Considering+a+Cell+Phone+Plan


 * Things to Consider When Buying a Cell Phone Plan **
 * Usage **: How will I use the mobile phone?
 * Coverage **: What mobile phone coverage is available in my region?
 * Prepaid vs. contract **: Should I get a prepaid or monthly mobile phone contract?
 * Bills **: What if I have problems paying my mobile phone bill?
 * Discontinue **: What if I want to discontinue my mobile phone contract?
 * Theft **: What if my mobile phone is stolen?
 * Cost **: What will the mobile phone plan really cost?

First, be completely realistic about how you will use your phone. For example, national roaming may sound great, but if you use your phone for local calls exclusively, a local or regional plan may fill the bill. Identify how you will use the phone - that is, whether you use it rarely (for emergencies only), or moderately, or mostly for text messaging - or it completely replaces your landline. Also identify what features you need - mp3, phone, and camera - will you really use them? Can you get solid coverage in your city, town, or area from the carrier you are considering? It does not matter that they have a great rate, if you cannot make a call from your major area.True, Mobile phone providers have maps of the main geographical regions covered by their phones, but these maps do not indicate areas where signal strength may be weak or non-existent. If you are considering a particular provider, ask them specifically about the reception in the regions you will be using the phone.
 * <span style="color: #4f81bd; font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 17.3333px;">Usage **
 * <span style="color: #4f81bd; font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 17.3333px;">Coverage **
 * <span style="color: #4f81bd; font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 17.3333px;">Cost **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">: Much of this class covers calculating the cost of your cell phone. (See lesson plan)
 * <span style="color: #4f81bd; font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 17.3333px;">Prepaid vs. contract **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;"> : Once you consider what you actually need from your phone, you will be able to more accurately decide what type of plan you need.
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Pre-paid **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">means you purchase your own phone and pay in advance for calls - when the credit runs out, you cannot make calls. You do not have to pay a monthly access fee, however pre-paid calls often cost more than calls made on monthly contracts.
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Monthly **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;"> contracts typically involve a connection fee, an ongoing monthly fee, and call costs.

Ask what would happen if you cannot continue with your contract. You may have to pay out the balance of the contract (or some hefty fees), even if you no longer have the phone.
 * <span style="color: #4f81bd; font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 17.3333px;">Discontinue **