Best Cell Phone Service in District of Columbia

Finding a Cell Phone Plan in District of Columbia

There are many companies that offer cell phone plans to the residents of District of Columbia, and this makes it easy to find an affordable plan. Prior to looking for plans, be fully aware of what you can pay, and stay within this price range. When you begin looking, it is important to examine as many plans within your price range as possible to ensure you get the best deal. MyRatePlan gives you the tools necessary to find the best plan within your price range. If you think you have found a good plan, do a bit more research to make sure that there isn't one with the same features for a lower price.

Cell Phone Plans in District of Columbia

Those living in District of Columbia typically have the same needs in their cell phone plans, as they want enough minutes, text, and data that they don't end up with overage charges or other problems. Data limits, minutes, and text messages are among the most important considerations when selecting your wireless service.

You're not alone if you're using your cell phone to handle all your communications, but that does mean that your plan needs to provide everything you need. Even if you already have a cell phone plan, it's still wise to check out what carriers are offering to see if there are any savings opportunities. When you check out plans, there are three types, which are individual plans, family plans, and no-contract plans.

An individual plan is a single-line plan, meaning you get one phone line for one device. It includes however many minutes, text messages, and data limits you choose. This is the best option and most affordable option if you just want a plan for yourself.

If you want to get wireless service in District of Columbia for your entire family, then a family plan is the best choice. You can get as many phone lines and devices as you need. These types of plans obviously cost more than an individual plan, although they cost less per line than multiple individual plans. When you look at family plans, check whether each line has its own limits, or if all your phone lines share minutes, texts, and data. You want to make sure that everyone on the plan has enough of each.

Those who don't want to sign a contract usually opt for a no contract plan. You can use MyRatePlan to compare prepaid and no contract plans, and also order a prepaid SIM card from a carrier on MyRatePlan. Since you're not signing a contract, phones will cost much more than usual, unless you choose something very basic. With prepaid plans, you pay for the minutes, texts, and data you want in advance, but there are often extra fees.

How long a contract do you have to sign if you don't go with a prepaid phone? You're typically looking at two years. You pay your bill monthly. Should you need to cancel before the length of the contract is complete, you'll be looking at an early termination fee. The carrier calculates this fee based on how much is left on your contract, and adds a penalty fee.

Finding The Right Wireless Plan For You in District of Columbia

You'll need to consider the three major factors that come into play when you need a wireless plan for you and your family. Most national carriers will factor talk, text, and data into every different wireless plan that they offer. Knowing what is most important for you will be the first part of choosing a wireless plan that works for your needs.

Cheaper wireless plans allow you to limit how many minutes and text messages you can get to around 400 or less. However, if you plan to send a lot of text messages and talk on the phone frequently, choose an unlimited plan so you don't have to worry about limits. When you choose a prepaid option, you can load up a wireless card in order to cover the minutes. These can be purchased by the minute or in a large package; for example, 1000 minutes for $60. When your minutes are completely used up, you will have to add more.

Many users must factor in how much data they will use now. In District of Columbia, most popular carriers charge one price for a certain amount of data. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to find an unlimited data package for wireless cell phones. Carriers charge per megabyte and gigabyte, and you have to be careful about going over your data limit. You may be charged high fees if you go over, or your service could slow down considerably. Make sure to find a data plan that covers all your data usage needs.

Compare Cell Phone Carriers in District of Columbia

The large carrier networks in District of Columbia include: AT&T, Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile, and Sprint. There are also smaller carriers available, which are called MVNOs, but they still usually operate on at least one of the larger carrier's networks.

AT&T is among the largest wireless providers in the nation and boasts an extensive lineup of plans. It has individual and family plans available, and you can get a plan with or without a contract.

Verizon Wireless also provides individual plans, family plans, and no-contract plans. When you obtain service with Verizon, you start the process by choosing either your prepaid plan or shared data plan. Shared data plans are available for individual or family use. They include a set data limit along with unlimited minutes and text messages.

Sprint has all the standard phone plans and a more expansive version of the family plan with its Better Choice Plan, which is for friends as well as families. One of Sprint's best features is its data, as it is one of the few carriers with unlimited 4G LTE data. If you have an unlimited data plan, Sprint never throttles your data.

T-Mobile has branded itself the 'uncarrier,' and its entire lineup is no-contract plans. It has individual and family plans available, and its two main plan lines are T-Mobile ONE and Simple Choice. These plans offer unlimited everything for a set monthly price, although T-Mobile does throttle data when you reach your plan limit.

Smaller MVNO cell carriers can also be good choices, even if they aren't as well-known as the national brands. Smaller cell carriers run on the networks of larger carriers so you will likely have service in District of Columbia. Our cell phone plan comparison tool above lets you compare major carriers and MVNOs.