Find out everything you need if you want a good service plan.

Getting the best deal on cellular service requires a bit of forethought. Here are "Fresh Gear's" top tips for getting the plan you want at a price you can afford.


Start with service

Choose a cellular service provider before deciding on a particular cellphone model. Talk to your friends and co-workers to find out which service provider they use and if they're happy with it. Find out about coverage, quality, reliability, and customer service.

  • Coverage: Will the phone work at home, in the office, and in other places where you travel frequently?
  • Quality: Is the line crisp and clear and at an acceptable volume?
  • Reliability: Do you get a lot of dropped calls? Nothing's more annoying than losing a call midsentence.
  • Customer service: Are they readily available and helpful?


Choosing the right plan

Once you have your provider, it's time to pick a service plan. First, decide which included options are important to you. Here are some options you might consider:

  • Free nationwide roaming. Some plans charge exorbitant fees for "roaming" outside your local calling area. For frequent travelers free roaming is a must.
  • Free long distance.
  • Nights and weekends. Some plans start at 7 p.m. and some at 9 p.m. Be wary of when nights and weekends begin. Those times may vary depending on which time zone you live in.
  • Mobile-to-mobile. If your family and friends use the same provider you use, they can save you money.


Finding the right plan isn't easy. The key is to compromise to best fit your lifestyle. You might give up nationwide roaming for more airtime or give up mobile-to-mobile minutes for free long distance.

Pick the phone

It's easy to get sucked in by fancy phones with tons of features, but resist. Having the sexiest phone on the block won't mean a thing if your service plan stinks. Your service plan is much more important and is the largest expense in the long run. The best cellphone deals can be found when signing up for service where carriers offer cheap or even free phones complete with accessories such as leather cases and hands-free kits.