phone.

Cost - If a particular promotion requires you to sign up on a specific rate plan that exceeds your budget, inquire if a less expensive alternative exists. Be sure to ask if there are any extra or hidden fees.

Long distance - If you intend to make long distance calls, find out what the rate is in the local calling area, as well as the rate when you roam outside the local calling area. Inquire whether the service provider offers a flat rate or free long distance option.

Activation fee - Many providers do not have activation fees. If you are switching your service to another service provider, ask if the new provider will waive any startup or activation fee.

Most people come to depend on their wireless phone service, so it is important to get the facts about the service before subscribing. If you don’t compare the benefits of the service agreement to the disadvantages before you sign up, you could be in for a shock when you open that first bill!

If you want to tightly manage your wireless expenses or if you have a poor credit history, consider another option—prepaid wireless.