The market is flooded with attractively packaged cell phone plans. But should you go for something inexpensive, or is coverage more of a priority? We’ve outlined four factors to look for while choosing a cell phone plan. Depending on your needs, these may or may not factor into your decision, but our list will still help you weed out plans you don’t want. Read on.
Cost
Consider what you’re willing to pay each month, and you’ll be able to narrow down the options on the market to a more manageable level. Set realistic expectations with regard to what you can afford. If you’re tight on cash, choose a plan through an MVNO. You’ll get a good plan for about $50 a month but without perks like entertainment or hotspot. If benefits are important to you and you have the budget for them, consider a plan from Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T.
Speed
Most carriers offer 4G data speeds which is more than enough for a standard user. If you’re on a budget, some plans from smaller carriers have limits on their speeds which curbs what you can do on your phone. However, if there’s one thing you shouldn’t skimp on, it’s data speed. A data deprioritization threshold is important while choosing a phone. This is what happens when a carrier temporarily slows your speed after you’ve reached a certain threshold of data consumption. If you use a lot of data on your phone, look for a high data deprioritization threshold.
Mobile Hotspot
With a mobile hotspot, you can use your data as a wireless internet service. This enables you to connect your tablet or computer to your phone’s data. If you like to stay connected when you travel, look for plans with dedicated hotspot allowances.
International Calling
If you have friends and family outside the US, choose a cell phone plan with an international calling option. You could even opt for a pay-as-you-go plan for the international numbers you call frequently. Check the list of countries available in various international calling plans when you’re looking for a plan. If you don’t find the country you’re looking for, find a carrier that offers calling add-ons to the country you choose.
