Evaluate how well a Cell (Mobile) Phone Plan meets your needs and compares to competing products
If you've completed step one you've identified what you need in a cell phone plan and you've learned about the different features of cell phone plans. While you were doing your research, you probably started the process of determining which features - and thus which type of cell phone plan - will best meet your needs. Now you are going to continue that process, but in greater detail.
In this step you will
evaluate the cell phone plans available on the market to determine how well they meet your personal needs and establish, by a process of elimination, an initial short-list of contenders. Then you will compare these short-listed cell phone plans to find out which ones stand out from the competition.
Evaluate how well a Cell (Mobile) Phone Plan meets your needs
Your priority at this point in your evaluation is to find the available cell phone plans in the market that best meet your needs. You can save a lot of time during this activity by quickly eliminating any cell phone plans that are unsuitable because they don't meet your key requirements. For example, if you have a limited budget for this purchase then you can ignore any cell phone plans that clearly exceed your price limit.
For most people, investing in a cell phone plan is just as important as the type of phone they want to use. Cell phone plans are required in order to use the phone. Plans can range from 1 to 3 years depending on the company, which is why it is important to choose the one that meets your needs.
Finding a cell phone plan is becoming more difficult because of the number of companies that offer cell phone services. Some cable television companies are beginning to offer packages that include cell phone service. In addition to phone companies, internet companies also have cell phone plans.
Tip: Research cell phone plans online in order to get the best deals. Compare phones and contracts with those that you find in stores. Because of increased competition, you will have more options when it comes to the types of plans and the cost.
The main features of a cell phone plan include: length of contract, cell phone minutes allotment, text message allotments, and peak and off peak calling times. You should review all of these features to see which companies offer the best plans.
The length of your contract will determine how long you have to stay with the phone company. Most companies offer two-year contracts, but some require three. When you sign a contract, you are agreeing to the amount of minutes and other features that are offered with the phone. You are also agreeing to pay additional charges that may apply to your account.
Tip: Read contracts very carefully to make sure there are no hidden fees. Once you are locked into a contract, you may have to pay a large amount if you want to break it.
Since cell phone bills are measured in minutes, you will be given a set amount to use each month. There are different plans to choose from that will provide you with more or less each month. Depending on your plan, you may have to pay a lot for each minute you spend over your monthly allotment. Deciding how many minutes you will need is important when considering a plan. If you make lengthy calls, you may be better off with plans that charge lower rates per minute. The same applies to text messages.
Tip: If you are unsure about how many minutes you think you will need, you can purchase a prepaid cell phone instead. You pay in advance and use the phone until you run out of minutes. This is a good option for those who don't use their cell phones often or those who tend to use over their allotted minutes each month.
In your contract, you will be given peak and off peak times. These times are when you will have to use minutes and when you will not. During peak times, which is usually during the day, you will be using minutes each time you use your phone (this applies to incoming and out going calls). During off peak times, such as in the evening, you can use your phone and not be charged minutes. If you are using your phone predominantly during the day, look for lower rates that apply during peak time; you may be better off with a plan that levies a higher flat fee per month but offers the best incentives with free calls and reduced peak-time fees.
When choosing a plan, decide how often you will be using the phone, the time of day you make and receive calls, and major uses of your phone (calls, texting, e-mail access) in order to find the right plan. Carefully read the contract so that you understand everything you will have to pay each month, the minutes you receive, and the length of the contract.
When you were considering your requirements in a cell phone plan it's likely that you singled out certain factors such as contract length and restrictions, call minutes and charges, plan type, and cost as being of major significance.
