Compare Cell Phone Companies The time has finally come for you to upgrade your mobile phone, but do you stick with the provider you've been working with, or do your go shopping for a new carrier?  Even if you're happy with your current mobile phone service, you should compare cell phone companies to see if you can get a better deal going through someone else.  Before you start comparing cell phone companies, you should examine your needs and establish just what you need to get from a cell phone provider.

• Do you need access to the Internet?
• Are the majority of people you call on a particular network?
• Will you need options like picture messaging and e-mail?
• Are you looking for a cheaper plan, or are you happy with what you're currently paying?
• Do you need a standard cell phone or a new smart phone?
• Are you interested in a contract, or something that will provide more freedom?
• Are you really happy with your current cell phone provider?

Once you've answered these questions, you are ready to start shopping for a new cell phone company.  Here, we compare cell phone companies from the United States and Europe based on the technology they use, common plan features, contractual obligations, and network features that you can get. 

*  Certain features, plan options, and contract deals may not be available in all areas.

Before you begin to compare cell phone companies, you should become familiar with some of the terminology commonly used in the cell phone industry.  These terms tend to refer to the technical aspects of certain features.

• 3G- Refers to the 3rd generation of mobile telecommunications.  This allows for a high amount of data to be transferred wirelessly.
  
  
• BREW or JAVA-  Computing languages commonly used on mobile phone.  This is the type of mode used to write many of your mobile phone applications.  BREW is used almost exclusively by Verizon.
  
  
• CDMA-  CDMA200, is a type of 3G technology used by mobile phones.  It allows for more cell phones to use a single cellular receiving site.
  
  
• GSM-  Global System for Mobile communications is a type of cell phone signal that allows for worldwide use.  It is currently the most popular type of signal.
  
  
• GPS-  A global positioning system that is common in most smart phones.  This allows you to see your location in the world on your cell phone.

Here are the top cell phone companies in the United States.

Verizon Wireless

Verizon is currently the largest cell phone provider operating in the Untied States.  Serving more than 80 million subscribers, Verizon has positioned itself as the top cell phone company due to a variety of features, cleaver acquisitions, fantastic coverage areas, and what many claim to be some of the best customer service in the industry.  Let's take a look at what Verizon has to offer its customers.

• Prepaid plans are offered.
• Currently operates on a state-of-the-art 3G network, but this network is currently difficult to receive outside of urban areas.  Voice plans do still work nationwide.
• A large variety of plans based on minutes needed and data package size required.
• Larger plans will require a contract.
• Offer unlimited calling to select groups and other Verizon customers.
• Has a large selection of mobile phones, including smart phones.  Many contract options offer free or discounted cell phones.
• Family plans are offered.
• Digital video, music, and TV networks and services are offered.
• Outstanding customer service record.
• Currently operates primarily on a CDMA network, which limits international calls.  To help compensate, they offer a number of GSM handsets that will provide better international service.

Verizon has easily positioned itself as the top cell phone provider in the United States, as far as customers go.

AT&T

When you compare cell phone companies, you should compare the top two to start.  AT&T is currently the second largest, and arguably the best, cell phone provider operating in the United States.  Currently, more than 73 million people trust their mobile phone needs to AT&T.  It has this many customers due to its wide selection of mobile phones, unique cell phone plans, and what many people claim to be some of the best customer service in the industry.

• Prepaid plans are offered.
• A 3G network that provides excellent international service through the use of GSM technology.
• A large number of contract-based voice and data packages, a number of which offer rollover option for unused minutes and data limits.
• Family plans are offered. 
• Some of the best phones on the market.  AT&T were the exclusive provider offering Razr phones, and are currently the company that debuted the iPhone, one of the most popular mobile devices around.
• A wider selection of phones, with handsets from LG, Samsung, Sony, Blackberry, and Nokia.
• Has a digital video, music, and TV service. 

The main detractor from AT&T is that some customers claim they have had a poor experience from this provider.  When you compare cell phone companies, you should ask those you know who go through this carrier.

 

 

In your effort to compare cell phone companies, most people will stop here.  Since these are the two largest cell phone providers in the country, the majority of people will go with them.  After all, they are the top for a reason.  There are two other major contenders in the United States cell phone game, each of which showing options for those looking for a more unique type of company.

T-Mobile

A German company who has made a big mark on he U.S. market, T-Mobile has some definite advantages and disadvantages.  While they have some unique offerings and some of the best customer service in the industry (according to companies like J.D. Powers), there are certain technological features they lack on.  Here is how T-Mobile compares to the top two.

• Prepaid and contract plans are available.  Voice plans are some of the best on the market.
• Large-scale data networks (3G) weren't launched until 2008.  This puts them far behind the other major cell phone companies when it comes to data and Internet.
• Offers some of the best international options, including great international roaming in North America and Europe.  They are currently the second largest GSM cell phone provider in the country.
• Tends to offer very unique phones, along with the Sidekick and the Google Android handsets.
• Lacks some of the frills of other companies, like video and music networks.

T-Mobile has much to offer those who are looking more for a phone plans rather than a full voice and data package.  While their data plans are still good, they have a long way to go before they can catch up with the big two.  If you are looking for a plan that works internationally, T-Mobile may be the way to go.

Sprint/Nextel

While this may look like two separate companies, a 2005 deal put both under one parent company.  The result, the third largest cell phone company in the United States.  While the company offers a wide array of features and options, many people stray away from it based on service issues and claims of poor customer service.  When the two companies merged, they kept both networks and brands separate, meaning that one large company was essentially using two different networks.  This means performance that is at a lower standard than the other top companies.  Where coverage is available, it works well, but coverage areas are limited.

• A large number of voice and data packages, but prepaid plans are only available through subsidiaries.
• 3G network is available.
• CDMA network options limit international calling and data options.
• A more limited selection of handsets, but they do offer the Palm Pre phones and are the exclusive dealer of Sanyo phones.
• Many plans offer extended night and weekend hours.

While many customers are perfectly content with their service, there are just as many who are dissatisfied with their service.  Due to the limited coverage ranges, you should check to see how coverage would work in your area. 

 

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