Low-cost phone plan checklist
A short list to run before you switch phone plans.
Coverage
Look up your address and the places you go on the FCC National Broadband Map. The FCC says its mobile coverage areas are for outdoors or in a moving vehicle, not indoors.
Data
Read your past usage. Pick a plan size from your highest month.
Plan type
Decide between prepaid and postpaid. The FCC says postpaid plans may include a contract and an early termination fee.
Your phone
Ask whether your phone is locked, and check it on the new carrier's compatibility page.
Your number
Start service with the new company before you cancel the old one, as the FCC advises. Ask about any porting fee.
The full monthly total
Ask for the total with taxes and fees for your address and line count. See the current price at the carrier.
Terms
Read the data limits, slowdowns, roaming, and trial or return terms before you pay.
This is general information, not legal advice. Plan terms come from the carrier.
Sources: FCC, Broadband Data Collection Consumer Information; FCC, Cell Phone Unlocking; FCC, Porting: Keeping Your Phone Number When You Change Providers; FCC, Understanding Your Telephone Bill.
FAQ
Next: check coverage
Your address, on the FCC map.
