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Cell Phone Tips |
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Family Cell Phone Plan Comparison
While family plans from the major providers appear to be very similar, there are some differences which could make your choice much easier. The major providers (including Verizon, Sprint, Cingular and T-Mobile) typically include free services such as, unlimited nights and weekends, three-Way Calling, Call Forwarding, Caller ID, and Unlimited Mobile to Mobile Calling, Call Waiting, Basic Voice Mail, and Long Distance.
Free minutes can allow you to take a cheaper plan with less anytime minutes. There are two features that will help you make that decision. Since calls within the network are free, the cell service used by those people you call for the most minutes will be an important factor. The two largest networks are Cingular (after the acquisition of AT&T) with over 61 million subscribers and Verizon (57 million subscribers). While the competitors include free nights, the time that night begins and ends vary. Verizon, and Cingular free nights are from 9 pm.- 6 am. T-Mobile also begins nights at 9 pm but ends a little later at 7am. Sprint has an attractive package for casual users with free night minutes from 7 pm – 7am.
The monthly cost of family plan is initially determined by the number of shared minutes you choose. Sprint and Cingular offer family plans beginning with 550 shared minutes for $60 with most providers offering 700 minutes for $70 (with T-Mobile slightly cheaper at $60). The cost of minutes in excess of your plan is relatively consistent at between 40 – 45 cents per minute. Subscribers whose usage fluctuates have two interesting options. Sprint charges (for its cheapest plan) in increments of additional minutes for $5 for 50 minutes, which works out to 10 cents per minute. Cingular allows you to roll over unused minutes up to 12 months.
Each wireless company has both bundled and unbundled service packages included internet access, text and picture messaging, and instant messaging using Yahoo or AOL. Companies are even starting to include unlimited TV access on your phone. Verizon charges for $1.99 per line for detailed billing while their competitors provide the service at no additional cost.
As with most companies today, Wireless provides are also selling additional services to bring in additional revenues such equipment protection,(typically $5 - $7 per month), roadside protection (approximately $5), and some even charge for enhanced voice commands where your phone can navigate the internet through voice commands.
The deciding factors for most people when deciding which service to buy are family and friends in the providers’ network, quality of service in the area they live in and timing of anytime minutes incorporated within the family plan.
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