To help you choose the best plan, here are some Questions to ask yourself when choosing a wireless phone service plan:

1. Is there any reason to get analog service?

Not unless you live in the middle of nowhere. Otherwise, there's no reason to buy an analog-only phone and analog service for it. Though digital service isn't offered everywhere, coverage areas are gradually widening, and digital service plans offer more bang for the buck - more included minutes and better call quality - than analog plans.

If your job takes you to the boonies, purchase a dual-mode phone that will roam (automatically switch) to an analog network when a digital signal isn't available. You'll still have to pay roaming fees, but at least you'll have the ability to make calls when there's no digital coverage.

2. When do I pay roaming fees?

You pay a roaming charge when you make calls outside of your coverage area; sometimes, long-distance charges are added to the roaming charge. To avoid roaming charges, you can do one of two things: Be aware of your local coverage area and don't make calls outside of it (some phones indicate when you're beyond your local coverage area); or sign up with a nationwide service provider, such as AT&T, and pick a plan that allows you to roam throughout the United States (or wherever the carrier provides coverage) without paying additional fees. National plans are sometimes more expensive than regional ones, but if you travel a fair amount outside your local coverage area, they're well worth the extra cost. Plus, national plans usually include free long distance.

Most carriers have maps of their local coverage areas posted on their Web sites or in pamphlets that you find in cell phone stores. If you choose a local provider, make sure it offers coverage everywhere you plan on using the phone, or else you'll find yourself paying high roaming fees. The same is true when picking a national plan: Check the carrier's maps to make sure it covers the cities to which you'll be traveling. If a city isn't covered, you should still be able to make calls in those areas, but you'll be connected by another carrier and may be charged a connection fee.

3. What does all the network jargon mean?

Carrier networks are based on one of three technologies: Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), and Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). The TDMA network is currently the largest in the United States, with CDMA close behind. GSM, which is gradually gaining momentum in America, is the standard in Europe and Asia.

Although the American breed of GSM is different than the European and Asian GSM, you can purchase a trimode GSM phone--such as Ericsson's T28 World Phone or Nokia's 8890--that works on GSM networks in America and overseas. That makes GSM a good choice for globetrotters. But beware that GSM may not be the best choice for frequent travelers within the United States because coverage is still spotty. For instance, a GSM phone may currently work well in New York, but in Chicago, service is limited.

Tip: Pick a network that offers the most coverage in the areas where you plan to make the most calls.

4. Does wireless Internet service cost extra?

Usually, but not always. Some service providers offer "basic" Internet plans that give you access to cell-friendly Web sites for free, though you need to buy a Web-enabled phone to use the service. You can get weather updates, stock quotes, sports scores, movie listings, travel information, and even the latest news from CNET. You can also shop right from your phone. Just remember that time you spend surfing the Web costs you in minutes. Also, additional services, such as email and faxing, may cost extra (usually less than $15 for unlimited usage).

The bottom line is that wireless Web services are quickly becoming value-added features for cell phones. Service providers want you to use your phone as much as possible to eat up your included minutes, so anything that will keep you on the phone is in their best interest.

Tip: If you're on the fence about whether you want wireless Web services, you can always buy a Web-enabled phone and choose not to activate the extra services or to activate only the ones that are free. When the price drops for certain services, or they're offered at no cost, you can then sign up for them.

5. Do I have to sign a contract?

No. A handful of service providers--Sprint, for example--don't require you to sign a contract, but the majority of providers do. Most lock you into at least a year's commitment no matter which plan you choose. If you choose to terminate the contract prematurely or to change service providers, you'll have to pay a substantial fee. The good news is that most service providers give you the flexibility of switching to another plan, either to add or to subtract minutes. Also, most carriers let you upgrade or exchange your phone within 30 days of signing up for service.