How to Find the Best Telephone Service Provider

Ask about return and cancellation fees before you sign a contract.

The lowest monthly charges don't always mean the least expensive phone bill. Depending on the people you call and when you call them, the best phone plan could have a slightly higher monthly charge but free minutes when your phone is most active; alternatively, you may find providers offering unlimited calling to your most frequent contacts. Finding the right service provider involves deciding how sophisticated your phone needs to be, analyzing your calling patterns and choosing the plan that maximizes savings for your phone's most active times.

Instructions

1. Take advantage of your need for a new provider to update your phone. Evaluate your technological needs first. Choose a conventional phone if you need the cheapest hardware available: Conventional phones are typically free if you sign a service contract. Pick a smartphone if your career or lifestyle demands a phone with Internet, apps and email access. Sign a service contract for a significant discount on the price of a smartphone.

2. List the people you contact the most often. Monitor your phone use and record when your phone is most active. If you find patterns in your phone usage, look for providers that offer free calling or discounts that match these patterns. Focus on providers with inexpensive data plans if you use a smartphone and need text messaging and Internet access more than phone service.

3. Check for rebates, discounts and special promotions after you've decided what type of phone you need. Research past promotional pricing to discover what the best deals are. If better deals appear during certain holidays, wait for a deal before signing a contract.

4. Consult an online comparison database of service providers if you need assistance finding the lowest rate. Choose reputable sites such as TeleBright or BillShrink (see Resources).

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid signing up for monthly phone insurance charges when you select a new plan. If the unlikely occurs and your phone is lost, stolen or broken, keep an old phone and use it until you qualify for a free new phone.

References

• Consumer Reports: Find the Right Calling Plan
• New York Daily News: Finding the Right Cell Phone Carrier

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• BillShrink
• TeleBright