Best Cell Phone Plans in Fairbank, IA

Coverage is still king: a few things to keep in mind

Coverage has gotten dramatically better for all carriers in the last few years, especially for Sprint and T-Mobile. While the country's two smallest carriers often had their coverage compared to Swiss cheese in the early 2000s, their LTE networks today are fully modernized, dense, and ready to perform well even during times of peak demand. With that said, it's a good idea to take a look at independent test results that show the strengths of each network. These tests, performed by RootMetrics, will help clarify which carrier is best for clear calls, fast data, or consistent texting.

Best for Calls: For the third time in two years, RootMetrics testing found that all four major carriers are almost the same in Fairbank, IA when it comes to 'call performance.' This indicates that all four carriers have crystal clear calls, and that all four carriers rarely drop a call that has been initiated. That's great news if your main area of usage each month is wireless minutes.

Best for Texting: During the second half of 2016, RootMetrics testing found that AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile were tied for first place in overall texting performance. All three carriers had a near-100-percent success rate in sending and delivering texts. Sprint's texting performance was just a bit shy of making this metric a four-way tie.

Best for Data-Heavy Usage: This category is a bit more nuanced than the others. Overall, Verizon's LTE network delivered both the fastest speeds and the most reliable connections to customers in Fairbank, IA. T-Mobile's average data speed increased dramatically in 2016, however, and AT&T showed improvement in average speeds as well.

Breadth of Coverage: All four carriers have an extremely broad network in Fairbank, IA, with coverage almost everywhere. Sprint, which is still expanding its LTE network, has slightly less high-speed coverage. Even so, it has the high-density city and suburban areas covered very well.

Different cell phone plans

Typical cell phone users in Fairbank, IA look for a plan that will allow them the basics- to send and receive text messages, make calls and use their data when needed. A wireless service depends on factors such as minutes offered, text message limits, and data limits.

Depending on how much you plan to use your cell phone, choose a plan that you are certain will meet your needs. We allow you to search different carriers and their plan types with our service and you will see the savings you could get by choosing that particular plan. You'll choose from three categories for wireless plans.

These plans are: individual plans, family plans, and no contract plans.

Individual plans, or single line plans, only include one line per plan. The line includes talk, text and data usage and will not include any other device or phone. When you don't have children or a spouse, a single line may be the best cell phone plan for your needs.

A family plan is the best choice when you have multiple phone users in your family, as it mixes up plan offers and devices. If you are in need of two or more lines, this plan is probably the best choice, even though it will cost a bit more. Everyone who has a phone in these plans will share minutes, data and text messages, so it is important to choose a plan that will cover the needs of absolutely everyone in your family.

A prepaid, or pay-as-you-go, month-to-month cell phone plan is also known as a no contract plan. These are generally flexible by way of pricing and payments. Pay-as-you-go phones offer way more options nowadays than when they first came out for sale. Most Fairbank, IA department stores offer prepaid phones that you can purchase and start using right away. Simply pay for the features you want. However, you may be required to pay additional fees and the price of the actual phone may be higher, unless you pick a very cheap model. Many pay-as-you-go companies now offer the latest smartphones as well, and you will never be bound to a contract with this type.

When you choose a carrier that offers contract plans, you are typically being asked to sign up for a minimum of one year, but more than likely you'll be bound by contract for two years. This is a good choice if you want the newest smartphone but can't afford to pay for it upfront, as you can pay in monthly installments as part of your actual phone bill. When you wish to cancel, you either have to wait until the contract is up or pay an early termination fee, which could be hundreds of dollars, depending on the amount of months that you have left.

Choosing a Suitable Plan

There are several factors to think about while comparing service providers and specific plans. You need to consider the number of individuals or separate mobile devices in your home. It's also important to look at non-voice communication features, such as data access and texting. Internet downloads are measured in gigabytes. Many cell phone providers no longer apply separate limits to texts or voice minutes, especially if users sign multi-year contracts.

Prepaid plans let users buy specific numbers of minutes. For instance, a person might pay $20 to talk for eight hours. The phone stops working after this time runs out. Inexpensive contracts may limit subscribers to less than 500 texts and/or minutes. An unlimited plan is typically more affordable for anyone who repeatedly communicates on a cellphone throughout the day.

Data bandwidth has become an important consideration for Fairbank, IA smartphone users. People use it to browse the mobile Web and use online apps. Cell phone companies usually demand considerable monthly fees for plans with high data caps. Substantial extra charges may apply if a person exceeds the limit. It's wise to choose a service that provides more than enough bandwidth. Few providers allow subscribers to download unlimited amounts of data.

Fairbank, IA cell phone carrier comparison

There are 4 major cell phone carriers in Fairbank, IA. Other smaller carriers, called MVNOs operate using the larger carrier's networks. The big networks offer a lot of coverage, so you will likely find coverage for your area.

AT&T

AT&T offers an array of plans to fit your needs. From individual and family plans to pay-as-you go plans with unlimited data, there are many options for individuals and families from this carrier. Plans from AT&T are reasonably priced, but their overage charges can be expensive. To combat this, some plans offer rollover options.

Verizon Wireless

Verizon is the largest carrier in the U.S., offering coverage in remote areas where service can be spotty. This probably won't be an issue for you in Fairbank, IA, but it's reassuring for travel. Verizon has a large selection of plans and phones, but they do not offer unlimited data, and their plans can be pricey.

Sprint

Sprint offers a number of budget-friendly plans, including ones that give you unlimited talk, text and data. These affordable plans are excellent for families, but not great for anyone that requires fast, consistent service. Sprint coverage is not the best and the data speeds can be slow. However, the price is often unbeatable.

T-Mobile

T-Mobile, who call themselves the “Uncarrier,” only offer no-contract plans. Their plans are affordable and most give you unlimited everything, including data. The downside to T-Mobile is their network. T-Mobile does not perform well in some areas, so if you want to consider one of their plans, be sure to check the coverage maps to make sure you'll have peak performance in your area.

MVNOs and other carriers

There are a variety of other carriers out there and some of them have some great deals. Using our cell phone comparison tool, you can find a plan that works for you and then see what's available from smaller carriers.