New cell phones cost hundreds of dollars, but companies are always willing to subsidize the cost of a new cell 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 cell phone service provider has a "grace period," usually 15 to 30 days, during which you can return your new cell 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 phone prices. The top deals we feature at Point.com almost always come from carrier authorized agents.

Number portability works.

It's easy to change your cell phone service provider 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.

Cell phone companies sometimes provide "upgrade" incentives to customers who renew their contracts, but we've learned that the best cell 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 to a new cell phone service provider.

The "best" network depends on where you are.

The difference between cell phone service networks is not as great 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." If you're considering a new cell phone service provider, ask friends with different cell phone providers over to your house and see who has the strongest signal. When you first sign up for service, make some quick test calls from along your most common travel routes. If there's a signal problem, return your phone and try another carrier.