Sometimes you need to make a change with your cell phone carrier. Whether you’re moving to a new area or your old company isn’t meeting expectations, change can be a good thing. Still, there are some common mistakes people make when changing cell service plans. Follow these tips and make sure that you avoid these common pitfalls.
Choosing the Wrong Provider
In the United States, many people know the leading three service providers: Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T. These three companies spend a lot of money on advertising to claim that their coverage is the best. Sometimes it isn’t apparent to know whom to believe. All providers access different cell towers that affect your signal, so check which one has more presence in your area.
Ignoring the Smaller Networks
Another common mistake people make when changing cell service plans is assuming that the big names are their only options. In many regions, a smaller carrier option like Cricket or Mint Mobile can offer everything you need at a much more affordable price.
Cancelling Too Soon
One of the worst things you can do when changing your service provider is close things off with your current provider too soon. As a general rule of thumb, you never want to cancel your existing plan until you have something new set up. When you cancel your old plan, you risk losing your current phone number, having extended periods with no service, or worse. If you hold onto your current plan, your new provider may be able to help you keep your number, cancel your old contract, and possibly give you a deal on your contract based on what you’ve already paid for.
Neglecting Your Needs
No matter what service provider you choose or what plan you decide upon, always remember your needs. Many companies will try to push you into one of the pricier unlimited talk, text, and data plans, but do you need all that? It’s great if that works for you, but if you don’t spend much time talking on the phone, you might save some money by getting unlimited text and data with a finite amount of call time per month.
