Print

Cellular telephones, commonly called "cells", are widely used in America. There are many companies and plans to choose from.

Most companies offer deals to buy a cell phone for a penny or for free, but they almost always come with a one to three-year obligation and a monthly bill. Expect to pay a minimum of $40 a month depending on your plan, how many minutes or data you require, and how many phone lines do you add to your contract.

Prepaid phones can also be purchased for a cheaper price and then you must purchase minutes.

Mobile Phone Contracts in NYC

It is important to understand all the details of the contract before signing, especially regarding the data plan (internet access) and cancellation terms.

To get a mobile contract you will need a passport or ID card. A contract can usually be terminated or changed on a monthly basis, at an additional fee. An exception are contracts that come with a phone, where a contract cannot be terminated earlier than within 6 months to 1 year of the end date of the contract.

There are some basic points you need to consider for choosing a cell phone:

• Personal Use: Evaluate how much you use the phone, when, where you are calling, how often you use short message services (SMS), if you use the phone abroad, etc.
• Coverage: Most important if you live in a remote place or regularly using the mobile while traveling in the countryside as most companies offer decent coverage.
• Fees & Rates: Each operator offers several different plans and options. Investigate the plans carefully and evaluate your needs.

Providers

There are a number of telephone networks in the USA. Each mobile telephone network is operated by a different provider.

Some of the most popular companies are:

• Sprint: Many low-priced plans
• Cingular
• Verizon: Widest coverage in the country
• T-Mobile
• AT&T Wireless
• Metro by T-Mobile
• US Mobile: Customized plans
• Cricket Wireless

You can view a more complete list of phone companies' suppliers on this site, with a comparison of fees and plans.

Pay As You Go Phones in NYC

Prepaid cards are popular and provide a simple way for calling within the USA and internationally, sending SMS and using mobile Internet. Prepaid cards can be bought (as well as topped up) in most stores and kiosks, as well as post offices and gas stations.

Prepaid SIM cards can be purchased both from official stores and approved resellers. To top them up, you must purchase credit from the same retailers or from most of the supermarkets across America.

Most of the time you will get a prepaid SIM card along with the minutes. Understand the terms of the card, and exactly what is included.
Most popular prepaid plans in New York can be found here.