There are three different type of devices that are common to all four major cell phone carriers:
Smartphones: These are phones that have their own operating system, and may appear on all the carrier's equipment lists. Examples would include: iPhone, Blackberrys, Windows Mobile, Android, or Symbian operating systems.
Enhanced Media phones: These cell phones will support email, html compliant browsing, and offer limited applications. Often, they have full keyboard access (either a physical or virtual keyboard) but work on the carrier's software.
Phone First phones: These are basic flip or candy bar style phones that have a basic 12 key format, with limited web browsing.
These are just general guidelines, and at times the line between each segment can become a little blurry. When in doubt, ask what the requirements are on the specific phone. Don't expect them to be up front about it, as times your helpful salesperson will 'forget' to mention it. Now that we understand a bit more of the cell phone designations, let's look at each provider.
Verizon:
Requirement for smartphones is the addon of a 29.99 data package minimum, which includes email and web, plus network aware application downloads. Enhanced media phones have just been introduced with a minimum of 9.99 for 25MB worth of data.
AT&T:
Smartphones require a 30.00 data plan, with no data requirement for enhanced media phones.
T-Mobile:
Smartphones require a 24.99 data plan (34.99 gives you unlimited data and text). The BlackBerry Flip is considered an enhanced media phones, which means it requires a minimum of a 14.99 unlimited texting plan.
Sprint:
Sprint works a little differently, with Blackberrys and Windows Mobile phones requiring a 30 data plan. Enhanced media phones require a simply everything plan which starts at 69.99 with minutes, text, and data.
Plan your next upgrade or new line accordingly, as the least expensive data plan will cost you 240 during the life of your contract. However, this can be money worth spending, especially if it gives you access to the features that make it the perfect cell phone for you.
