Choosing the best cellular service provider is just as vital as buying the right cell phone. With today's latest and greatest smartphones making the most of apps and Internet usage, it's vital to find a phone plan that won't limit your enjoyment of your favorite mobile device. Also, the best cellular providers are known for having faster networks or more reliable calling -- others might offer additional bundled services or have better reputations regarding their customer service. Do you want a long-term cellular contract or a monthly pay-as-you-go plan? Again, your answer will help decide the best cell phone company for your needs. Whether you're looking to switch or start new service, read on to learn more about how to choose the best provider for your cell phone services.
Upgrading is one of the best parts of having a smartphone, and all providers handle phone upgrades differently. AT&T offers AT&T Next, which allows customers to upgrade their phones every year. T-Mobile JUMP! lets customers lease their phones and upgrade whenever they'd like. More carriers are shifting toward these types of plans.
Most cell phone companies offer either family cell phone plans or streamlined plans for more than one user. Both styles are sufficient for households with multiple phone users; what's more important is comparing the unique features and benefits offered by each carrier.
T-Mobile and Boost Mobile are two carriers that allow their customers to stream music for free. This kind of benefit is becoming more common as cell phone companies work to create incentives that don't eat into customers' data plans.
Verizon still offers the nation's fastest download speeds, followed by AT&T and then T-Mobile -- although the difference between the latter two carriers is minimal. T-Mobile offers the fastest upload speeds, meaning you don't need to wait as long for your friends to see your selfies.
The best cell phone company will differ from customer to customer; each provider has its own unique pros and cons. That said, the three most heavily used cellular providers in the United States are Verizon, AT&T Mobility and T-Mobile. Of those, T-Mobile has experienced the most rapid growth in recent years.
Most major cell phone carriers offer additional coverage for international travelers. AT&T has options for daily and long-term travel. For $10 per day, travelers can make unlimited calls and texts while still using their normal monthly data. Or, for $40, you can get unlimited talk and texts with a set data allotment that's good for 30 days.
Prepaid phone plans are great for people who don't use their mobile devices as heavily. Virgin Mobile and Cricket Wireless both offer great prepaid plans that customers can walk away from at any time.
Similar to offering free music streaming, more cellular providers are allowing customers to stream video at free or discounted rates. AT&T and Verizon both offer these types of services, and T-Mobile offers HD video streaming for a minimal extra monthly fee.