Category: Cell Phones

By Susan

US* cellular plans come in all shapes and sizes, so making a decision may seem like a daunting task, especially since all providers seem to be offering the best deals right now. With this guide for US mobile phone users, you will learn about the most important “must haves” of cellular plans when selecting your mobile plan.

Click here to compare the best cellular plans in the US and save hundreds every year. Some plans include a free phone as well.

Pre-paid plans

If you are the kind of person that does not like feeling tied down, you will find that pre-paid plans work best for you. You will have to pay higher rates for your minutes than what you would normally have to pay on post-paid plans, but you will pay all the cash up-front and not have to worry about not being able to pay your mobile phone bill at the end of the month. US mobile phone users can use this up-front method of paying for their calls to make sure that they only pay for the calls they make.

Post-paid plans

These are US cellular plans that work best for those that do not want to charge their credit each time they run out of minutes. With these plans, mobile phone users can talk on the phone for as much as they want, and they are charged at the end of the month, when the carriers send out the bills.

This method can be interpreted like a credit line, offered for users, to talk on the phone as the need arises, and charge them only after a month for their calls. A standard plan cost is usually applied, and extra calls are charged accordingly.

Cap plans

A guide for US mobile phone users would be incomplete without cap plans. These plans are not actually capped at a certain amount of minutes or calls. What they do is to offer a number of minutes each month for a much more convenient price than what paying for each minute would amount to, and charging extra only for the minutes used that go over what is being offered.

Many US cellular plans are cap plans, with plenty of minutes and other features included, and they are generally preferred by users.

How to choose a cap plan

Cap plans also come in various forms, and knowing how to choose the one that suits your needs and preferences best is important.

For instance, going for a lower priced cap plan also means that you will pay slightly higher prices per minute on the phone. Since you will be charged extra for any minutes exceeding the original plan, you need to do the math and see if it is worth upgrading your cap plan to the next level, in order to cover all your phone talking needs and pay a cheaper price.

Certain US cellular plans also include free phones, as an incentive for more people to join. Depending on your needs and preferences, a guide for US mobile phone users should point a plan that can satisfy all your talking needs and provide you with useful extra features, so that your money is put to good use.

Click here to compare the best cellular plans in the US and save hundreds every year. Some plans include a free phone as well.

*US = United States

By Susan

Paying for individual cell phone plans for each member of your family can lead to a serious dent in your monthly budget. Instead of paying for every family member’s individual bills, how about unifying them under just one single, cheaper bill? Mobile plans for family members are your savior, as they offer great features and a reduced cost when gathering the entire family under the same umbrella for mobile phone services. Here are the most important features to look for in such plans.

Click here to compare the best mobile plans for family members and save hundreds every year. Some plans include a free cell phone as well.

Unlimited calls from mobile to mobile

You will need to be able to talk to people other than your own family using the same plan, so you do not have to pay extra on a different phone with a different plan. The best mobile plans for family members available on the market include unlimited mobile to mobile calling, which means that you can talk to people outside your family without losing minutes from your plan.

Unlimited night calling

Another great feature to find in mobile plans for families is unlimited night calling. Usually, the duration for unlimited talking starts at 9 p.m. and ends at 6 a.m. (both hours calculated for the local time), and weekends are also included as a bonus. Again, this feature does not affect the pool of minutes you have at your disposal for talking to your family.

Free minutes pool for family members

This is, of course, the essence of a mobile plan for family members. When you start comparing various plans for families, take into account how many minutes are included for the unified bill you will have to pay. Calculating the price per minute you actually pay, based on the standard bill will give you a clear idea as to which plan is best.

Also, you should compare plans by taking into consideration how many family members you can include with the plan. A maximum number of five phones on the same plan is usually allowed.

Rollover plan

Chances are that your family members will not be able to consume all the free minutes included in the mobile family plan, which may make you feel like you are wasting some of the minutes. However there are mobile plans on the market that come with a rollover feature, that allow you to transfer the free minutes left unconsumed from one month to another. This can be particularly handy during holidays and celebrations, when your family may talk on the phone more than usual.

