Before you go in to get a cell phone you're going to need to choose which provider you're going to work with and whether or not you're going to get a contract or do pay-as-you-go. There are some plans that are better for a small business, like a Kitchener auto body shop and those that are more meant for a student who mainly communicates through texting and online sites. Here are some of the things to consider when you're choosing a provider and plan.

In the last few years there have been a few new providers that have started to run operations in Canada. This is after years of just getting to choose between Bell and Rogers when you were looking for a phone as a lawyer in Burlington or something for your children to carry around with them for safety purposes. While Bell, Rogers, and Telus still run most of the providers that you will see when walking around the mall, other options are Cityfone, and Primus. Virgin and Solo are owned by Bell and Fido is owned by Rogers.

You should explore all of the different options available in your area before choosing the provider that is right for you. You might find that with the amount that you travel with your commercial mortgage lending company that you need to work with a company with a large network. Or, if you're really only using your phone in downtown Toronto, where every provider seems to have service, this will not be as much of a concern. You should also think about how often you will be making long distance calls, how you usually communicate on your phone, and what sort of additional services you will need.

Once you have chosen a provider it's time to start looking at the plans that they offer. If you're working as a salesperson for radiation protection and do most of your work using your phone and email than you're likely going to want a Smartphone plan that offers free email services. On the other hand, a stay-at-home mom who just wants a phone to use every once in a while might be better off paying more for the phone and going pay-as-you-go.

When you're signing up for a phone while you're living in Toronto lofts and going to school or as a first phone for a child you should check to see how easy it is to switch your number and plan if you need to down the road. You might find that your phone needs change over time.