To have reliable mobile phone service wherever you go, you need to have a smartphone plan that covers all your needs. It shouldn’t only include calling and texting services but mobile data as well. But with the many complex deals available nowadays, choosing any one plan can be a bit tricky.
1. Needs – Smartphone Plan
Do you really need a smartphone plan? What can you get from doing so?
Of course, texts and phone calls are only small aspects of your phone usage. If you need to send emails and be online 24/7, then a smartphone plan can help boost your productivity.
Determine your usage pattern
Before you go looking for various phone plan packages, understand what kind of user you are. Think about the following:
- How many calls do you make in a day? Multiply that by 30 and get your monthly average.
- What types of phones do you call often? Are they landline or mobile phone numbers?
- What types of calls do you usually make? Local or international?
- How much data are you likely to use in a day?
By looking at your usage pattern, you can get a solid estimate on how much you’ll need for each month.
Postpaid or prepaid?
For heavy mobile users, the best option is to look at postpaid data packages and get one that suits your needs. With postpaid plans, you don’t have to worry about running out of call and data balance. This means you’re always on and connected. Of course, a postpaid plan requires you to commit to monthly bills.
If you’re better off with a limited budget for your telecom needs, a prepaid plan may fit you. If you use your phone infrequently, going on a need-to-buy basis that prepaid permits is more practical than locking yourself into a contract a postpaid plan requires.
2. Budget – Smartphone Plan
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What’s more, smartphones usually need replacement every two years. Fortunately, many postpaid plans offer a phone upgrade after a certain period. Still, you need to keep in mind the expenses you’ll be committing to in the long term. Take a good look at your earnings each month if getting a phone plan will be practical and affordable.
3. The Right Carrier – Smartphone Plan
Network coverage is just as important as the price of the plan. When choosing a smartphone plan, make sure that it’s reliable and has the best internet offers.
If your location is close to a large city, you’ll have more options to choose from. Take into account that small carriers may struggle to give fast internet access and good call quality in rural areas. Then again, small carriers often provide the best rates for local customers.
So how do you know which is the right mobile carrier? Chances are, you already have a good idea since customers tend to flock to carriers which serve their cities exceptionally well. You can also ask your friends about their experiences with different plan providers.
To further assess if you’re choosing the right carrier, make sure to do the following:
Compare Offers
Look at a plan provider’s full breakdown of prices and services. This way, you can easily compare offers. List down those that pique your interest and choose one that perfectly fits your smartphone plan requirements.
Check for Extra Services
Besides data and voice plans, most phone plan providers offer other extra services. From wireless hotspot capabilities to international call packages, there is a wide range of extra services that you can make good use of.
Most smartphone plans revolve around contracts that last for 1 to 2 years. If you feel that your current plan is restraining you, by all means, consider another alternative.
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Before your contract draws to a close, don’t hesitate to check other options from another carrier. Also, make sure to examine your phone bills periodically to ensure that you’re getting the best value out of your chosen plan.
| About the Guest Author:
Al-moottil P Antony is a C-Suite Executive Support Professional for Zain, a leading mobile and data services operator with a commercial footprint in 8 Middle Eastern and African countries.