While choosing a SIM card There are several things to take care of. From the network availability to the cost of the recharge plans, everything should be taken into consideration before going for any SIM card network. I have seen several people who purchase a SIM card just because there is a certain offer valid for a certain period. After that ported to another network because the SIM card provider stops providing the offers there used to before.
So this is not how you should choose a SIM card. A SIM card is not something that can be used to avail a certain offer for a certain period of time. At least if you are keeping it as your primary phone number, you should consider these things.
1. Choose a SIM Card Type
The first thing you have to do based on your device model and type is to choose a SIM card that is compatible with it. There are several types of SIM cards available such as a full-size SIM card, nano-SIM card, micro SIM card, etc. The SIM cards are also classified based on the subscription type. You can either go for a prepaid SIM or a postpaid SIM based on your preference. You can read our article on the difference between a prepaid SIM and a postpaid SIM. As most of the modern SIM card providers deliver almost any kind of SIM card type, most probably you shouldn’t be worrying about this. However, it is always a good idea to make sure.
2. Network Coverage
Network coverage is probably one of the most important things that you should be considering when going for any SIM card network. Even though the signal is strong in crowded cities and well-known areas, it may not be the case in rural areas. So it is a good idea to make sure that your area has enough coverage. The easiest way to do that is is approaching anyone else using that specific SIM card network and asking them about the connection speeds they are getting.
Certain SIM card providers provide a much better internet service than the voice. Some others provide better voice than the internet. So it is up to you to decide which one to go for based on your usage requirements. If you prefer better voice quality over the internet, you may go with a service such as Vodafone Idea that provides better voice services. If you prefer internet services, you can choose Jio.
3. Pricing of the Plans
I remember when they charged INR. 198 for just 1GB of internet for 30 days. After the arrival of Reliance Jio, the companies were forced to reduce their internet charges in order to exist. After the arrival of Jio, most of the Indian SIM card providers have seen a great downfall in their sales and revenue. So this is a perfect example of how affordability can attract users. We all love affordable recharge plans both for voice and internet.
So as a customer, you should also consider SIM card providers that provide affordable internet and voice services. You should do your own research by visiting their website and browsing through their plans in order to make sure that you can afford them. A great affordable SIM card provider is, of course, Reliance Jio. They provide free voice calls with almost all of their 4G plans so that you do not have to pay extra for it. Almost all Indian telecommunication brands followed their footpaths, or should I say forced to do so.
You can also reach out to the customers of the certain SIM card provider that you planned to subscribe to and ask them if the plans are affordable. You should keep in mind that there is both validity and talk time plans available. You won’t be able to use your talk time without validity. So just don’t blindly go for the numbers, be sure to read the details as well.
4. The trustworthiness of the Provider
Just like in any other field, trustworthiness is a crucial factor in attracting customers. So as a customer you should also trust companies that have been providing services for a while and well known for it. I am not saying every single new company is a bad choice. However, it is better to stick to companies that are known to provide better services especially if you want to enjoy uninterrupted voice and internet services. And at a later time, if you find some other services are better than them, you can always port to them.
5. Other features such as International calls
If you are someone who owns a business and wants to make international phone calls every once in a while, or you have your friends and relatives abroad, you should make sure that your SIM card provider supports it. Most of the modern SIM card providers support roaming and will let you make calls outside their operating zone. But it is always important to check it yourself before purchasing a SIM card.