According to a survey, one-fifth of individuals nationwide claimed they were at least “somewhat likely” to switch mobile phone carriers in the following year. One may switch phone carriers for various reasons, including the need for better coverage quality or increased Internet speed. Understanding the new mobile carrier’s features and reliability is essential to choosing a mobile carrier. In addition, here are some mistakes to avoid while switching mobile phone carriers:

1. Switching at the wrong time
Often, when switching mobile phone carriers mid-month, the previous provider may not refund one’s money for the remaining days of the month or generate a bill that considers only the number of days one has availed of the previous provider’s service. Hence, users will likely incur losses if they do not time their switch appropriately. Switching one’s phone carrier on the last or first days of the month is advisable to minimize or eliminate losses.

2. Opting for providers charging early termination fees
Some providers may charge an early termination fee upon termination within 30 days of customers availing themselves of the provider’s services. It is essential to avoid opting for such mobile phone carriers, as one should have a reasonable trial period to ensure that the service provider caters to one’s requirements effectively. Browsing the company’s terms and conditions of service before shortlisting a mobile phone carrier helps avoid such overhead charges. For example, with Verizon plans, one may cancel a line of service within 30 days of opting for it without incurring any early termination fees.

3. Failing to check user reviews and ratings
Commercials by leading service providers highlight only their positive aspects; therefore, users must check online ratings and reviews of phone carriers specific to their areas before selecting a service provider. Certain websites effectively track the performance of leading networks, offering reliable information on their effectiveness. Utilizing such resources allows one to make a sound decision while switching mobile phone carriers.

4. Failing to consider one’s specific requirements
Considering one’s specific requirements allows one to select phone and Internet plans that include only the services one needs, ensuring cost reduction. For instance, individuals using their phones to play games or watch streaming videos may require a highly powerful Internet connection. In contrast, those looking to fulfill essential functions like texting may do better with a basic plan entailing minimal charges. For instance, Verizon’s cheapest phone Internet plan is its Verizon Basic Phone 500 MB postpaid plan, costing $30 a month, while its other plans boast several other features suited to those with more requirements.

5. Failing to check one’s requirements
The reason(s) for switching mobile carriers should become one’s criteria while looking for a new service provider. For example, individuals who are not satisfied with their existing carrier’s Internet speed should consider “Internet speed” as their primary criterion while looking for a new mobile carrier. Finding a way to circumvent the issues faced with the earlier mobile carrier can help one shortlist a carrier that satisfies one’s needs.

6. Forgetting to check discount brands
These days, most major mobile phone carrier brands have introduced discount brands, which function independently from their parent companies. These brands offer their customers highly reasonable mobile Internet plans without compromising quality. For example, Visible is one such brand by Verizon, which offers some of the best phone plan deals available today. The price of its most popular phone Internet plan is as low as $25 a month. Thus, one should check out such subsidiary brands by major service providers while looking to change one’s phone carrier.

7. Not considering prepaid plans
Most leading phone carrier companies provide prepaid plans, which are usually much cheaper than the regular postpaid ones. Leading brands like Verizon and AT&T offer reasonable prepaid plans that one can opt for to minimize one’s expenses. It is important to pay off any outstanding bills from one’s postpaid plan before switching mobile phone carriers and opting for prepaid plans.

8. Not ensuring phone compatibility
It is essential to ensure that a mobile phone carrier is compatible with one’s phone while switching carriers. Most carriers entail compatibility checkers on their websites, allowing one to check any mobile phone’s compatibility with the carrier quickly and easily.

Leading Internet service providers offer a wide range of plans and packages to optimally fulfill their clients’ needs. For example, Verizon’s phone plus Internet deals and other plans include distinct facilities and different price ranges, helping users easily identify their requirements and shortlist a plan accordingly. Understanding one’s needs and budget range, knowing when to switch one’s mobile phone carrier, and thoroughly researching the new carrier brand can help one leverage the best mobile phone carriers for their smartphones.