Common Mistakes People Make When Choosing a Wireless Plan
By Ultra Team
Updated March 12, 2025
Choosing a wireless plan for yourself can feel a bit overwhelming nowadays. Whether you’re about to take the leap off your parents’ family plan, exploring alternatives to your current carrier, or getting wireless service for the very first time, there are several factors to consider when choosing a wireless plan. This means there are also several things you may neglect or just forget. This blog will cover common mistakes people make when choosing a wireless plan, and provide tips on how to avoid them.
1. Not understanding your usage needs
One of the biggest mistakes people make when choosing a wireless plan is overpaying for more than they need. We don’t just mean how often you talk & text (especially since unlimited talk & text is a pretty common starting point nowadays). This can include how often you call other countries, and most importantly, how much data you use. A lot of people pay for unlimited data when they only use a few GB each month. On the flip side, choosing a smaller plan to save money might result in you losing service halfway through each month or regularly paying more for add-ons. If you need help calculating your usage, we have another article that will walk you through determining just how much data you really need.
2. Ignoring coverage maps
We’ve all found ourselves without coverage before. Sure, it’s manageable—as long as it’s rare. But what happens when you find out too late that your new wireless carrier doesn’t cover your office, where your family may need to reach you? When shopping for a new wireless plan, take a good look at each carrier’s coverage map—or choose a carrier that runs on America’s largest 5G network—to ensure that you’ll have service everywhere you live, work, and play.
3. Overlooking hidden fees
Sometimes a low price is too good to be true (but not always). Make sure to double-check not just what your monthly cost should be going forward, but any activation fees or surcharges they may try to sneak in when you first join. Do they charge extra for 5G access? What are the roaming charges going to look like if you take your phone on an international trip? Is Hotspot included? These are things a lot of people tend to forget when activating a new wireless plan, which can lead to bigger frustrations down the road.
4. Not comparing features across carriers
Speaking of 5G and Hotspot, what features beyond talk & text are you looking for in a wireless plan? Think about what features are most important to you as you compare different carriers, verifying which features are included, which features cost extra and which features aren’t supported at all. We offer several valuable features at Ultra Mobile, like free Wi-Fi Calling and Call Me Free, which allows loved ones in other countries to reach you as if they’re calling a local number.
5. Focusing solely on price
It’s no secret that one of the main reasons people tend to shop around for another wireless carrier is because they’re looking to save money. Jumping to another carrier that costs half as much as the other guys can be tempting, but make sure you consider what you might be sacrificing in the name of savings. If the customer service is terrible, there’s no coverage at home or it takes hours to send an email, soon you won’t care how much money you’re saving.
6. Ignoring compatibility issues
Many people already have a phone they love and are just looking for a new wireless provider. And yet, someone, somewhere is probably switching to a new carrier right now without confirming if their phone is compatible with the new carrier’s network. Bringing your own phone can save you time & money, as long as it still works. Ultra Mobile makes it easy to verify your phone’s compatibility, and other carriers should do the same.
7. Not considering family plans, discounts or promotions
If you have more than one phone line, a family plan might be your best bet. Many carriers offer significant savings if you activate lines for yourself as well as a partner or your child. Check out Ultra Mobile’s Family Plan to get an idea of what we’re talking about. Additionally, there may be seasonal promos you can take advantage of, or discounts depending on your line of work. All you have to do is ask.
The right plan makes all the difference
Now that you have a checklist of what not to do when choosing a new wireless plan, you’re ready to start shopping. With that said, one big mistake some people make when switching is not considering Ultra Mobile. We don’t charge activation fees or lock you into long contracts, we just provide quality wireless service. With unlimited nationwide talk & global text, unlimited calls to 90+ international destinations, Free Mobile Hotspot, Free Wi-Fi Calling and more, Ultra Mobile might just be the best wireless decision you’re about to make. Click to see if you can bring your current phone to Ultra Mobile today.
