Got a Plan?

Your choice of cell phone carrier may depend on where you live. Check the big companies — Cingular, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, etc., — to see if they provide service in your area. The second consideration may be what phones they offer. If you really want a Sidekick 3, for example, you’ll have to go with T-Mobile, the only carrier that offers it.

When it comes to choosing a plan, you have lots of options. If members of your family already have a cell phone carrier, find out how much it would cost to add your phone and plan to the mix. Many carriers offer family plans at a discounted rate.

If you’re getting an individual plan, think about when you’ll use your phone. If you mostly need it on weekends and evenings, a plan with unlimited minutes during those time periods works best. How much does it cost to send each text message? If you don’t make a lot of calls, a prepaid plan may make more sense than a monthly rate.

Make a list of the calling features you can’t live without. Voicemail is probably the most popular feature, along with text messaging. But these little things add up — they could even double your monthly rate, so shop around for feature bundles or plans that include calling features.

Here are some examples of plans that offer good value:

T-Mobile’s Basic Plus plan includes 300 "whenever minutes" and unlimited time on nights and weekends for $29.99 per month. For $39.99, you can also get the myFaves plan, which includes 300 "whenever minutes" plus unlimited calling to your five favorite people (they don’t have to be T-Mobile customers). Both plans include free long-distance calls anywhere in the U.S. For more info, log onto www.t-mobile.com.

Verizon Wireless offers a plan for $39.99 that includes 450 anytime minutes and unlimited evenings and weekends (additional minutes cost 45 cents). For more info, go to www.verizonwireless.com.

Disney Mobile offers a Kid Starter Plan that includes 200 minutes for $24.99. It also offers unlimited use of special features such as Family Alert! and Family Locator. For details, check out http://disneymobile.go.com.