Best Cell Phone Service in Chicago, IL

How to Choose the Best Cell Service in Chicago, IL

With all the different carriers and types of plans on the market, you have plenty of options when you're shopping for new wireless service in Chicago, IL. Deciding on a plan typically comes down to what you need and your budget, but even when you find one that fits your needs, it's still good to shop around and compare what's out there. After all, there's no sense paying any more than you have to for your cell phone plan, and you may end up with a better deal for the same talk, text, and data limits. MyRatePlan focuses on simplifying the process of choosing your next cell phone plan, so you spend less time shopping and save more money. That's why we have a comparison tool featuring the best prices on a range of cell phones and all kinds of plans.

Types of Cell Phone Plans in Chicago, IL

Most folks who live in Chicago, IL are looking for a cell phone plan that lets them use the minutes, data, and text messages that they need. Choosing your wireless service depends on things like data limits, the minutes offered as well as text message limits.

If you're depending on a cell phone for either most or all of your communication, then it's important to have a phone plan that will suit your needs. There are, in effect, three categories for wireless plans. These include individual plans, family plans, and no contract plans.

When it comes to single line plans, you only have a single line with a single rate for data, talk, and text. It's not going to include any other devices or phones. If you don't have children or a spouse, a single line is probably going to be the best plan for you.

Family plans actually mix up the plan offerings and devices in order for you to have a phone line for everyone in your family. While a family plan is going to have a higher price associated with it, it's still the greatest deal if you need two or more lines. The fee is actually smaller when you compare it with single plan prices also. Family plans give you the opportunity to share minutes, data, and texts. You should be sure to purchase a plan that covers the needs of everyone in your family.

Month-to-month, pay-as-you-go, prepaid, or no contract plans are all flexible when it comes to pricing and payment. Pay-as-you-go has really come a long way since the original cell phone prepaid cards. You can pick up a prepaid phone at just about any Chicago, IL department store and begin with the phone right away, or you can order a prepaid SIM from a carrier through MyRatePlan. You only actually pay for what you use. Along with that, phone prices might be quite a bit higher unless you choose a simple or cheap phone. Many of the no contract plans will also offer you the best new smartphones as well. The best part about all of this is that you aren't bound to a contract.

When you have a contract plan, you're usually signing up for a minimum of two years. You pay per month, but you have an obligation to continue paying for the entire length of the contract. In order to cancel, you'll have to pay some kind of early termination fee. What this means is that whatever's left on the contract is going to be calculated as a part of that fee as a percentage that has a penalty listed on top of it. Most plans these days are monthly no contract plans though.

What Plan Should You Choose in Chicago, IL

There are many types of plans available in Chicago, IL, and it can be difficult to select one. The three main parts of a plan to consider will always be the minutes, data limits, and text message limits. There are some plans that offer unlimited talk and text, and there are even a few that offer unlimited data. These plans are preferable over others. Sometimes, data, text, and talk limits can make it difficult to do everything that you need to do with your phone.

Generally speaking, there will be data limits on the plan that you choose. Unlimited data is relatively rare. However, the specific data limits vary considerably from one provider to another. It is also important to consider how your plan handles the situation when you exceed your data limits. In many cases, if you exceed your data limits, you will end up paying extra each month. This situation can either be avoided by choosing a plan without overages or finding a plan that has a higher data limit.

Comparing Different Cell Phone Carriers in Chicago, IL

You'll find that the following cell phone carriers all cover the Chicago, IL area. Smaller carriers, or MVNOs, operate under the bigger known carriers, including AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon. Your city will more than likely be covered by these carriers.

AT&T is a well-known wireless provider that offers individual, contract, family, no-contract and pay-as-you-go wireless plans.

Sprint is offering a new plan known as the Unlimited Freedom Plan, geared toward individuals or families. They also offer unlimited 4G LTE data without throttling.

T-Mobile is known as the 'uncarrier' since they offer nothing but no contract cell phone plans. T-Mobile customers always receive unlimited talk and text, and data. You'll pay a single price per month.

Verizon Wireless offers many different plans, from individual to family sharing to no contract. Verizon allows you to choose from a prepaid plan or from a shared data plan. the shared data plans are usually offered with unlimited talking and texting, as well as a data plan that will be shared among users.

Use our cell phone comparison tool above to compare other quality carriers, known as MVNOs, to the more well-known main carriers with service in Chicago, IL.