Consumer

• Feb 24, 2006 1:30 pm US/Central
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  Finding The Best Cell Phone Plan

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Finding The Best Cell Phone Plan

(WCCO) Even with all the twists and turns life can take, juggling kids and a career is often not as tough as finding the right cell phone plan.

"It tends to be about an hour on the telephone," working mother Michele Landis said, "and then when I get it all laid out, I can't make heads or tails about what's a better plan."

Landis stays connected with work, friends and family with a cell plan that includes her husband and parents. But she now wants to include her 14-year-old son.

"You don't really know what's the latest plan or latest promotion," Landis said. "It can get to be a part-time job."

Forty-eight percent of cell phone users agree: It's too difficult to compare cell phone plans.

WCCO-TV looked at the deals offered by the four major carriers -- Cingular, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon -- and came up with the keys to sealing your next cell phone deal.

Location

Most cell companies map out their coverage areas by zip code, but that can be confusing.

"When you look at their maps, they're very general," Landis said.

T-Mobile has started a new trend. The company's Web site allows you to type in a specific address and see if there is coverage in the exact location you need, all across the country.

Most companies also have grace periods. For example, Verizon will let you take the phone for 15 days to see if it works where you need it.

You may also want to check out consumer-based Web sites Mobiledia and Dead Cell Zones, which keep lists of places where cell phone users have had problems getting cell service.

The cell phone companies pay attention. A few carriers have made changes to improve service in some of those areas.

Beware of Text Messaging

Most every phone now has the ability to text message, but most people fail to realize you're often charged an extra 10 cents to send and receive messages. That can add up.

"One of my friends, they went over on their text messaging and they had to pay, like, $50 to their parents to cover it," said Landis' son, Tucker Landis.

So if you've got a child, you may want to pay extra for a plan that offers unlimited text messaging.

Right now, T-Mobile offers unlimited text messaging to anyone on any carrier for $9.99 a month through its Family Time plans.

Verizon has a $10-a-month deal too, but it only allows unlimited text messaging to other Verizon customers.

Most other companies charge around $15 a month, but be careful: Text messaging rates often change.

Family Connection

Family plans offer opportunities to call loved ones without being charged extra. Most plans come with two cell phones, but you can add extra lines for about $10 more.

We looked at what you could get for $69.99 a month -- the standard price for a family package.

Cingular and Verizon give you 700 minutes, Sprint gives you 800 minutes and T-Mobile gives you the most: 1,000 minutes.

To get the best cell phone deals, wait until the end of the year. Most companies told WCCO-TV they offer the best rates in October, November and December.

The fact is, cell phone companies don't work to keep you informed, so using these key points can help you score the best deal.

Consumer Reports and J.D. Power and Associates surveyed thousands of customers in Minnesota. They rank T-Mobile and Verizon the best when it comes to coverage area and customer service.

(© MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)