GoKawiilA wireless carrier saying it offers 5G is like me saying I have a car. Good for me -- but what make and model is it? Does it run reliably? Can it actually get up to the top speed or will it sputter when I try to merge onto the freeway? And could I have gotten the same performance if I'd paid less for a model without extras like heated seats and a TruCoat sealant?
As you're evaluating carriers, keep the following things in mind.
Know your area
Wireless coverage can make or break a plan. If you aren't getting reliably fast connections, or if calls often drop or aren't picked up, then you could be paying for more than you're getting. Fortunately, most areas of the US are blanketed by some type of cellular coverage, so there aren't as many dead zones as there used to be. (And now satellite service is starting to fill those holes.) The major companies are also putting a lot of money and effort into broadening their coverage.
On the other hand, even in a dense area, one carrier's network may be stronger than another's, or signals could be reduced because of interference. So the best approach is to ask friends or family members which services they use and if the quality is acceptable. You can also test-drive services to see how your devices work in your area. (See the FAQ below for more on how reliable coverage maps can be.)
Know your deals and discounts
Another thing to keep in mind: discounts. All the carriers offer additional discounts you could be eligible for, depending on your employer, military status, student status or age. AT&T has what it calls Appreciation Savings for teachers, veterans, active-duty military and retired responders that can take up to 20% off the regular rates.
If you're 55 or older, you may qualify for the AT&T 55 Plus plan that costs $55 per line for up to two lines, with unlimited talk, text and data in the US, Mexico and Canada, and 10GB of hotspot data.
We cover a variety of these discounts here.