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Determine how you will be using your cell phone (long distance, emergencies, daily, week-ends) to find a plan to best fit your needs.
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Investigate carriers' coverage areas to determine if they provide service where you intend to use the phone most frequently.
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Ask neighbors, work colleagues and friends who have similar calling patterns about their experiences with different service
providers and plans.
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Browse the Internet for Web sites that report dead spots.
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Since coverage is also affected by the type of handset, consider whether a single-mode, dual-mode or tri-mode phone best suits your calling needs. "Single-mode" phones can connect to either a digital or an
analog network but not both. "Dual-mode" handsets can be used on both analog and digital networks. "Tri-mode" handsets can be used on analog and two types of digital networks.
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Compare plans and prices of several dealers and service providers before deciding on the phone and plan that best suits your needs.
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Take advantage of the trial periods offered by most carriers. This is a short period of time when you can use the phone without having to pay a significant fee to terminate your service contract.
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Consider trying a prepaid plan; that way, you can switch providers if the service isn't to your liking. If you sign a longer term contract and aren't happy, you may have to pay a significant termination fee
to get out of the contract.
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When a problem arises, call your cellular company. If the problem is with the telephone itself, go to one of the cell phone company's stores, not an independent agent. The staff at a company store is better equipped to provide a remedy.
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Remember that most coverage maps carry the disclaimer that they are provided for general informational purposes only and actual coverage may vary.
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In the event of an emergency, always keep your cell phone battery charged.
