Did you know that 85 percent of adults in the United States of America own a smartphone as of 2021? Picking a mobile network is a massive decision depending on where you live and the types of benefits that you want from a phone carrier. Each option has its own pros and cons that are worth considering, though some networks might work better than others in your area.
The mobile phone options that the mobile providers offer are a big focus for consumers, but you should also consider the data coverage and data usage plans at your disposal. The good news is that you’ve found a guide that makes it easier than ever to pick a cell phone carrier for yourself and your family.
Keep reading this article to learn about the six things to look for in a top-notch mobile network today!
1. Cost of the Plan
With inflation creating havoc in the economy, the cost of a cell phone plan is more important than ever. A great way to start when you’re looking for a mobile provider is to take a look at your finances and set a budget. The budget will help you eliminate any options that are at the edge or beyond your financial capabilities at the time of your search.
Look at how much you’re willing and able to spend each month on a cell phone plan. If you’re looking to pay less than $60 per month then you might need to go with a phone carrier that doesn’t bring as many perks to the table.
Going with the major providers like AT&T and Verizon will grant you access to some great entertainment perks along with the ability to use your mobile device as a personal hotspot. These phone carriers also offer plans that allow you to work within a tighter budget.
2. Data Speed
Another important consideration that you should take into account is the speed of the data that you’re getting from the phone carrier. Most of the major mobile network providers have access to high-speed and reliable 4G data connections. Large carriers like AT&T and Verizon even offer 5G coverage in most large cities for faster downloads.
Smaller providers also include 4G coverage but there could be a cap on the speed of the data that you’re using with them. For the best results, look for carriers that don’t throttle your data speeds after you’ve used a certain amount of data in a month. More expensive phone plans tend to get preference when it comes to data speeds on your phone.
3. Mobile Hotspot
Mobile hotspots have gained a ton of value in the post-COVID-19 world as more people than ever are working away from the office. Having access to a hotspot on your cell phone is a great way to ensure that you have internet service no matter where you go. Don’t make the mistake of taking hotspot capabilities for granted when you’re shopping for a new mobile network.
Make sure that your phone offers hotspot capabilities and look to connect or tether your tablet or laptop off of the hotspot signal that your phone provides. If you find that you use your hotspot on a frequent basis then it’s best to consider a provider that offers a separate amount of data for hotspot use.
The majority of large mobile service providers offer a separate amount of data with your plan that is dedicated to using through a hotspot. It’s a perfect perk to consider if you’re a remote worker that needs to stay connected to the internet while on the go. You can also use information online to make sure that everyone in your plan is safe when out and about.
4. International Calling
You also need to think about international calling when you start shopping for a mobile phone through a new phone carrier. Many people have loved ones and family members that live overseas, so having the ability to stay in touch with these people is essential.
You’ll need to shop around in order to check out all of your options, but it shouldn’t be difficult to find a viable pay-as-you-go phone option for your international calling needs. Always remember to take a deep look at the countries that you’re allowed to call with your plan before you sign up. It’s also possible to get add-on coverage that allows you to call numbers in particular countries.
5. Travel Benefits
Traveling is a great way to get away from the things that are familiar to you while opening your mind to other ideas and cultures. A downside of traveling is the lack of phone coverage that you might get depending on where you go. People that travel to Mexico and Canada on a regular basis should look into getting a phone plan that allows for international roaming in those countries.
6. Entertainment Options
When you sign on with a mobile provider these days you’re getting a lot more than phone service and different cell phone options. A big thing to consider with a mobile network provider is the entertainment options that they offer for you and your family to enjoy.
Depending on the carrier that you choose, you could gain access to great shows and movies through HBO, Hulu, and Netflix. It might not seem like a big deal, but that perk will save you hundreds of dollars each year. It’s worth considering different networks for your mobile phone when they come with great values like that!
Explore Your Mobile Network Options Today
Finding the right mobile network for your family might seem stressful, but it all comes down to your budget and your needs. Look into the entertainment options that come with the mobile provider that you’re considering, and make sure that you’re getting the data speeds that you require. It’s also a good idea to consider international calling and international roaming if you plan on traveling.
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