Cell Phone Plans - Choices Abound!

The Future Is Flexible

Gone are the days when the only way you could afford a cell phone was to buy into a lengthy cell phone plan. In those early days, a cell phone plan included a seemingly ironclad contract that lasted a minimum of three years. There simply were no choices. If you wanted a cell phone you had to buy the phone and commit to being tied to a contract; like it or lump it.

Thankfully those days are over and today because of the number of service providers, choices abound! Today's cell phone plans are designed with the consumer and their multitude of choices in mind. The wireless customer can choose an affordable cell phone with many choices and combinations of cell phone plans. That's the good news! There is bad news though, with the large volume of information available today, where does a person start to look and how do they decide what to choose?

Choices, Choices, Choices

That's the reason for this article. My goal is to help guide you through the myriad of choices that are available and to introduce you to the world of prepaid cell phones, family plans and shared plans for multiple cell phones. I'll be giving you some suggestions on how to match the best cell phone plan for you and your lifestyle. I'll also be giving you an idea where to find some ratings and reviews.

There are a few things to consider when making a decision. Once that's done you can look into the various reviews on what's currently available. Some internet sites provide ratings for the cell phone plans they advertise and are always striving to inform the customer about their newest offerings and hottest deals.

Decision Helpers

* Hardware & Software.

* What's Available?

* The prepaid cell phone - Diamonds & Dust.

* Contracts - Bundles of Bargains.

* Companies you can count on.

* What's your style?

Hardware And Software

The Hardware

When it all comes down to it, isn't it all about the phone? This is primarily one of the first of the decision making factors because it determines what kind of phone you'll get. This is especially true when you are looking at what can be a very expensive purchase.

Almost every cell phone company provides the most simple or the most complex cell phones with their prepaid cell phone packages. Companies such as Verizon, Cricket, and Nextel all offer easy consumer friendly "pay as you go" options.

If you chose a contract, there seems to be a formula but some companies have very enticing offers especially if you are changing service providers. The basic rule of thumb seems to be:

1. $50.00 price reduction for a one year contract.

2. $100.00 price reduction for a two year contract.

3. $150.00 price reduction for a three year contract.

As mentioned above some service providers offer up to a 75% discounted price for a top of the line cell phone in exchange for a three year contract. As a particularly good salesman told me "you can always get out of a contract these days, you just have to pay it out". Because the cell phones offered by most service providers are top of the line items from Motorola and Nokia and the contract is so consumer friendly it will be easy for you to stick with a contract for three years.

The Software

The service provider is the most important software factor when choosing between a prepaid cell phone and cell phone plan contract. This is an important issue because even the best phone is only as good as its signal.

Buyers beware however; some service providers' piggyback on top of more established lines. If it's a case of first come; first serve and your service provider piggybacks, you could be the first one off. This results in dropped calls and unreliable air space. Not a good outcome to your purchase. So do your research diligently.

What's Available?

Because it's all about the phone, ask yourself the following questions. What kind of phone do you want? Do you want one that is bare bones or one that has it all? Does the cell phone company or service provider offer a phone that comes with family or shared plans? If you chose a family plan, are both phones equally efficient? Do you want a cell phone that doubles as a palm pilot or camera?

All these questions will determine where you want to look when making your choice between a contract and a prepaid cell phone plan. There may be some features that you can live without. Knowing this upfront will help you determine what is best for you. There are numerous websites that provide ratings and reviews of what is currently available. Surf the web and research Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, Nextel, Cricket and Cingular.

The most popular plans these days are shared plans or family plans. Family plans are useful to the small business because each employee can have a cell phone and the company receives just one invoice. This is a good way of keeping track of communication expenses. This applies to a small business but one invoice is a good way to monitor family budgets as well.

Prepaid Cell Phones...Diamonds & Dust

Diamonds

* Prepaid minutes can be less expensive than contract minutes.

* No Credit checks, no hassles!

* No monthly bill, you've paid upfront.

* No service fees.

Dust

* Extras costs more, long distance and roaming fees can be very expensive.

* Not all services are included, you may not be able to surf the web.

* Your phone only works in analog areas (quite common in more remote areas).

* Prepaid minutes can be more expensive on a minute by minute basis. Read the fine print.

Contracts - Bundles Of Bargains

The most attractive feature about cell phone contracts is the bundle concept. There are numerous cell phone plans to make it easy for you to adhere to a contract and get a bundle of great deals. You can get special "add ons" like three way calling and call display. You can purchase a relatively nice cell phone at a reasonable price. As mentioned above contracts are not the iron clad document they used to be. If need be you can get released from them and you do get nicer phones!

