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Step 1
First, decide on a cell phone company. This decision should be based on price, coverage network, and extras (web service, email, in-network free calls, texting, and long distance). You'll want a cell phone provider that is reliable, has good coverage in your area (as well as to areas you frequently travel), and offers a wide variety of cell phones.
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Step 2
Once you decide on a cell phone company, you will need to choose a phone. You'll need to set a budget for yourself and decide how much you want to spend out of pocket on a new phone, as well as how much you can afford to spend for a monthly servcie bill. If you are signing up as a new customer, you can generally get good deals on new phones and have to pay very little out of pocket as long as you sign a one or two-year contract with the cell phone company.
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Step 3
Next, think about what you want in a cell phone. Do you need internet access, a camera, video capabilities, texting, or an MP3 player? Do you want a flip, slide, or bar phone? Knowing what you need and/or want in a phone will help narrow down your choices.
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Step 4
After the choices have been narrowed down a bit, it makes it much easier to select a single phone. I suggest going to the phone company's store and looking at the phone in person, rather than making a decision on the internet. This will help you determine size, durability, and feel of the phone.
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Step 5
Finally, do some research online and talk to other people in your main cell phone area to determine which phones keep the best signal. Even if you have the same provider as a friend or family member, sometimes the type of phone will determine who has more signal bars in your house. This will help you choose a brand that works well in your area.
