Cellular phone service is constantly changing, but at OnlineCellstore.com we have found a few truths that remain constant when it comes to getting the best deal on cellular phone service.

Never pay full price for a cell phone.
New cellular phones cost hundreds of dollars, but companies are always willing to subsidize the cost of a phone in exchange for signing up for a service plan. With rebates, you can often even make money.

Don't be afraid of contracts.
The best deals only come when you sign a contract, and every cellular phone service provider has a "grace period," usually 15 to 30 days, during which you can return your phone and cancel your service with no questions asked and no penalties.

Shop beyond the carrier store.
Many shoppers still go to carrier stores for convenience, but it's not unusual to wait an hour just to pay the highest prices on the market. Authorized online agents are paid commissions by the carrier to bring in new customers. These agents sign up more new customers than any carrier retail store because they simplify the credit application process, and often pass on savings in the form of discounted phones. The top deals we feature at OnlineCellstore.com almost always come from carrier authorized agents.

Number portability works.
It's easy to change your cellular phone service and keep your phone number. When this capability was introduced in 2003, there were many horror stories of transitions that took weeks, but those growing pains are over. Today everyone in the U.S. is eligible and the process is automated.

Switching pays.
Cellular Phone companies sometimes provide "upgrade" incentives to customers who renew their contracts, but we've learned over time that the best cellular phone service deals go to people establishing a new account. With rebates, you can often get cash back and make hundreds of dollars by switching.

The "best" network depends on who you are.
The difference between cellular phone service networks is not as big as it used to be. All the major U.S. networks now provide nationwide coverage and digital quality. However, every provider has unique "dead spots." When you first sign up for service, make some quick test calls from your most common travel routes. If there's a signal problem, return your phone and try another carrier.