There is no denying it: we live in a cellular age. Almost everybody has a cell phone… even children have them these days, and typical age / technology barriers don’t apply, as even older people [you know, the ones who are usually “behind the times”] have them as well. Because of the popularity of cell phones, and the number of companies that are involved in the cellular business, there is significant competition between different cellular and mobile companies to draw customers. So how do you know which company is right for you?

The first thing to do is to decide what your needs are. If you don’t use the phone much, or plan to just keep it for emergencies, some companies offer low-usage plans that are quite affordable. Another option could be a pre-paid plan. With these plans, you pay in advance for X number of minutes and only have to reload your phone with new minutes when you have used them all up. It is important to read the fine print of your contract before buying too many minutes, though: some companies have expiration dates on their minutes and you could end up paying for time that you will ultimately lose.

If you’re a big talker and also like to use features like text messaging and Internet applications, many companies have started to offer flat-rate plans that allow you to use all the minutes you want – at any time of the day. These plans are usually $100 or more, but can be worth it, considering most companies charge a significant amount per minute if you talk beyond your normal monthly plan.

When choosing a cell phone company, it is important to look at the details of the contract, if you are signing a monthly one. Some offer “rollover minutes,” where you stockpile unused, but paid for, minutes from month to month. This is great if you have a few calls to make in November, but find yourself making a ton of calls around the holidays in December. Those rollover minutes could be the difference between a normal bill or a huge bill with extra charges for all the extra calls!

The most important thing, though, is the coverage area. The best way to determine the best cellular or mobile provider in your area is to ask a friend! A satisfied and happy customer will always be willing to tell you about the service they are pleased with – and an upset one who is getting a ton of dropped calls will be just as willing to tell you the same. This information is important, because many cell phone companies will exaggerate their coverage in a specific area just to get your business. This can be dangerous because the last thing you want is to be stuck in a long-term contract with a company that doesn’t provide adequate service in your area.

When it comes to choosing a cell company, the best thing to arm yourself with is knowledge, so you can make an educated decision.

One great provider for many people is Tracfone, which provides contract-free, pre-paid service for many people. Plus, their phones are super-customizable with Tracfone ringtones, which is always a bonus.