Free phones

Last, but not least, the best mobile plans for family members are those that come in the same package with free phones. Different companies offer different phones for free, so depending on the preference you or your family members may have, you can choose a carrier that provides the brand you like.

Mobile plans for family members can save you a great deal of money. If they also provide free cell phones, unlimited calling at night and weekends, as well as unlimited mobile to mobile calling, all at a decent price, you will get a very nice deal.

Click here to compare the best mobile plans for family members and save hundreds every year. Some plans include a free cell phone as well.

By Susan

No contract cell phones are popular in today’s society. With these phones, you are able to enjoy several features of a contract cell phone without the hassle of a monthly bill. These cell phones are generally more expensive than contract phones. The reason for this being is because these phones are not on a contract and the services that are provided to you will be on a day-to-day basis.

Click here to compare no contract cell phones (prepaid phones), including plans that offer free phones

Terms and conditions

The terms and conditions of prepaid phones are a little different from contract phones. Since prepaid phones offer a little more freedom with payment options and coverage plans, there are a few factors that you will want to keep in mind. If the primary person who will be using the phone is thirteen years of age or younger, some prepaid wireless providers require the parent or guardian to sign for the phone and service. You will need to make sure that you keep up with the terms and conditions, as they can change at a moment’s notice.

Features

Many people are fond of prepaid phones because of the flexibility that is available with payment and rates.  Many prepaid phones have some of the same features that a contract phone does. The only difference here is that the rate plans that are available will be a lot cheaper than the plans and rates of a contract plan. The most popular features that are associated with prepaid phones are:

• Text messaging
• Data
• Email
• Unlimited Calling

Available rates

Prepaid plans and phones are a lot more affordable than those of a contract phone and plan.  Prepaid providers have plans set in place that will be the most convenient for you.  As far as these plans are concerned, you can choose to pay anywhere from a few cents a day to a few dollars.

Depending on what you need or what you would like, one of these plans may fit into your schedule and budget perfectly.

Payment plans

Not too many people concern themselves with the payment plans of prepaid phones.  Since payment plans are flexible, you have several options that are available to you. Like contract phones, auto-pay is a feature that prepaid cell phones have. This is a feature when you will not have to worry about your minutes running out.  When your balance gets low or runs out, your debit or credit card will be charged a certain amount of money to replace the minutes that have been used and to keep your cell phone service active.  All you need to do is provide your credit or debit card information on your account and select the auto-pay feature.

Click here to compare no contract cell phones (prepaid phones), including plans that offer free phones

By Susan

In order to find the best cell phone offers, look for the basics:

• Data
• Text
• Minutes

There are several more advanced features that you will be able to choose from, but starting with the basics will give you a general idea about a few plans and cell phone offers that you will benefit from the most.

Click here to compare the best cell phone offers, including those that offer free phones

Current Carrier

When you are comparing cell phone offers, take a good look at your present carrier. If you are pleased with the cell phone and wireless plan that you already have, try to find a phone that is similar. If you are able to find the phone that you would like to have, make sure that you are able to find a plan that you are able to afford.

Prices

Price will always play a major role when you are selecting the best cell phone offers and plans. Keep in mind that short term deals will probably be lot lower in terms of price when it is compared to your current bill. Even though you may be able to afford the special phone deal now, ask yourself if you will be able to afford the phone and its plan after the deal has expired.

Minutes

Use your phone for emergencies and other urgent instances, chances are that you will not need an unlimited plan. If you currently have a plan that runs by minutes, you may want to find another phone that uses minutes as well. The amount of minutes that you use each month will determine which type of cell phone deal you should choose. Unlimited minutes deals are great for some individuals but could be money burners for others.

Features

There are certain features that you may or may not benefit from. Consider the current features that you have and ask yourself are you satisfied with what you have. If you feel that you need more or less features, select a cell phone offer that has exactly what you need. Keep in mind that the more number of features you need, the start-up and monthly price will increase.

Active Lines

There are several cell phone deals that are associated with family plans. Depending on the number of active lines that you need, you may qualify for several money-saving cell phone offers.  Most family plans have at least four active lines.  Some wireless carriers require you to have a certain number of active lines before they qualify you for a family plan and other special deals.

