Look for the coverage area provided by every carrier.
Ensure a prospective carrier's service works where you are staying.
Look for national coverage if you travel a lot.
Ask your friends and neighbors which carrier they choose and how satisfied they are with its service.
If you want data services like email, games and internet access check whether they are available.
If you use your phone throughout the day, more anytime minutes can be a better deal.
Ask for the standard features like voice mail, call waiting and caller ID to be included in your plan without any extra charge.
Select for a plan with rollover minutes that don't expire at the end of the month if your calling pattern varies over time.
Look for a plan with a low cancellation fee as your needs might change after sometime and you might need to switch your carrier.
Look for
cheap mobile phones as you can get some great full featured phones when you sign in for a 1-2 year contract.
Consider advanced features like good colour screens, built-in camera, speaker-phone, custom ringtones.
Find out which network CDMA, GSM or TDMA work for the areas you call. Select the carrier with a network in your preferred call zone.
Ask if something if you are confused or unclear about anything. Read the terms and conditions carefully before signing a contract plan.
After figuring out your specific needs, youll need to consider whether to go with a prepaid service or sign a contract phones for upto a year or more.