Companies You Can Count On

Tried & True

There are so many cell phone companies and service providers these days, who can you, count on? For the best hardware (the phone) and the best software (airtime and air quality), you could choose cell phone companies that have been in the communication business for a long time. Verizon is one of these companies. They have a long standing tradition of superior customer service and product dependability. AT&T is also a long established communications company with impeccable standards.

Up & Coming

There are also some new cell phone companies and service providers who are making a good name for themselves because of the attention to quality as well. Check out new companies such as Nextel (a proud sponsor of NASCAR), T-Mobile, Cingular and Cricket.

There are reviews you can read about the latest and newest technology about all of the above companies so go to each company's websites and check out how their phones rate against each other.

What's Your Style?

Truly today, it is all about you and your unique lifestyle. This is the most important decision making factor of all. You know what you need in a cell phone plan. The key is finding the best one that will serve your needs best. Don't be intimidated or overwhelmed by the number of choices out there. Just keep in mind; it's all about your unique communication needs. Read these two short scenarios. They will help to show you what could be right for you.

Your job takes you all over the world. Your friends have a hard time keeping track of you because you are always on the move. You pay your bills on the internet and phone your family periodically just to let them know you're "OK".

OR

You're still in school and living at home. Your parents want you to keep in touch but you're sick of pay phones. Borrowing your friend's cell phone is getting old but you still need to check in.

The first scenario indicates that a prepaid cell phone would suit your lifestyle well. Make sure you prepay your minutes and avoid those pricey extra airtime costs. Use an international company such as AT&T so that you receive global coverage.

The second scenario indicates that your family needs a shared plan like the family plans currently available. Surf the web and research companies like Verizon and AT&T.

The Bottom Line - Choices Do Abound!

So there you have it, the future is flexible and choices do abound. I hope you have found this article helpful as you make that choice between a prepaid cell phone and a cell phone contract. Keep in touch!

© 2005 http://www.cell-phone-n-plans.com

About the Author
Lillian Fuller is a talented and successful freelance writer for hire providing tips and advice for consumers about cellular phone plans including prepaid phone plans, family cell phone plans and shared cellular plans. Her numerous articles offer valuable insight and informative views on many different topics.

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

Buying A Cell Phone - Making Smart Choices

Whether you're buying your first cell phone, upgrading to a newer one or contemplating a new cell phone plan, it's a good idea to thoroughly research your purchase. There are a multitude of companies, cell phone plans and rates available. You can pick from family plans, prepaid time cards, and plans tailored to your specific needs. The list, like the beat, goes on. The purpose of this article is to help guide you through the large amount of choices. This article includes some suggestions to help you decide which cell phone and cell phone plan is right for you.

One of the things to consider when looking for a new cell phone is what cell phone accessories you need and want. It's also wise to acquaint yourself with some websites that rate and review cell phones and cell phone accessories. Cell phone companies such as Nokia, Motorola and LG provide easy to use quiz's to help determine what cell phone is right for your busy lifestyle. Because you are busy, I have done a little homework for you and have come up with some ideas to help you make the right choice when buying a new cell phone.

There are a few factors to consider when buying or upgrading your phone. Part of what you want to look for in a cell phone is what rates are available if you are buying more than one phone. Many cell phone companies are currently offering "family plans" which make owning more than one phone very attractive.

The following are some guidelines to consider when researching a cell phone and cell phone plans purchase:

1. Economy

Advances in technology have revolutionized the communications industry. This technology has introduced the world to digital cameras and has also revolutionized the world of cell phones. This technology has enabled a cell phone to act as a camera and in some cases to fit in the palm of your hand. This is why the sky is the limit in the cases of some cell phone prices. You can pay as much as you like for all the internal options that a cell phone is equipped with. To further drive up the cost of your cell phone purchase, there are numerous cell phone accessories that are essential to the safe operation of the unit and some which are simply frills.

If funds are limited but you still need a reasonably good phone and corresponding cell phone plan, there are companies that provide cell phones free of charge with the purchase of a phone plan. These plans were previously called contracts and most of them were fairly long term (at least 3 years). This is no longer the case. Many companies like Verizon, T-Mobile and Nextel will provide a phone for free and won't insist on a lengthy commitment.

