Prepaid Wireless Alternatives
Prepaid cellular phones usually offered as pay-as-you-go type plans are the most recent technical developments in communication services. Many people choose to purchase this type of service in order to avoid any kind of lengthy contract, which would lock them into services for a designated amount of time and money. Prepaid wireless also has no credit check, deposit, hidden fees, age limit, monthly bills and most plans won't make you pay an activation fee. They offer more control over your spending and are a great way to cut down on cell phone costs. You just simply add airtime as you need it, if you stop adding airtime to your prepaid phone then the phone will simply go "inactive".
There are fairly a large number of cell phone provider that has jumped on the prepaid cell phone bandwagon, recognizing the large market of customers that are interested in obtaining cell phones without contracts or obligations. Currently, the chief prepaid cellular phone service providers are Cingular, T-Mobile, Verizon, Virgin Mobile, 7-Eleven, Tracfone, Net10 and Boost Mobile.
After Cingular's acquisition of AT&T Wireless in 2004, the company not only became the largest wireless carrier in the United States but it also jumped into the prepaid market with AT&T's GoPhone plan that offers cheap per minute rates. T-Mobile may be the smallest of the major US wireless carriers but it made an early and aggressive push into the prepaid playing field with its To Go plans. They've got the flashy, headline-grabbing Sidekick II to its handset lineup; the sexy Motorola Razr V3 is a more recent addition, as is well as the updated Sidekick 3.
Verizon Wireless has a long-standing tradition of superior customer service and product dependability. Verizon Wireless INpulse offers rates as low as 10 per minute, perfect for teens and people who talk a lot on the phone. For credit challenged people who want regular post pay style calling plans, they can opt for Verizon Wireless' EasyPay Plan.
Virgin Mobile, the first MVNO carrier in the United States that operates over Sprint's network has led the way in aggressively marketing its prepaid service to the youth market. If you've been to a Virgin Megastore lately, you've doubtless seen flashy and trendy Virgin Mobile phones hanging from display racks. Boost Mobile is a "lifestyle based" MVNO carrier that's aiming squarely for the youth market just like Virgin Mobile. This prepaid cell phone provider is armed with snazzy versions of Motorola's sensible handsets and push-to-talk (PTT) walkie-talkie functionality on Nextel's iDEN network.
The 7-Eleven's Speak Out charges a flat 20 cents a minute (except for roaming charges of 39 cents a minute) and offers a choice of six handsets from Nokia, Motorola and Sony Ericsson priced from $60 to $150. However, unlike services that require activation online or by phone, 7-Eleven's phones come right out of the box. Net10 is a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) that is operating on TracFone Wireless' network. They offer the best per minute rate for prepaid voice service and the prepaid service requires no yearly commitment. Net10 phones start at $20 and include 300 minutes/60 days of service.
Tracfone Wireless is considered the leader and recognized as the largest provider in nationwide prepaid wireless plans. It offers simple pricing, ease of use and great customer service that make this company stand out as a prepaid service provider. The Tracfone prepaid service is a boon to those who want the convenience of wireless service but want to stay within a budget, infrequent users and it can also offer peace of mind for those who want have a cell phone for emergencies. They have a great selection of mobile phones and they also offer longer airtime; they offer refill cards that are valid up to one year.
Prepaid wireless phones aren't for everyone, especially to those who are heavy wireless users or want certain types of phones. If ever you decide that prepaid cell phone is for you, do not be intimidated or overwhelmed by the number of prepaid wireless options out there. You just have keep into consideration your unique communication needs very carefully.
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