Text Messaging

Contrary to popular belief, not everyone has a need for the text messaging feature. In the event that you do not, you can save money, but you may not be able to qualify for certain cell phone offers. Most offers come as a package and text messaging is usually a feature within the package.

Web and e-mail

These are also popular features, but not everyone has a need for them. If you conduct a lot of business using your phone, it may be best if you select an offer that has these features. The features, like text messaging are also featured in several different cell phone offer packages.

Click here to compare the best cell phone offers, including those that offer free phones

By Susan

Cell phone family plans are one way to save money on a year-to-year basis. Many people make the mistake of only looking at the numbers instead of viewing the bigger picture. When family plans are compared to individual plans, true facts emerge.

If you are trying to get cell phones for your family members, cell phone family plans are the best way to go. With these family plans, you will be able to save a lot of money.  Even when you purchase a high performance phone, you will still be able to save money.

Click here to compare cell phone family plans. Select plans include a free phone as well.

Just about every wireless phone provider offers family plans. These plans are set in place to get more benefits and services for the money that you will be paying. At first glance, the prices may seem unreasonable, but once you consider all of the benefits and services that you receive, it’s truly a great deal.

Restrictions

In the event that you need to set restrictions for certain wireless phone lines, you will be able to do so.  Most parents take advantage of the restriction future to limit their child’s access to the wireless phone’s applications. If average protection is not set in place, the minutes on the plan can be used by the child, along with several other features. Since most family plans share minutes and data, it will be extremely easy to go over the set amount of minutes or data allowance that the phone has.

With the restrictions feature, the primary account holder will be able to set restrictions for any active wireless line. In the event that one or more lines is for a child, restrictions can be set in place. When the restrictions feature is active, the use of the restricted phone line may not be able to access the Internet once a certain amount of usage has been reached or minutes may be restricted.

The restrictions feature is a great idea to make sure that you do not get billed any overage fees and end up paying extra money. This feature is usually available with wireless family contract plans and not prepaid plans.

Prepaid Services

Prepaid wireless services also have family plans. This is yet another way that you will be able to save money. Most prepaid plans that are offered are cheaper than most wireless contract plans. A lot of families choose prepaid wireless family plans because there are not any overages.  Once you use the minutes on your plan, they are gone.  You do not have to concern yourself with going over minutes and data coverage. Prepaid wireless providers usually carry popular phones as the wireless contract carriers do. The phone may be more expensive because these phones will not be activated over a contract.  When the phones are activated over a contract, there are several deals and bonuses that are set in place that decrease the total amount of the phone because the pone is activated on a two-year contract plan.

With prepaid wireless family plans, you may be able to use a phone that you already have. If you choose to do this, you will have to flash all of your services and features over to your new phone. Make sure that you transfer pictures and music from your phone and removable storage because all of your information and data will be erased.

Click here to compare cell phone family plans. Select plans include a free phone as well.

By Susan

Cell phone plans can become expensive and have several hidden fees.  One way that people save money with wireless plans is by getting a family prepaid cell phone plan. Sometimes, more is actually better.  There are three primary ways prepaid family cell phone plans are able to save you money. When people sign up for prepaid services, they want to know how much money they will be able to save and when they will be able to begin saving money. Prepaid phones were designed to help people save money and provide several other benefits that wireless contract do not offer.

Click here to compare family prepaid cell phone plans. Some plans include a free cell phone as well.

Phones

There are several different phones that are available with prepaid family cell phone plans. Unlike contract phones, some models cost less money and are capable of working just as well as contract phones. As a matter of fact, some prepaid phone have more features than contract phones.

Plans

Family prepaid cell phone plans is where you will be able to save the most money. Aside from prepaid plans being more convenient, they are also affordable. Prepaid plans offer the same plans that wireless contract providers offer, but they have several other plans that may be beneficial.

• Pay as you go. This plan allows you to pay for phone service as you need to use it.  Many wireless providers have rates as low as a few cents.  Some wireless providers offer features such as text messaging, data, and minutes for a small fee each day that you use the phone (unlimited).
• Monthly plans. This plan is paid by the month like contract cell phones.  The difference between a contract and prepaid phone is the price. Many family plans that are on a contract will cost more than $150. A prepaid family plan can cost much less than that. The total price for the family plan will depend upon how many active phone lines you require and the type of phones that you will be purchasing for each active line.

