Start With the Big Four and Compare Cell Phone Providers
In reality, there are four major cellular phone and wireless companies that you should consider for your wireless service needs. Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile, Sprint and AT&T are the big four who own the vast majority of the cellular phone market. Each is jealous of losing customers, so they now all require two year contracts for people to sign on with them (the days of no contract with Sprint PCS are now long gone).
Make a list of the features and uses you need out of your phone and then compare cell phone providers so that you can determine which one will work best for you.