Some Options To Consider:

Prepaid Cell Phones - Are they right for you?

If you are considering a prepaid cell phone, it is a good idea to ask yourself how often will you be using the phone. A prepaid cell phone can be more expensive than a regular monthly rate and contain hidden charges and restrictions. If you need a cell phone simply for occasional use, a prepaid cell phone is probably a good choice.

Family Plans - You Control who pays the bill.

Many companies are offering "Family Plans". This is making owning a cell phone even more economical. These cell phone plans allow the owner to provide a family member or in the case of small business, an employee, a cell phone. The principal owner of the plan pays for the air-time (at a discounted rate) and long distance. Using a family plan for a small business is a great way to keep track of cell phone expenditures and keeping the telephone budget low.

Cell Phone Accessories - The costs add up!

When something shows up on the market, you want it...now! In the marketing world, you are known as an "Early Adopter" and Early Adopters always pay more. Communications companies love you! You are ultimately their test market to find out what consumers are willing to pay for the newest features and latest gadgets available as cell phone accessories. There are numerous pages on the World Wide Web of cell phone accessories. Numerous pages; so where to look? Start with Verizon or T-Mobile as they provide stylish phones free of charge. These cell phones come with many accessories included in the start up cost. If economy is an issue with you, stick with the basics. You will only need to buy the following items:

* Handsfree Car Headset

* Battery Charger

It isn't a very sexy list but if economy is important to you then that is really all you need. BUT if economy isn't number one on your list of what to look for in a cell phone, read on.

2. The Latest And Greatest - Can You Say "E A R L Y A D O P T E R?"

If you want the latest in technology, be prepared to pay for it. A minimum of $200.00 will buy only the most basic of cell phones. In the case of pricing for cell phones and cell phone accessories the sky truly is the limit. Nokia, Motorola, LG, Ericsson and Kyocera provide an established name in cell phone technology and they also provide cutting edge features in their repertoire of cell phone offerings. Check out their web sites for the latest and greatest in cell phone offerings.

3. Style - Looking Good For A Price

Many companies include face plates as a catchy cell phone accessory. You can wear your heart or your favorite sports team on your sleeve. Motorola, for example carries a cell phone face plate that features a major league hockey team. You can even pick up a purse to carry your cell phone to the most elegant occasions. Check out these "must have" little numbers on the Motorola site or one of the many other sites on the internet selling these aftermarket accessories. If you love color and need to match your cell phone to your Mercedes that is possible too!

Would you like something a little different? A cell mate is the thing to have. This cell phone accessory allows you to dress your cell phone. This item was adopted by Ashley Judd who is reported to have many different plush covers for her cell phones. These items are available from a limited number of cell phone companies and other manufacturers. Type your brand of cellphone and "cell mate" into your favorite search engine to find a unique cover for your cell phone.

4. Reliability - When You Need Your Cell Phone To Be Dependable

One of the most important features when looking for a cell phone is dependable service. There is no point in having a cell phone and the most up to date cell phone accessories if the phone is not reliable. Some cell phone companies advertise that they provide the best cell phone service but unfortunately this isn't always true. Ensure that you deal with experienced cell phone service providers such as AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile.

5. Rate Plan Flexibility

Phone plans - finding what's right for you.

Family plans, call home plans, free included cell phones and prepaid cell phones! There's a multitude of choices but what is right for you? Your lifestyle will indicate what type of phone plan you need. If your cell phone is your main source of communication and half your life is spent on your cell, you need a plan that will guarantee you the most air time for the least amount of money. If you have children and want to give them the opportunity to have a cell phone but want to control the amount of time they use it , a family plan may be the right choice for you. Perhaps you need to call a certain phone number regularly, then a "call home" plan is the choice that serves your needs best. Do your research to find the best fit possible. Gone are the days when you had to fit the cell phone plan; today companies such as Verizon and AT&T make sure that the cell phone plans fits you.

The Choice Is Yours - The Sky's The Limit

As you can see, there are lots to look for when shopping for a new cell phone. This article covered only a portion of the information available on the World Wide Web and in the Marketplace. I hope you found it helpful in your search for just the right cell phone company for your unique lifestyle. Keep in touch!

© 2005 http://www.cell-phone-n-plans.com

About the Author
Lillian Fuller is a talented and successful freelance writer for hire providing tips and advice for consumers about cell phones, cell phone plans and cellular accessories. Her numerous articles offer valuable insight and informative views on many different topics.

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.