When Is The Best Time To Switch Phone Carriers

If you are like other people, you also have a love-hate relationship with your cell phone carrier. You love the benefit of having a phone that can do practically anything, but you hate how much it costs to keep your service. And if you’re on a restrictive plan, you hate even more how little freedom you have to use your phone the way you want.

So when is the best time to switch phone carriers? Well, that all depends on what is essential for you. If affordability is your number one priority, now might be the time to switch to a cheaper carrier.

But if flexibility and choice are more important to you, then maybe it’s time to switch to a new provider that offers more options. So how do you know When is the best time to switch phone carriers? Here are some hints to guide you figure it out.

Things you need to know When switching Phone carriers

You need to keep in mind a few things when switching phone carriers. First, you want to know that the cost of your wireless plan is not set in stone. Carriers regularly change their prices and offer different discounts to attract new customers.

For example, Sprint recently announced its “Cut Your Bill in Half Event.” Sprint is offering new customers 50% off their bills for twelve months during this event. So if you’ve been itching to switch, now might be the time.

Also, for special offers and promotions, keep in mind that carriers run regularly. For example, T-Mobile has the “Test Drive” program, which offers potential customers who bring their phones a seven-day trial of its service. Also, you don’t have to charge anything until you cancel your trial within seven days.

And lastly, carriers offer different upgrade options every so often, and these promotions are excellent times to switch providers.

For example, right now, Verizon is offering customers who are eligible for an upgrade the ability to trade in their old phone and get a new one at no cost. So if you’re interested in switching over, this might be your best opportunity.

When Is The Best Time To Switch Phone Carriers

When Is The Best Time To Switch Phone Carriers? It all depends on what you want from your provider. If you’re looking for a new deal, carriers run specials regularly that might be perfect for you! And when these deals come around, it’s the best time to switch your providers.

1. Verizon

Verizon wireless When you switch to Verizon Wireless, you’ll get the best time to switch to Verizon network coverage in the nation at an unbeatable price. You can choose from four different nationwide networks– CDMA, GSM, LTE, and EVDO – so no matter where you are, your phone will work.

And don’t forget about Verizon Edge! Verizon Edge is a great way to upgrade your phone without paying the total price.

With Verizon Edge, you can trade-in your old phone and get a new one for just $6 per month. And if you’re already on a two-year contract, you can upgrade any time you want – with no penalties!

2. AT&T

When you switch to AT&T, you’ll get the latest and greatest smartphones at a price you can afford. Plus, with AT&T Next, you can upgrade to a new phone each year if you need it! And AT&T offers some of the best customer services in the business.

3. Mint Mobile

If you want high-speed LTE data, then this is what you need. Mint Mobile offers some of the best prices on the market. You get LTE coverage on all four major networks, and all their plans include unlimited talk and text-only plans.

And while they don’t offer many phones yet– just Apple’s iPhone 6s and 7 models right now – that may change in the future. Mint Mobile is working hard to bring you more phones and better coverage, so keep your eyes peeled.

4. T-Mobile

When you switch to T-Mobile, you get to keep your phone number and take it with you. You also get free entertainment streaming without using your data!

And like Mint Mobile, they offer great prices on LTE plans. And don’t forget about their “Test Drive” program, which offers potential customers a 7 day trial of T-Mobile’s service.

Some Mistakes to Avoid When Switching Phone Carrier

Choosing the Wrong Network

When you switch phone carriers, it’s essential to ensure that your chosen network will work in your area. For example, if you live in a rural area, you might not have good coverage with Verizon – but you would with AT&T. So, do some analysis before making a decision!

Not Checking Your Coverage Area

Another mistake people make when switching phone carriers is not checking their coverage area. Ensure that the new carrier you choose has good coverage in the places you spend the most time.

Not Notifying Your Current Provider

It’s also important to inform your current provider that you’re canceling service, so they don’t continue to bill you. And if you have a phone that’s still under contract, you may have to spend an early termination fee.

Ignoring Low-Cost Phone Plan Providers

What about low income cell phone plans providers? There are tons of them on the market, and they can save you a ton of money. And just like larger carriers, some receive better coverage than others. If you’re looking to switch providers, do your research first!

Selecting a Plan That Doesn’t Meet Your Needs

When you switch phone carriers, it’s essential to select a plan that meets your needs. For example, if you’re on a family cell phone plan with four lines and want to add another line, some carriers will give you the exact price per month for four lines as they will for five. So make sure that the new plan is right for your family!

Not Checking Phone Compatibility

You also want to make sure that your new phone will work with your chosen plan. For example, some carriers only offer CDMA technology. If this is important for you, make sure the best time to switch phone carriers has CDMA connectivity before purchasing!

Canceling Your Old Service Too Early

One mistake people make when switching phone carriers is canceling their old service too early. Ensure that you’re entirely free of your old contract before making the switch!

Skipping Out on Discounts

When you switch your carriers, ensure that you take benefit of all the discounts and incentives they offer! And some carriers will give you an offer to switch over your phone number. Others will offer an incentive like a free month or two months of your bill. So check all these deals out before making a decision!

How much can you save by switching Carriers?

One of the most common questions people ask when they are thinking about leaving their Carrier is, “how much can I save by switching.” And the reply to this question is, it depends.

If you’re not on a contract with your current Carrier, they have been able to keep their price in check in recent years by offering service through an installment plan.

So if you own a subsidized phone and aren’t under a contract, going to a new carrier might save you big bucks. But if your phone isn’t subsidized and you’re under contract, switching carriers will cost you money.

The good news is that most providers offer perks to customers under contract so that the switch doesn’t seem so bad. For example, Verizon offers $650 in early termination fees for eligible customers.

What to do if you’re stuck in a contract with your current Carrier

If you are currently under contract with your carrier, you don’t need to stay there permanently. Most carriers will allow you to upgrade your phone or renew your contract without having to wait the full two years.

And if you find that you’re stuck in a contract, you might be able to negotiate with your Carrier for an early termination fee waiver.

For example, AT&T waives the remaining balance on your early termination fee if you complete your two-year contract within six months. And this waiver is only good once every two years, so it’s not something that carriers offer often.

FAQ About best time to switch phone carriers

Final Verdict

Switching phone carriers can be a daunting task, but it’s worth it if you’re unhappy with your current provider. By taking advantage of all the different discounts and incentives that providers offer, the best time to switch phone carriers, you can save a lot of money in the long run. So do your research, pick the most reliable provider for you, and make the switch!