Five Things to Consider When Selecting a Cell Phone Plan

If you’re looking to say “Yes” to a cell phone plan, here are five things to consider before agreeing to one:

1. Company Reputation – How long has the cell phone service provider you are considering been in business? And what are the results of their tenure? Consumer Cellular, for example, has been offering cell phone plans for more than 15 years, and for two years in a row we’ve been rated the #1 no-contract cell phone company in the country. Longevity and reputation matter.

2. Plans & Phones – Sure, you might be able to get an expensive phone for a discounted price, but that often means you’re stuck with a two-year contract—and severe penalties for trying to get out of your contract early, should you wish to. We don’t ask our customers to sign a contract and yet we still offer them phones from the world’s top cell phone makers at affordable prices. With Consumer Cellular, there are no activation fees for getting started and no fees for upgrading to a new phone or plan. And we back it all up with a no-risk, 100% money-back guarantee. The keyword for a good cellular plan is flexibility. So make sure you take the time to compare cell phones and plans. You might find that the best cell phone plans are also the cheapest.

3. Customer Service – Let’s face it, you’re bound to need assistance at some point. But “service” is a huge question, one with an answer that can vary greatly from vendor to vendor. Here at Consumer Cellular our customer service team is 100% based in the U.S., so there are no lost-in-translation moments. We encourage you to contact us at anytime, say, by phone or email. You can help yourself to answers, upgrade your phone, or change your plan, as needed, on our secure website. Our policies are consumer-friendly, such as Usage Alerts, which help you avoid potential overage fees, and the flexibility to change your plan at any point. It’s your cell phone plan. We think you should feel free to use it as you see fit.

4. Price – The truth is, most of us try to live within a budget, which means money or price is always an object. So don’t forget to check out the company’s pricing structure and history. What is the least amount you’ll need to budget for each month? How often has the company increased its prices in the last two or three years? Are there any hidden costs to consider, such as activation fees or will you be forced to pay for an unlimited plan when you’re a casual user? Consumer Cellular offers cell phone plans—including family share plans—that fit different needs and budgets, for as little as $10 a month.

5. Coverage – Lastly, remember to ask about their coverage. Consumer Cellular, for example, uses the networks of the largest cellular network in the United States. This gives you direct access to the widest, most established cellular systems available. And remember, no roaming fees!

Looking for answers to the question which cell phone plan best fits your needs? When it comes time to say “Yes” to a cell phone plan, don’t forget to first think of the benefits of “No”: no contracts, no penalties, no overages, no roaming fees and no surprises. Now that’s a plan.