Choosing a Provider

There are so many
different prepaid cellular
phone providers; it’s difficult  
to wade through the many
options available. We’ve
outlined a brief overview
of the typical needs of a
cell phone user and what
types of options might be
best in a particular situation:

• You’re on a tight budget: Look
  for a provider with a cheap per-
  minute rate or a reasonable
  prepaid monthly plan.
• You want to have control over
  cell phone usage for your teenager: Sit down with your teen and go over different providers’ plans and what is included in each. Work out an agreement for a certain number of minutes that you will pay for each month. Over and above the set limit, have the teen earn money to pay for it.
• You want a fancy phone: This is one area where prepaid phones don’t offer a lot of selection.

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• You may have to make a choice between saving on your phone bill vs. having a fancy phone. It’s your call!
• You like to text: Text messaging is available on prepaid plans. Look for the providers with the most affordable text messaging inclusions.
• You travel a lot: Search out providers with the largest coverage maps and low roaming or free roaming charges.
• You’re visiting the USA: It’s cheaper to be able to use your foreign phone with a U.S. carrier, but if that’s not possible, look for the cheapest phone possible with a low per-minute rate and no activation fee.
• You’re into playing games: Believe it or not, there are prepaid phones that have games on them. It’s probably not the cheapest way to play games; better to play at home on your TV or computer. Parents beware if your phone has games on it; keep it away from your kids or your minutes will be gone when you need them.