Shop Around for a New Cell Phone Carrier by Using Prepaid Phone Cards
Cell phones are an important part of everyday life. You have been with your current cell phone provider for several years. You really never had a problem with them. But lately you've been thinking about trying out another company. There is one thing that holds you back--the idea that you will have to agree to another two-year contract. Unless you want a free cell phone, there is no reason why you have to have a two-year contract just to have cell phone service.
Perhaps your situation with your cell phone company is different. It is not that you mind having a contract that bothers you, but rather it is the prices they have been charging that are on your mind. There are some good ideas for solutions to both of these problems.
Ideas for Getting Better Rates
There many different cell phone companies out there. Each one has its own specialty and rates. If you're not sure which one you want to choose, convert your current plan to a month-to-month service and begin researching your different options. Here are some things that you can do to help keep costs down while you search.
- If you have decided to look for a new carrier, you can still continue with your current company while you do your research. Your company more than likely has a month-to-month billing rate, which allows you to continue using your current cell phone provider without signing a new contract. If the rates are too high, ask them about prepaid billing plans. For $20, you can get about 200 minutes per month. If you have not used up all the minutes at the end of month, they will carry over to the next.
- Call your current cell phone company and tell them you are considering canceling service. They will immediately start to do everything they can to keep your business. One cell phone company is currently advertising free airline tickets if you join their family plan. If you are already a member of their family plan, then you will not qualify for this great offer. It is amazing how that offer becomes available when you tell them you are moving to another carrier.
- Ditch the contract altogether and move to a prepaid cell phone company. There are several different companies that offer prepaid cellular programs, including the big names in the industry that also offer monthly payment plans. You will have to buy your phone, but the advantage is that they won't be able to blackmail you with teaser rates for free or reduced rate phones if you sign their contract.
Prepaid Phone Cards for Home and Cell Phone Use
Phone cards have been around for a long time. You can buy them most anywhere. They typically offer long-distance at the rate of one cent per minute and international rates at two cents per minute. You simply dial an access number, and put your pin number, then wait for the prompt to input the number you are calling. An automated message will tell you the number of minutes you have remaining. The nice thing about these cards is that they can be used when you call from anywhere. You can use your cell phone, your home phone, or a business phone. They can be a great advantage when traveling internationally.
Some of the newer phone cards do not require that you have a pin number to use them. Check with each card company for the specifications on use.
There are other plans that can be useful as well especially with cell phones. You can pay as you go. These plans work in a number of different ways. You will have a monthly bill that you simply pay for the minutes that you have are used. As long as your account is paid current, you will be able to use the card. Some companies require domestic use only with an international calling card for international calls.
Cell phone companies may not charge for domestic long-distance calls, however, they may charge exorbitant rates for international calls. International phone cards allow users competitive rates of two cents per minute for international calls. You can use these cards to bypass exorbitant long-distance rates from your home phone company and your cell phone company.
A few years ago, the rumor was that prepaid phone cards would go out of style like eight track tape players. Since they are still around, it is obvious that the rumor mill was wrong. It is always a good idea to keep a prepaid phone card on hand for emergency use. You never know when you might be stranded and find out that you forgot your cell phone. The little card will help you call for help from any pay phone, anywhere.