How to Compare Prices on Wireless Plans
When you purchase a cell phone from a company like AT&T or Sprint, you must also sign up for a wireless plan. This plan affords you a certain number of calling minutes and features such as text messages per month, for a specific price. One plan initially may seem cheaper than another, but that doesn't mean it will be over the span of your wireless plan contract. A number of factors go into comparing prices on wireless plans.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Ask about activation fees that may be present. Activation is required to get your new cell phone set up on a particular wireless network. Though it is a one-time fee, it does add to the initial cost of your wireless plan. Some plans may offer free activation; others may charge a fee but may not reveal until you get your first monthly bill.
-
2
Ask about any overage charges, should you exceed your allotted monthly minutes or text messages. If you exceed the amount of minutes or texts designated by your monthly plan, you are typically charged per individual minute or text. Certain wireless plans may charge you a significant amount of money each time you go over your allotment.
-
-
3
Determine the cost of the actual cell phone with a particular wireless plan. Certain cell phones may be free of charge with the accompanying service plan. Other services may require you to pay for the phone separately from the wireless plan.
-
4
Verify the time commitment of your service contract. The time commitment of a service contract is relevant; typically, the longer the contract you sign, the cheaper you'll actually pay per month. A one-year service contract would be cheaper than a month-to-month plan, while a two-year service contract would be cheaper than a one-year.
-
1
