How to Find the Cheapest Cellular Phone and Calling Plan

Don't just rush out and buy the first cell phone and calling plan you see. Finding the cheapest and best cell phone for your needs first requires you to educate yourself. It's very important to not short-change yourself. Make sure you are TRULY getting the cheapest cell phone deal. Do your research first!

For example, say you saw an ad on TV or in the local newspaper for a Samsung BlackJack in the color you want and is listed at a price you just can't refuse. Now you have to decide, what's the best way to get this phone? Online? Costco? Cellular store?

If price is your main criteria, then your best option is purchasing your cell phone and calling plan online. While you can buy directly from the cellular vendor, a cheaper option is to check out Wirefly. Wirefly offers the same cellular products and services as the big name cellular vendors, but at reduced prices. Sometimes even the cellular accessories are included at no cost to you.

One thing to keep in mind when considering a cell phone and calling plan purchase from a third-party vendor (not the actual carrier, i.e., Nokia, Samsung, Blackberry, Motorola) is to read the terms and conditions of the contract very carefully. Sometimes there are restrictions if you lower your calling plan within the first six months. This will result in huge penalties that could have been avoided if you had initially signed up for the cheapest calling plan (within reason) that fits your needs. This way if you find that you need a higher-level calling plan, you can upgrade without incurring any penalties. THIS SAVES YOU MONEY!!!

The Early Termination Fee (ETF) is another term that you must read carefully BEFORE your contract expires. Not only will you owe the carrier this penalty amount, but you may also owe the third-party vendor you purchased the phone from. This isn't a hard and fast rule, but it's good to be informed that this fee could be doubled.

If rebates are a deciding factor for your cell phone and calling plan purchase, please make sure you read these terms as well. Rebates can have a lot of strings attached, such as having to wait six months before you can apply for the rebate, and even then you only have a one-month window to turn it in or the rebate is invalid. So be careful when you use a rebate for signing up for your cell phone and calling plan contract. You don't want to lose out on the rebate if it's impossible to satisfy its terms.

Be sure to also compare carriers when considering a cellular phone and calling plan purchase. Not all carriers have the same coverage areas (domestic vs. domestic AND international) and customer service can vary greatly depending on the carrier. Again, DO YOUR RESEARCH! Match your calling needs with the best and CHEAPEST cell phone and calling plan you can get. You will save your hard-earned money and grief later down the road. Trust me, I've learned from experience.

In summary, I recommend doing your cell phone research online. An easy option is to use the resources for cell phone comparison and cheap cell phone deals available through USaveTelecom.com.