You may also be required to return your phone. So before signing on, understand the implications of opting out before the contract expires. Confirm that the contract reflects any promises made by cellular service salespeople. If you're already stuck with a contract you don't like, ask your provider about alternative plans. If the idea of being locked into a contract makes you squeamish, consider a prepaid plan, which provides a set number of minutes for a flat fee paid up-front.
Prepaid plans are usually more expensive and less flexible than other types of plans.
If there's one speed-dial number worth programming on your wireless phone, it's the one that tells you how many minutes you've used each month. Once you exceed your monthly allotment, you'll pay. Some wireless providers charge 40 cents or more for each minute over your allotment. Those charges add up fast. So before you choose a plan, figure out how much time you're likely to use every month.