Buyz123 has created a checklist containing examples of major features; you can work from this checklist when evaluating how well various cell phones plans meet your personal needs:
Features Checklist
Contract
- 1-3 years
- Fees paid if broken
- Includes all fees and terms
- Features available also included
Types of Plans
- Individual plans
- Family plans
- Prepaid plans
- Business plans
Minutes allotted
- 450 to 6000 minutes (rate of plans will vary depending on amount of minutes)
- 5000 night and weekend minutes (included in some plans instead of off-peak times)
- Prepaid plans - pay in advance for the amount of minutes
- Rollover minutes - unused minutes that can be used toward the next month (certain plans offer this option)
Text Messaging
- 100 to 500 text messages per month (include incoming and outgoing messages - rate of plans will vary depending on the amount of text messages)
- Unlimited mobile to mobile texting
- Upgrade amount of messages (most companies will allow you to upgrade messages)
Additional features (available through certain cell phone plans)
- Detailed Billing
- Three-Way Calling
- Call Forwarding
- Caller ID
- Unlimited Mobile to Mobile Calling
- Call Waiting
- Basic Voice Mail
- Long Distance
- GPS
Internet and Email
Additional phone lines (common with family plans)
- 1 to 5 lines
- 1 to 5 cell phones available with plan (additional phones may cost extra)
Billing
- Detailed list of incoming and outgoing calls
- Taxes
- Regulatory fee
- Administrative charges
Support
- Billing department available 24/7
- Email billing questions
- Bill pay option on web site
- Add/remove extra features available through web site or customer service
There are a lot of features listed here, and some of them may not be relevant to your particular requirements. So, work your way through the list and assess how each of these features impact on your cell phone plan needs. You can then create a personalized checklist of the features you really require in a cell phone plan.
Once you have finished evaluating the cell phone plans available for sale in the light of your personal needs and arrived at a short-list of 'possibles' you are ready to progress to the next stage. This involves comparing the cell phone plans one-on-one in order to find those that really stand out.
Evaluate how well a Cell (Mobile) Phone Plan compares with competing Cell Phone Plans
Comparing the items on your interim short-list, one to another, is an important part of the purchasing process - we all want to buy the best product we possibly can. So once you have established a short-list of cell phone plans that meet your needs it is time to evaluate how well they compare in fine detail. This way you can assemble a select list of cell phone plans that stand out from the crowd.
Questions to ask yourself:
Which cell phone plan on my short-list is the right cost for my budget?
Which cell phone plan gives me the best value for money?
Which cell phone plan comes with the most relevant features and benefits?
Which cell phone plan best meets my usage needs?
Which cell phone plan will give me the best coverage?
Which cell phone plan provider seems the most reliable?
Which cell phone plan do I like best?
Which plan gives me the better cell phone?
By answering these simple questions, you are actually eliminating cell phone plans that aren't absolutely right for you. This is an excellent time - if you haven't done so already - to evaluate how well your short listed products measure up in the following areas: Contract Conditions and Accessories & Extras.
Contract Conditions
Cell phone service providers generally offer a standard range of plans, and there is some flexibility for tailoring plans to suit individual needs. You can select the base plan that is closest to your requirements and negotiate for any changes that you desire. If you choose to use a pre-paid voucher or credit system for your phone you are probably all set; however, it is essential to carefully read all the terms and conditions of any proposed plan before you sign a contract.
Contracts or Service Plans
- Conditions - What features are offered? What are the off-peak times, free calls, bonuses, etc?
- Duration - how long does the contract last?
- Penalties - what charges are incurred if you want to terminate early?
- Fees - What are the total fees? Includes flat charges, call costs, penalties, taxes, administration charges etc
- Coverage - What coverage is provided?
- Guarantees - What does the service provider offer by way of insurance or recompense if the service is inoperable?
Accessories and Extras
When evaluating similar products, it is a good idea to include accessories in your assessment. You need to be clear about exactly what accessories are necessary to run the product to its full capacity, and whether these are included with the purchase. What other facilities are required - do you need internet access, for instance? Do you need an unlocking code, or a particular phone or sim card to use this service to its full capacity?
Accessories Checklist:
- Accessories - included or extra cost
- Upgrades - will the plan need upgrades? What are the costs?
- Compatibility issues - will it work with your existing products?
- Registration - what are the time frames and costs?
- Internet access - is this an issue? Are there extra fees?
- Consumables - how often and how much?
- What else will you need to get maximum use from this product?
Once you've worked through the Evaluation step you will have a final short-list of cell phone plans that meet your needs and stand out from competing products on the market. It's time then to move on to the third and final step: Purchase.
Video Links
Buyz123.com Research Links:Getting the best cell phone plansGuide to the best cell phone plans