How to make the right decision about switching phone carriers

Every phone carrier has its own network map, pricing, different perks for consumers and different plans to choose from. 

That said, there will come a time when the service provider you are using is outdone in competition by another cell phone company which may make you think of a switch.

Another reason could be you would want to scale back on your current phone bill or take advantage of an attractive family plan.

Again, your carrier may provide good connectivity in some regions while faring poor in others where you have business interests as well. This may also become another compelling reason to switch.

So, if you have become tired of the current mobile service dealer and want to make a switch, read this before making any comment. 

What to consider when switching phone carriers 

First of all, understand your phone usage and then decide on which carrier to use. Also check and confirm that your mobile phone will work just as well with the new carrier and does not necessitate buying a new one. 

• Compare phone carriers 

The obvious thing to do is to choose a carrier and plans that suit your needs. Check not only the price, but their coverage also, especially in the areas where you use your cell phone the most.

Cost is irrelevant if you cannot make a call or surf the web while sitting at home through your new phone carrier. Ask around to find out which one has the best service, or ask a friend who is using the new carrier to find out if the phone works well in your place.

• Understand the usage of your phone

To choose the perfect plan and carrier, understand the phone usage like, frequency of calling, data usage to make sure you are not overspending for something you may ultimately not need.

Before picking the new carrier, evaluate the plan structure and the amount of data you use. Ensure your plans fit your data usage as some cell companies charge for data overages which are sure to wipe out any savings you may have on a smaller plan.

• Check phone compatibility

If you want to use your current phone when switching phone carriers,you must first check if your phone is compatible with the new mobile network. You can also check this on the new company's website by quoting your MEID or IMEI number which you can get by simply calling *#606#.

If you can't bring your old phone, ask your new carrier if you could trade your old phone for credit on the new handset.

• Keeping the same number

There is every reason you would want to retain your cell number, once you are done with the research and have decided on the carrier to use. To do this, you need to ask your current carrier for a PAC code which will make it possible for your new carrier to allow you to keep your current number.

• Check for unexpected charges

In order to avoid ending up paying too much when switching to a new cell provider there are a few things to look out for. Carriers may charge some fees when you make a switch, so it is always better to check this beforehand. In this way you won't get a sudden unexpected bill at the time of making a switch. Plan your new contract to start on the same day the old contract ends to avoid paying double.

Key points:

• Know your data usage 
• Understand the coverage in your area 
• Unlock your phone 
• Check compatibility with the new service 
• Ensure all data is backed up
• Do not cancel your current carrier until after you switch