Cell phones are usually a cheaper alternative (and more conveniant) to fixed phone lines. There are more choices as far as service providers, telephones, packages, and deals go.

You have to be careful that you completly understand the package that you are taking however, because you have to sign a contract. There are different durations of contracts - 6 months, 12 months or 24 months. During this period, you cannot change service providers, so be sure you are with a company you trust and like dealing with. You can also choose to pay-as-you-go by buying credit for your phone. You purchase a card (like a calling card) that allows you to charge your phone up to a certain amount of talk time.

Also, the price of the actual phone changes depending on the duration of the package. The longer the contract, the cheaper the phone will be.

Here is a list of some of the providers in Poitiers:

• Orange (France Telecom)
• SFR (Société française de radiocommunication)
• Bouygues Telecom