Features

Family prepaid cell phone plans have many of the same features that wireless contract plans do. Many prepaid plans offer text messaging, data, minutes and several other popular features. Prepaid plans give you a break, unlike wireless contract plans.  As far as prepaid plans are concerned, you will only have to pay for your plan on the days that you use the services.  When it comes to a wireless contract, you will have to pay for every day that your contract is active, whether or not you use all of the features of the plan.

Another feature that prepaid plans have that contract plans do not have is the pick up where you left off feature. With this feature, if your plan runs out, meaning that you do not have enough daily or monthly fee, all you have to do is add minutes to your account again when you are ready. If you service is deactivated during a contract plan, you will have to pay your outstanding bill plus the other fees that are associated with the contract’s terms and conditions. Some wireless providers will charge another reactivation fee.

Click here to compare family prepaid cell phone plans. Some plans include a free cell phone as well.

By Susan

There are several different ways that you can approach cell phone plan comparison. Some methods are better to use than others, but this information will depend on what you are looking for. Prepaid mobile plans are a lot different than contract phone plans, so there are a few factors that need to be acknowledged with prepaid plans that you would not have worry about with contract plans.

Click here to compare prepaid mobile phone plans

Price

The price of prepaid mobile plans are a little different than contract plans. Depending on the services and features that you require, you could save money or end up spending more money. The phone plays a major role in the price that you will be paying for a prepaid plan. The phones that are top-of-the-line and very popular will cost a lot more, simply because these phone will not be put on a contract. The more features you demand, the more money you will end up spending at least as far as the phone itself is concerned.

That said, some prepaid mobile phone plans could cost you as little as a few cents a day — yes!

Coverage

The coverage that is available with prepaid mobile phone plans may vary from carrier to carrier but should be at par with contract phones. With some prepaid plans, you will have to pay for extra coverage. There are several wireless prepaid plan providers that have great reception in several different places, but there are some places that you may travel to where you have no reception at all.  This is what is known as a dead zone. While you are in the dead zone, you will not be able to send or receive calls or texts.  If any texts are sent, you will be able to retrieve them once you have left the dead zone area. You will not be notified of any missed calls unless a voicemail has been left.  Some wireless prepaid phone service providers offer international coverage for a flat rate each month.

Plan features

Plan features are an additional component that merit consideration when you compare prepaid mobile phone plans because this is yet another basis that you can use to find exactly what you need. There is no purpose of purchasing a phone if you are not able to use it and all of its features. There are several features that are associated with prepaid mobile plans. Most people use prepaid phones because they are a lot easier to manage than a contract version. A few prepaid mobile plan features include:

• Unlimited texting
• Unlimited voice calling
• Free nights and weekend minutes
• Mobile to mobile
• Unlimited data
• Free calling in the U.S.

Each of these features may benefit you greatly.  When you are comparing prepaid plans, make sure that you acknowledge each of these features. There may be more features that are associated with certain prepaid plans, but these features are the basics and should be considered first.

A lot of people decide to purchase unlimited prepaid plans so they will not have to worry about exceeding the minutes on their plan and having to pay extra money as a result. Prepaid plans come in both versions — per minute purchase plans and unlimited, flat rate plans as well.

Click here to compare prepaid mobile phone plans

Service Provider

A lot of people make the mistake of selecting the most popular service provider. Just because a wireless provider is popular does not mean that they will be able to do you any justice. When you are choosing a service provider, the provider needs to meet most of your needs and requirements. Keep in mind that every service provider will not have all of the features and services that you require.

Click here to compare cellular phone plans, including plans that offer a free phone

The phone itself

Some people can’t wait to get the newest, flashiest phone that just hit the shelves. This is a mistake because a new phone will have a lot of bugs and other issues that will need to be fixed. As one of the first people to purchase the new phone, you may be like being a “guinea pig” for phone testing. The first users will be the ones who provide the rates and reviews and other specifics for the manufacturer. It is better to wait at least two to three weeks before you purchase a new model phone, so that you will be able to have a better experience with the phone.

