We all know how frustrating it is when our cell phone service provider does not have the coverage we need. So, what can you do? You could switch to a different company!
This article will help you through the process of changing your cellular carrier and get you back up and running with a new plan that has better coverage for your needs. So read on to learn about how to change mobile service providers today.
- How To Change Mobile Service Provider
- What happens if I cancel my contract?
- FAQ About Mobile Service Provider
- How long should I wait between the cancellation and the new plan's effective date?
- What documents do I need to provide to the new carrier?
- How long does it take to activate my phone after I sign up?
- Can I transfer my old number to a new service provider?
- Do I need to tell my current provider that I'm canceling?
- Final Verdict
Why Should you change mobile service provider?
Are you facing poor mobile network and coverage? Want to avail better voice & data plans at lower prices? Then it’s time to switch to another service provider.
Were you tired of using your mobile service without any customer support facility? Are you fed up with unexpected charges like multiple SMSs, international calls, etc.? If this answer is yes, switching cell phone carriers can be a great solution.
Different companies offer senior citizens cell phone plans and packages to suit the needs of every individual. So finding out the best mobile service provider is not an easy task. But here, we have tried our best to make this system simple for you! Follow these simple, step-by-step instructions and learn how to change mobile service providers yourself!
How do I find out which providers have good coverage in my area?
If you plan to change your mobile service provider but have not yet decided which company will be best for you, then the first and foremost thing you should know is about their coverage. So, make sure to check out whether they provide good network coverage in your area or not.
Here is a quick tip: Call up their customer care and ask about their coverage in your area; this is the best way to find out which network has better coverage and connectivity.
What are some other things to consider before switching carriers?
Their customer care service and billing system also matter apart from signal strength! You can easily find out how good or bad their service is by asking the people around you or reading online reviews.
Similarly, their billing system should also be simple and easy to understand; otherwise, you may face many problems down the line. Another vital thing to consider is the time it will take to port your number to the new carrier.
Most companies provide a port-in period of 15 to 30 days, so make sure you keep this time frame in mind before signing up with a new carrier.
So these are some most essential points that you must consider, but don’t worry if you miss out on any of them because we have provided all the required information below!
How To Change Mobile Service Provider
This section will find step-by-step instructions to change mobile service providers.
Step 1: Compare the existing plan & new plans offered by other companies
Once you have decided to switch your mobile carrier, start comparing different networks and their available family cell phone plans with unlimited data. You must consider their call rates, SMS plans, etc.
So to make this process simpler for you, we have compared different companies’ plans based on “cost per minute,” “cost per second,” and “cost per SMS.” You can compare different networks’ plans by using our mobile comparison tool given below:
Find out the best mobile service provider Best Mobile Comparison Tool.
Step 2: Make sure the company offers good coverage in your area!
Make sure to check out whether they provide good network coverage in your area or not. This is one most important things you must consider before signing up with any new carrier.
You can ask people around you about their network coverage or can check out our mobile network coverage map given below:
Find out mobile coverage in your area
Step 3: Read customer reviews and ask for suggestions
Why don’t you ask friends and family members who have already changed their mobile company about which company they recommend? They may have a lot of valuable information to assist you in picking the right mobile phone company.
Step 4: Better call quality
When making an important business or personal call, you need to know that the person on the other side picks up your call without any glitches. So, before choosing a new carrier, always keep in mind your call quality requirements and then compare different carriers’ plans accordingly!
And if you are not happy with the current service provider’s call quality, then you can switch to any other network that offers crystal clear voice calling.
Step 5: Compare carrier’s data plans
Besides voice minutes, SMS, and call quality, you should also compare different carriers’ data plans because maximum people use their smartphones to browse the Internet and access their email accounts.
So the question is: Does your current mobile carrier offers an unlimited data plan that can fulfill all your internet-related browsing needs? If you think they don’t provide appropriate data plans, consider changing your current service provider!
Step 6: Make sure to port in your number in 15 days or less
Once you have selected a carrier, make sure to port in your number within the given time frame. The majority of companies produce a 15 to 30 days period for number porting.
Also, keep in mind that if you fail to do a proper and complete port-out from your previous service provider, then they may charge some extra amount by saying that you have not completed the port-out process.
So to avoid any such issues, always make sure to contact your old service provider and complete the port-out procedure.
Step 7: Keep your old SIM card!
Don’t forget to keep your old SIM card because you may need it in some cases. For example, you can use your old SIM card for roaming if you travel somewhere outside the country.
And in case if you are switching to a new network with different supported frequency bands, you may need your old SIM to make calls or send SMS.
So always keep an extra SIM card along with all its contacts and messages safe!
Step 8: Compare plans and save money!
Once you have followed all the steps mentioned above, you will easily select a new mobile service provider that fits your needs and budget. And not only that, but you will also be able to save a lot of money on your monthly phone bills!
What happens if I cancel my contract?
You must know about your mobile phone contract status before switching from one company to another. If you have a pre-paid connection, then there is no need to worry, for your call will get disconnected, but things are a bit complicated if you have a post-paid connection.
In this case of post-paid connections, if you have completed your contract period and still want to terminate it, the company will ask you to pay the entire outstanding amount, including the handset cost (if you have not already paid it off).
If you have not completed your contract period but wish to cancel it, the company will ask you to pay a termination fee. So, before canceling your contract, make sure you know about all the applicable charges!
FAQ About Mobile Service Provider
How long should I wait between the cancellation and the new plan’s effective date?
You should give yourself a minimum of two weeks between canceling your old service and starting your new one. This will ensure no interruptions in your service, and you can enjoy it without any hassle.
What documents do I need to provide to the new carrier?
You will provide them with your old contract’s account information. If you want to switch your phone number too, you will need to make sure that you get it unlocked from the previous company before getting it activated on a new one.
How long does it take to activate my phone after I sign up?
Once you have finished the paperwork and received your new SIM card, you should activate your phone within 24 hours. This is usually the standard working time for most companies; however, it can take longer than expected in some cases.
Can I transfer my old number to a new service provider?
Yes! Most companies permit customers to transfer their old numbers from one carrier to another. Most companies charge a small fee for this particular service, but it is well worth the time and money you will save.
Do I need to tell my current provider that I’m canceling?
If you have a post-paid connection, then yes! You should let them know about your decision before canceling so that they can stop billing you for the service. If you have a pre-paid connection, then there is no need to inform them as you are free to cancel it at any time.
Final Verdict
Changing mobile service providers can be a daunting task, but it can be a very smooth process if you follow the simple steps mentioned in this article. So keep all of this info in mind when making your next phone switch!
