They are Now the Affordable Cell Phones
Only the rich and famous used to have the ability to buy cell phones. Somehow, we get the idea that cell phones have been around forever. It almost seems impossible to remember what life was like back when there were few cell phones in circulation. The almighty cell phone has changed life forever in our modern world.
Precursors to Cell Phones
Affordable cell phones were once just a dream in the mind of engineers. Back in the early 20th century, the precursor to cellular telephone waves was simply the common radio. In time, two-way radios, or walkie talkies, became a common form of communication for airlines, police officers, emergency services, and taxi cabs. The military had use of these fine radios as well. The infantry carried a primitive cell phone on the backs of the RTO soldier. Those early radios with phone units attached were huge compared to what would come later.
The phone in a bag seemed like an ingenious idea in the 1970s. It plugged into the cigarette lighter in a car. Anyone that had one was the elite of the moment. The bag phone went the way of disco in the 1980s—into the fond memories of disco fever. The next new cell phone kid on the block was the “brick.” This phone was shaped like a brick with an antenna on top. It was bulky and had a lousy range, but it represented freedom from the phone cord. Its portability revolutionized the way people could communicate.
Cell Phone Proliferation
Enter the 1990s and cell phone companies sprang up like flies. Cell phones were now smaller than ever and communications companies aimed to give them to the masses. No longer out of reach for the average person, cell phone companies made affordable cell phones a reality.
Do you want an affordable cell phone? Call any cell phone company and sign up for a two-year service contract. Your phone will be included free of charge. Of course, the free phone is the one with very few options. If you want a camera phone with a few more bells and whistles, you will need another $25 or something close to that depending on your company. Want a blackberry?
You’ll shell out another $200 for these prime phone and computer combos that are small enough to fit in a coat pocket.
You get all of this incredible fun and convenience for a price between $20 and $30 each month depending on how many minutes you buy. To get all these options, you have to sign the contract and be with the same company for two years. If you decide to get out, you will typically pay a $200 penalty.
These days, there are more affordable cell phone options. Economic principles show that when demand is high for a product and there is plenty of competition, the price comes down. This is exactly what happened to cell phones. Affordable cell phones are everywhere. Even little kids have them now. If you don’t feel particularly inclined to sign a contract, you can buy your phone and prepay your cell service.
Prepaid Plans
Affordable cell phones are found with month to month and prepaid services. You will pay more than if you do the two-year contract, but they are still affordable. All you have to do is contact any cell phone company and see what they have to offer. Walmart and other stores sell prepaid cell phones at their electronics counter. You should be able to get a phone outright for around $100 to $200. Of course, this phone will not be the fanciest. You will have to settle for a phone with fewer options, but at least you will not have to agree to a contract to have your phone. It is still an affordable cell phone option.
Here is one idea to potentially get a new phone or get more minutes. Call around for other options to see if another cell phone company has a better phone or a better plan. Then call your current company and tell them you plan on changing to another provider. Make sure if you do this that you do really intend to change service providers. You will probably get some incentives to stay with your current company. Be bold and ask for what you want. Ask for more minutes, or a lower monthly fee. Ask for a better phone along with your new rates. You never know what incentives cell phone companies are offering to keep current customers.
Affordable cell phones are no longer a dream in an engineer’s mind. They come in every size and color with a wide variety of options. If you haven’t got a cell phone, it’s time to come into the 21st century and get yourself an affordable cell phone.