By this time, other people who have purchased a new phone will have written reviews and given the phone an overall rating. Also during this time, the manufacturers will be able to fix a few issues that the phone may have.

Features and other cool “wish list” items

Features can be a good and a bad thing. If you don’t pay attention to the features that are and are not available, you could be paying more money than you intended to. A lot of wireless providers trick you into purchasing a plan that doesn’t suit your needs. If you buy into this particular plan, you will be stuck paying a ridiculous amount of money for a plan that doesn’t really benefit you. More bad news is that if you try to break the wireless contract, you may be subjected to penalties and other fees.

Battery life hoarders

Battery life is one detail that not too many people take into consideration, which is yet another mistake.  A lot of people invest in the coolest phone that has several different apps, features and services. Each of these details are great for entertainment, but terrible for battery life. Unless you keep your phone plugged in and charging everywhere you go, all of the apps, services and other features that are available will kill your battery life.

Ouch! price

The price is one of those factors that many people are aware of, but don’t mind overlooking it for an item that they want. If you are thinking of purchasing a new model phone, you could be paying some serious cash, but if you are looking for a simple but decent phone, you may be able to find several phones that are priced reasonably. Several people get caught up in the hype of a new, glamorous phone, not realizing how much money that they are actually paying and what they are paying for. Whether you have mega millions to spend or are on a strict budget, you need to know where your money goes and what you are paying for.

Click here to compare cellular phone plans, including plans that offer a free phone

By Susan

When you want to compare cell phone packages, the wireless plans that are offered should be considered first. The plan itself is the most essential and basic feature due to the fact that it dictates all aspects of your cell phone use, from minutes to data consumption. Most of the time, the plan you choose will determine the types of phones that are available to you as well. Some plans include smartphones, while others don’t.

Click here to compare cell phone packages from top wireless carriers

As far as wireless plans are concerned, there are three primary plans that are available.  These include:

• No contract plans
• Single line plans
• Family plans

Contracts

Whether you are on a single or a family plan, you may have to sign a contract unless you opt for the prepaid (no contract) option — technically, there is a contract but it is not long term (month-to-month).  If you decide that you don’t want to be bothered with the hassle of a contract, you have the option of a no contract plan. The no contract plan is often referred to as a prepaid plan as it is one that requires you to make a payment in advance.

As far as family and individual contract plans are concerned, you will more than likely have to sign a one- or two-year contract. Before you sign and finalize your wireless agreement, make sure that you have all the features and services that you need. Making changes to your plan during the contract period could result in you having to pay more money, when this instance could have been avoided in the first place.

When you decide to obtain a wireless contract, make sure that you pay close attention to the minutes, data, and text messaging services that are available. A set monthly limit kicks in for each of these features, unless you decide to pay extra for unlimited features and services.

Carriers

The carrier that you select also plays an important role when you are comparing cell phone packages.  Contrary to popular belief, the carrier that you select can benefit you greatly or set you back by several hundred dollars every year. There may be several different carriers available in your area, so choosing one may become a difficult task. When it comes to selecting carriers, the best way to choose one is to look at the coverage that the wireless carrier offers.

When you are checking the coverage that is available, look at the places where you travel frequently and see if you have coverage there. Needless to say, the more coverage that is available, the better off you will be.

Price

The price of the entire plan package is what most people concern themselves with most. The price is yet another essential factor that needs to be considered. The starting price may or may not be more than the monthly bill. If you decide to go with the prepaid plan, the only thing that you have to do is refill your account in order to add more minutes to your account. In the event that you have chosen a contract plan, the price is important because you need to make sure that your bill is paid on time. If you miss payments and your wireless service is deactivated, it will affect your credit score. You may also have a more difficult time obtaining wireless service in the future.

Perks

You may receive discounts on the price of the phone, the cell phone package itself, or both. If your credit is good, you may qualify to have your wireless service activated without having to pay the activation fee as well. Although this benefit may vary from carrier to carrier. In addition to waiving the activation fee, some cell phone packages include other benefits such as extra minutes, unlimited plans, steep discounts, and other perks, some of which may be limited to the introductory period.

Click here to compare cell phone packages from top wireless carriers