1. Determine who offers service in your area:
Use your phone book or scan the newspaper for ads. If you visit an online cellular retailer, most of them will ask you to enter a Zip Code and tell you right away. Choose at least 3 carriers, and that can include your current one. You need to choose a company that serves your area (some have coverage but don't offer service there). If you have a locally-based cellular company, put them on your list, too.

2. Make sure the coverage is adequate where you need it:
That means at home and where you work and travel. Most carriers offer detailed maps at their web site. Check with neighbors and co-workers to at least eliminate carriers that don't work in those locations. If that narrows your list to less than 3, you might want to look at additional carriers. Look for guidance with recommendations, ratings or Pros & Cons.

3. Find the best deals:
Compare your list to the Reviews for cellular carriers for your state. Follow the links to your chosen carriers and their online deals. Determine which plans fit your current usage and the phone from each company that suits your needs. Make a note of plans and features you'd like. Feel free to call carriers with questions about their offers. Then, consider your phone options. Visit Choosing a Phone. Not sure which carrier to choose? Then check out one of our shopping partners who are not affiliated with any one carrier, like our own Moose Wireless, or Wirefly and Lets Talk You could look at an independent cellular store, but we haven't changed from our jammies, yet, have we? Now, you're ready to switch, but if you don't hate your current provider, don't assume switching is the best option. Oh, and get an update from your employer's HR department to see if they have a deal with any cellular company.

4. Before switching, call your current carrier:
Ask what they can do for you...you might be surprised. Tell them what you'd like in a phone and plan, and ask for their best deal before you'll re-sign for another year or two. If they can't satisfy you, or if you still want to shop around, it's time to check your list. If you like your carrier's coverage but can't stand dealing with them, consider switching to a different company that uses the same network, an "MVNO". Also consider a switch to Prepaid, possibly staying with the same carrier. Previously you needed to actually begin the cancellation process to get a carrier's last, best 'retention' offer. Now, they realize the cancellation process can be initiated by your newly chosen carrier during the number porting process. Therefore, you can tell your old carrier you will be leaving and that you will begin the porting process with another carrier. This may produce the desired 'retention' offer. Sometimes you need to be transferred to the "cancellation department" where they may make such offers.

5. Try before you buy:
The carriers hate this one. Keep you old phone, but also pick up new phone, a new plan and a new number, or better yet 3 new phones, each from a different carrier. The plan isn't important. You have 14 to 30 days to try out the service before you're stuck with a new contract. Make sure of the terms of your tryout period. You should only be charged for minutes used. Then send back all the phones and evaluate the results of your trial run. Rank your phones and service, including your current one, then move to the next step.

6. Go to the top choice on your list:
You'll need to choose a new phone...but it might be free. If you want to keep your wireless number, you'll be "porting" your number. All the carriers and re-sellers know how to do it, but you should have your old bill in front of you. Contact the new carrier by phone or online. Make sure you tell them, or enter, your old information the same, even if it has miss-spellings. Let the new carrier cancel your old service. Also, make sure you're not under contract with the old carrier. If not, consult How to Get Out of Your Cellular Contract for several ways to get out of your old contract with little or no penalty. Even then, don't cancel your account, let the new carrier do that. If anything smells fishy, be prepared to go to the next choice on your list.

6. Take it for spin:
OK, you've got the deal you like, a carrier that works where you want it, and a phone that you love, or at least can live with for a couple years. As soon as you get it, use it in as many of the places you'll need it as possible, especially in your house. "Can you hear me now?" calls to friends are not unexpected. You should have another 14 to 30 days to make sure this is "the one." If the company questions your desire for yet another tryout period, show your sincerity this time by porting your number.

7. Buyer's remorse?
Always be nice to your old carrier. You may find your new choice sucks and you'll wanna 'go home.' Most likely, the old carrier will welcome you back with open arms, and even "un-port" your phone number (although 'stuff happens' as you increase the complexity of your situation). But don't let your pride get in the way of having the best cellular phone experience possible.