Types of Cell Phone Plans
Finding the right cell phone plan is becoming increasingly difficult given the myriad of choices out there. With many different offers and cellphone plans that are packaged together with the latest cellphone models you need to know what is the right plan for you. If you have family members it is prudent to check out the family plans that could save you some money. A good way to start is to determine whether you need a plan just for you, or whether a plan encompassing more than one phone may benefit you more.
Let's look at the various types of cellphone plans available out there:
Individual Plans
Individual plans differs from carrier to carrier, but there are a couple of issues that are generally core to cell phones service: coverage and value. If you need your phone on your trips, you will benefit from looking into what sort of wireless services your carrier offers.
No matter how great the plan seems, it is of absolute no value if you get stranded in an area where your carrier has no service. Roaming charges can be quite substantial. Get an idea of the number minutes you anticipate using during a billing period.
Make sure you choose service that includes enough minutes plus breathing room. Extra charges or "overages" apply once you've talked past your allotted minutes. Many carriers now let you roll over certain minutes from month to month. Find a cell phone carrier with a competitive plan that fits how often and how long you talk.
Find the best cell phone plans for your needs by using Wirefly's wireless wizard.
Family Plans
As with individual plans, family plans can vary by carrier. The two main factors in picking a family's wireless services are shared minutes and network calling. It's pretty essential to find a plan that allows family members to call each other without using up minutes.
This is a great way to use mobile phones as a means of communicating between family members without using up shared minutes. And did you know that plan members don't have to live in the same household. You can set up your aging parents who live nearby or your oldest child who just moved out on her own.
Verizon Wireless family plans, like regular Verizon cell phone plans, have free unlimited IN network calling. Sharing your monthly minutes on one plan saves even more.
How to Choose Your Cell Phone Service Plan
Don't be intimidated by doing some research to help you make your decision regarding cell phones service. Also know that mobile phone carriers are very competitive and want your business. Inquire about what they can do for you. Give them a chance to earn your business.
Take advantage of trial usage periods some providers offer. It is a good way to determine if they can provide the coverage you need and give you flexibility in when and how your minutes are used, along with satisfactory customer service.
If you have no credit or bad credit, cell phones are usually limited to a couple of options:
- Get a Prepaid Cell Phone or a no credit check pay as you go phone
- Put down an expensive deposit before you select your phone and your plan
With prepaid cell phone plans you usually end up paying for overpriced minutes and you're charged for a full minute even if you're on the phone for less than a minute. For an example check out T-mobile's Prepaid Cellphone Plan.
If you put down a deposit for your cell phone plan it will range from $200 to $700 depending on how many phones are on the plan. Keep that in mind before you choose your cellphone plan.
Both of these options can be quite expensive in the long run. If your credit history is less than perfect or you don't have any credit at all be sure you do your research to find the best company.
Even though the economy is down and credit requirements are more strict, it doesn't mean you don't deserve a cell phone. There is an alternative. You'll find companies out there who will give you a cell phone without the hassle of a deposit or the expense of a prepaid cell phone plan. Some of them will even give you a very extensive coverage area with your plan.
The wireless industry is a multi billion dollar industry so it's not like they need more of your money. So if your options are limited be sure you shop around to find the best deal you can find. Don't let slogans like "This is the best deal, you won't find it anywhere else" prevent you from looking around. I promise there is always a better one out there. I know you've heard that you're getting the best deal before so be sure you take the time to research each company and ensure you're going to get the best bang for your buck. Use this tool to compare cell phone plans.
Business Cell Phone Plans
If you intend to use your phone to conduct a business you may have very different needs and requirements with regards to your cell phone usage compared to individual users. You will definately make more calls, and your call durations are going to be longer. More so if you have to travel often. You will, therefore, be on roaming mode frequently. Roaming costs a handsome sum. Besides, in a marketing kind of setup where a lot of people in the same company have to be constantly in touch with each other, it is foolhardy to go in for an individual cell phone plan when a lot of business cell phone plans are available.
As with other plans, the first step toward taking a business cell phone plan is to find out your exact needs. Doing this will ensure that your company save on phone bills. In case of a business cell phone plan for all the employees of the company, it can actually end up saving millions of dollars annually for the company, depending upon the number of employees.
You should first check out the offers from each cell phone company and negotiate with them. Often, though it seems that the business cell phone plan being sold by the corporations are fixed, there is room for negotiation. If a representative of the company sees that you have the potential of generating a lot of money every month, he or she may be willing to forgo a bit of the cellular company's profit to give you a good discount.
In most business cell phone plans there are considerable savings to be had if one orders phones in bulk from the company. This can save thousands of dollars for you, depending on the number of connections required. Regarding the cost of call minutes, one can go in for a commitment of thousands of call minutes with the cell phone operator. This will save money in the long term because the cell phone company will offer a discounted rate. Then there are also the roaming charges to contend with. Business people who travel often will need to be on roaming a lot. Having a good plan for roaming will also ensure significant savings. Take a look at AT&T's Business Cell Phone Plan.