...from The Ultimate Guide To Getting Your Next Cellphone FOR FREE

All Free Cell phones, PDA's or Smart phone offers are NOT created equal!  The difference between getting a Free cellphone you really like and getting into a 2 year nightmare can hinge on how much you know versus how much the cell phone provider thinks you know.

The first question is what Cell Phone Service provider, such as T-Mobile, Verizon or AT&T you are going to choose.  This will determine the phones you will have available to you.  You can read my eBay Guide on how to Choose the Right Cell Phone Service Plan For You by clicking the link.  You will want to read this guide BEFORE you start looking at your phone choices.

In the United States, you have a large selection of free phones to choose from.  Starting with the very basic phone, such as a Motorola Razr or a very sophisticated Smart Phone such as the RIM Blackberry Pearl 8100, which will do just about anything you want with regards to email, text messaging and surfing the Internet.

For example, AT&T offers over 30 phones for free, T-Mobile, over 25 and Sprint has 15+ free phones to choose from.

So how do you choose a phone once you've selected your carrier?  It all depends on what you want to do with your phone.  I have listed the top questions you need to keep in mind when selecting your phone below.  You may also get this list in an easy to use but powerful spreadsheet when you download the 1st Chapter of my Ultimate Guide To Getting Your Next Cellphone FOR FREE.

Questions to ask when considering getting a free phone...

1. Where will I use my phone most?  Home?  Abroad?  The Office?
2. Do I want to access my email?
3. Do I want a camera or videocam built into my phone?
4. Do I want to send text messages?
5. Do I want to send pictures I take on my phone?
6. Do I want to surf the web on my phone?
7. Do I want to watch videos on my phone
8. Do I use my phone as an MP3 player?
9. Do I use, or could I use a calendar on my phone?
10. Do I want to use a Bluetooth headset with my phone?
11. Do I use or would use navigation (GPS) software or get traffic reports?
12. Do I frequently go long stretches of time without being able to charge my phone?

You will want to ask yourself whether or not you absolutely NEED the functionality, or if it would just be nice to have.  Most FREE cell phones have been on the market for a minimum of 6 months.  Cell phone companies introduce new cell phones with all the bells and whistles for "early adopters"- those consumers who are willing to pay more just to be on the cutting edge of technology. 

Needless to say, you will never see AT&T offer an iPhone for free.  They will however offer you a wide selection of phones that do not have all the technical bells and whistles, but remember, these phones were the next new thing when they came out.  So you are still getting access to some pretty advanced phones.

The main thing to keep in mind when choosing your phone is that you will live with it for at least 24 months.  But even there you have a choice.

Once you decide on a phone, you may find that it does not work well as far as reception or you have a large number of dropped calls.  In most cases it is the service and not the phone's fault.  Cellphone service provider's coverages vary greatly, even from one street to another.  If the service does not work for you, you CAN get out of your contract and give them back the phone.

In the US, you can get up to 30 days to return your phone and cancel your plan.  US Cellular, Sprint, AT&T and Verizon all give you a full 30 days to cance your service should you experience unacceptable call quality of network covergae (dropped calls).  T-Mobile and Alltel limit this grace period to only 14 days.  So you do have some rights when it comes to getting a plan and phone that works for you in your home service area.

No FREE Lunch

Remember, with Free Phone offers, the phone (and sometimes even the shipping to you) is free, for sure.  But the service plan, with their 24 month terms are where the cell phone companies make their money.  They can afford to give away phones for free, so long as they make their money on your monthly usage and plan.  There is no free lunch.  If you know the "insider secrets" you will more than likely get the phone you want and the service plan that fits your life and your budget.

I hope you have found this guide helpful.  If you want even more information on how to make the smart choice in Free Cellphone Offers, Download the 1st Chapter of my Ultimate Guide To Getting Your Next Cellphone FOR FREE by going to my About Us page.