If you’re looking for a new mobile phone plan or want to save money on your current one, you need to evaluate your options carefully. Here are some factors to consider and tips to help you find the best plan for your needs.
Mobile Phone Plans Comparison
| Carrier | Plan Name | Data | Minutes | Messages | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mint Mobile | 4GB Plan | 4GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | $15/mo |
| T-Mobile | Connect Plan | 3.5GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | $15/mo |
| Tello Mobile | Economy Plan | 1GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | $10/mo |
| Verizon Wireless | 5GB Prepaid Plan | 5GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | $35/mo |
| Visible Wireless | Party Pay Plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $25/mo |
| Xfinity Mobile | By the Gig Plan (3GB) | 3GB shared among lines | Unlimited | Unlimited | $30/mo |
| AT&T Wireless | Prepaid 8GB Plan | 8GB + unlimited at 128Kbps | Unlimited + unlimited to Mexico and Canada | Unlimited + unlimited to Mexico and Canada | $25/mo with autopay |
| Metro by T-Mobile | 10GB Plan | 10GB + unlimited at 128Kbps | Unlimited + unlimited to Mexico and Canada | Unlimited + unlimited to Mexico and Canada | $40/mo |
| Cricket Wireless | 2GB Plan | 2GB + unlimited at 128Kbps | Unlimited + unlimited to Mexico and Canada | Unlimited + unlimited to Mexico and Canada | $30/mo |
| Boost Mobile | Shrink-It! Plan (15GB) | 15GB + unlimited at 2G speeds | Unlimited + unlimited to Mexico and Canada | Unlimited + unlimited to Mexico and Canada | $45/mo, drops to $35/mo after six on-time payments |
Factors to Consider When Reviewing Your Current Plan
- Data usage: How much data do you use per month? Do you stream videos, music, or games frequently? Do you need unlimited data or can you manage with a limited amount?
- Talk and text: How many minutes and messages do you use per month? Do you make long-distance or international calls often? Do you need unlimited talk and text or can you pay per minute or message?
- Coverage: How reliable is your network in your area? Do you experience dropped calls, slow speeds, or dead zones? Do you travel frequently and need roaming or international coverage?
- Features: What extra features do you need or want from your plan? Do you use hotspot, voicemail, caller ID, or call waiting? Do you want free streaming services, cloud storage, or device insurance?
- Cost: How much do you pay for your plan per month? Do you have any discounts, promotions, or credits applied? Do you have any fees, taxes, or surcharges added?
Hidden Costs or Fees to Watch Out For
- Activation fee: This is a one-time fee that some carriers charge when you start a new plan or switch to a new device. It can range from $10 to $40 depending on the carrier and the device.
- Upgrade fee: This is a fee that some carriers charge when you upgrade to a new device. It can be similar to the activation fee or higher depending on the carrier and the device.
- Early termination fee: This is a fee that some carriers charge when you cancel your plan before the end of your contract. It can be hundreds of dollars depending on the carrier and the remaining months of your contract.
- Overage fee: This is a fee that some carriers charge when you exceed your data, talk, or text limit. It can be $10 to $15 per GB of data or $0.10 to $0.25 per minute or message depending on the carrier and the plan.
- Late payment fee: This is a fee that some carriers charge when you pay your bill late. It can be a percentage of your bill or a flat rate depending on the carrier and the amount due.
How to Compare Different Plans
- Use online tools: There are many websites that let you compare different plans from different carriers based on your usage habits, preferences, and budget. Some examples are Wirefly1, Tom’s Guide2, and U.S. News.
- Read reviews: You can also read reviews from experts and customers on various websites, forums, blogs, and social media platforms. Look for honest opinions, pros and cons, and ratings on different aspects of the plans such as coverage, speed, customer service, and value.
- Ask for recommendations: You can also ask for recommendations from your friends, family, co-workers, or neighbors who have similar needs and preferences as you. Find out what they like and dislike about their plans and how much they pay per month.
- Check for compatibility: Before you switch to a new plan or carrier, make sure that your device is compatible with their network and SIM card. You may need to unlock your device or buy a new one depending on the carrier and the device.
Negotiation Strategies or Tips
- Do your research: Before you contact your carrier or a potential new carrier, do some research on their plans, prices, features, promotions, and competitors. Have some facts and figures ready to support your case and show them that you know your options.
- Be polite but firm: When you talk to a customer service representative or a salesperson, be polite but firm in expressing your needs and expectations. Don’t be rude or aggressive but don’t be passive or timid either. Be confident and assertive in asking for what you want.
- Ask for discounts: Don’t be afraid to ask for discounts, credits, waivers, or freebies from your carrier or a potential new carrier. You may be eligible for discounts based on your age, occupation, loyalty, referrals, or other factors. You may also get credits, waivers, or freebies for signing up for a new plan, switching to a new carrier, upgrading to a new device, bundling services, or paying in advance.
- Threaten to leave: If all else fails, you can threaten to leave your current carrier or walk away from a potential new carrier. This may prompt them to offer you a better deal or match a competitor’s offer. However, be prepared to follow through with your threat if they don’t budge or call your bluff.