Studies show that just over 91% of Americans are now using cell phones. But not only are they using them just to talk, they are text messaging and accessing the Internet as well. It is anticipated that within the next two years the remaining 9% will also join in with what was once thought of as a "passing fad." Cell phones are here to stay and are improving with each new model, offering more and more applications to keep us all connected and moving along the internet superhighway as fast as we can. There are three types of plans. Individual, Family, and Prepaid. All plans consist of "minutes" which means the amount of time they talk, text or use any of the thousands of applications available.
People who use their phones regularly are more likely to opt for an Individual plan. A one or two year contract is signed and they are given a set amount of minutes to talk, text or use any other applications attached to their plan. If they do go over their allotted cache of minutes, they are charged a fee and pay for each additional phone call. It can add up fairly quickly, so be certain of what you are getting.
The next plan is a Family plan, which can be used for families or groups of people who want to share minutes. Its seems like an easy fix for a lot of different uses, but be aware whoever purchases the plan (also one or two years contracts) will be responsible for the final bill. Its not as easy as you think to keep track of what everyone's usage will be, and one person may be more delinquent than another. Again, make sure you know which plan is the best for you.
Prepaid plans work best for students and those who prefer not to be tied down to a committed contract. Simply "load" your account with enough money to cover your allotted minutes, and you're good to go. This plan also seems to make sense for those individuals who only use their cell phone periodically or just for emergencies. Keep in mind that when the money is used up, so are your minutes.
Make sure you investigate all the various plans available to you, as each carrier will have their own variation of "special offers" and "deals" to appeal to today's consumer. All plans except prepaid ones require contracts, and breaking them or not paying the bills will only create bad credit on your credit report.
People who use their phones regularly are more likely to opt for an Individual plan. A one or two year contract is signed and they are given a set amount of minutes to talk, text or use any other applications attached to their plan. If they do go over their allotted cache of minutes, they are charged a fee and pay for each additional phone call. It can add up fairly quickly, so be certain of what you are getting.
The next plan is a Family plan, which can be used for families or groups of people who want to share minutes. Its seems like an easy fix for a lot of different uses, but be aware whoever purchases the plan (also one or two years contracts) will be responsible for the final bill. Its not as easy as you think to keep track of what everyone's usage will be, and one person may be more delinquent than another. Again, make sure you know which plan is the best for you.
Prepaid plans work best for students and those who prefer not to be tied down to a committed contract. Simply "load" your account with enough money to cover your allotted minutes, and you're good to go. This plan also seems to make sense for those individuals who only use their cell phone periodically or just for emergencies. Keep in mind that when the money is used up, so are your minutes.
Make sure you investigate all the various plans available to you, as each carrier will have their own variation of "special offers" and "deals" to appeal to today's consumer. All plans except prepaid ones require contracts, and breaking them or not paying the bills will only create bad credit on your credit report.
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Want to find out more about cell phone plans, then visit Gary Blunt's site on how to best compare cell phones for your needs.
