Internet Data 

Internet data is essential for using a smartphone, and different cell phone providers offer different data plans.  Most companies offer 4G LTE and 5G internet. 4G LTE is a high-speed data network that offers faster speeds than traditional 3G networks, while the 5G network offers even faster speed. 5G, however, is not available in all areas.

If you use your phone mainly for browsing the web, steaming videos and social media, a 4G LTE plan should be sufficient for your needs. If you rely on your phone however for work, gaming or other activities that require high-bandwidth, a 5G plan is likely to be worth the additional cost.

Typical Costs 

The cost of cell phone plans vary depending on the specific provider, as well as the plan and your specific location. Prepaid plans tend to be less expensive than postpaid plans, ranging anywhere from $10 to $60 a month. Postpaid plans are usually more costly, ranging from $30 to $100 a month.  Many cell phone providers however also offer family plans to allow you to save on costs for multiple lines.

Additional Considerations 

When choosing a cell phone plan, it’s crucial to also understand what’s included. Certain plans may include unlimited calling and texting, while others may offer a limited amount of minutes and text messages. Data plans may also vary, some with unlimited data and others with caps. Be sure to read the fine print and understand what you’re getting before signing up for a plan and a contract.

It’s also helpful to consider the coverage available when choosing a cell phone provider and make sure that they offer the areas that you will be needing.  Lastly, and something that’s rather new is eSIM capabilities.   This type of SIM is an embedded SIM that allows you to activate cellular service without an actual physical SIM card that you need to insert into your device.  Certain smartphones offer this feature to make it easier to switch between providers while traveling abroad.