Cheap Cell Phone Service

Best Places to Find Free Cell Phone Deals

cheap-cellphone-service.com — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:26:03 GMT

Best Places to Find Free Cell Phone Deals

Many of us think just because we pay our provider's for cell phone service we are entitled to be given a free phone. Although there are many opportunities to get a free phone, it is not a given that your provider owes you a free cell phone every year or two. Luckily, they love to offer free cell phones if you agree to keep their services by signing a new contract.

The best places to find free cell phone deals are through the service provider's directly. Companies offer online specials, rebates and customer appreciation credits to get you into a free phone. These offers are available to new and repeat customers.

Although each and every phone model will not be completely free, there are nice phones to be had. If your goal is to get a free phone make that clear to the person helping you select a phone. If you are ordering the phone online, sort the offers by price. If you have more than one phone line, ask about Buy One, Get One Free offers. You may be able to combine rebates and other credits to obtain both phones completely free. Unless the rebate is instant, you will be required to pay up front and be reimbursed for the rebate amount.

There are online and brick and mortar stores that sell services and phones for multiple cell phone service providers through what is known as indirect agent. Many of these companies also offer free phones to new and repeat customers. If you choose to work with an indirect agent, make sure you completely understand their policies and procedures. They may have different criteria for returns or charge different fees than your direct service provider. There may be no differences at all, and if there are differences they are all not necessarily to your disadvantage. It is simply a possibility that fees, policies or procedures may be different. You always want to be aware of any rules that apply when you are spending your hard earned money on anything.

10 Tips to Get the Best Cell Phone Rates

cheap-cellphone-service.com — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:26:03 GMT

10 Tips to Get the Best Cell Phone Rates

Are you so busy with everything you have to get done in the course of a day that you barely have time to pay your bills let alone read them? It is a challenge for many of us to look at any more than the amount and due date of each bill each month. As long as a bill is the usual amount, you pay it without question. Although you should review all of your monthly bills for accuracy every month, for many busy people this is just not possible.

Cell phone bills can vary month by month if you are not on the right plan. Many people only look further at a bill if the amount due changes by a noticeable amount. If your bill jumps by an alarming amount, you definitely want to make some time to see why.

Most cell phone companies will allow you to change a plan if you need more minutes or add a feature so you can use additional services like text and picture messaging for a monthly subscription rate instead of paying as you go. Monthly subscriptions for messaging and other services are most always less expensive than paying per use. Even if you are not being billed massive overage amounts, review your bill. Below are some easy tips to make sure you have the best cell phone rates for your cell phone plan.

1. Change your plan. It is normally better to change your minute allowance if you tend to go over what your current plan offers. If you come nowhere near the amount of minutes you are allowed, move to a cheaper plan.

2. Everyone is text and/or picture messaging. Maybe not. If you do not text or picture message, don't pay for a messaging plan.

3. Try it for free! Free trial periods for features and services are often offered. You may be billed each month if you do not remove or cancel them on or before the end of the trial period.

4. Everyone is text and/or picture messaging. If this is you, make sure you do not go over the monthly messaging allowance. Increase the number of messages available to you each month if necessary. Check out the unlimited messaging plans which are very popular with most cell service providers.

5. Monitor your usage. Providers have methods and tools to keep an eye on usage. Visit the provider's website or use your handset to gauge your use. If you are unaware how to do this, call your provider to ask.

6. If you use the Internet from your phone, know how you will be billed prior to making the connection.

7. Are the line items on your bill for the amounts you agreed upon? Codes can get entered incorrectly, and add on services can be added in error. Make sure if you signed up for a $39.99 per month plan, that you are billed $39.99 per month. Taxes, surcharges and other usage charges are not included.

8. Do you carry insurance coverage for an older phone? If so, you may want to drop the insurance at least until you upgrade to a new phone.

9. Analyze your rate plan. Get help from your provider or refer to www.myrateplan.com - it is a great resource to make sure your plan is working for you.

10. Talk with friends and family to see what cell phone rates they get. New promotions or plans may be available to you. Sometimes a contract renewal is required to take advantage of these offers so a company will not automatically make the change.

Not Eligible to Upgrade? Learn How To Buy Cheap Cell Phones

cheap-cellphone-service.com — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:26:03 GMT

Not Eligible to Upgrade? Learn How To Buy Cheap Cell Phones

So what happens if you drop your cell phone in water, run it over with your car, or lose it? You are without a cell phone, and you feel disconnected. There are several ways to get a phone replaced if you are not yet at a point in your contract to upgrade at a discounted price, or you do not have insurance on the device.

If you have not had the phone for the time you agreed upon with your last contract, you will probably not get a phone for free or $50.00 from your service provider. It is certainly worth a try to call your cell company to ask if you are eligible for any type of early upgrade discount. Many times there are things they can offer to work with you and get you into another phone. In the event you are not eligible to upgrade, ask them the cost of their cheapest cell phone without a contract. It could be in the $100.00 - $150.00 range if you are flexible on the model of phone you want. Unable to live without a full QWERTY keyboard? Expect to pay more. Newer model and hi-end phones do not come cheap at the non-contract price, but it is best to look at all of your options.

Did you find that you are you not eligible to upgrade? Learn how to buy cheap cell phones with this information. Many other sources are available for you to get a replacement phone if you cannot get it from your cell phone company. The Internet is a great source to learn about buying a used phone. Read message boards and blogs about different models and ways to get cell phones. You can buy the phones online as well. There are auction sites on the web, you can purchase a phone from a friend, family member or from a stranger on the street. Many pawn shops or second hand stores also sell cell phones.

As long as the cell phone is not stolen and is compatible with your cell phone company's network, you can purchase a used phone to activate on your existing phone number and plan. There is no need to change your phone number. If your original phone is lost or stolen, report the incident to your cell phone provider and/or law enforcement immediately.

A surprising resolution may be in your home already. Old cell phones that are compatible can be charged up and activated either by calling your provider or registering for their online services on their website. You do not even have to visit your cell phone store to get your replacement phone working. You can program the phone or switch the SIM card, if it is not damaged, right from home. You will be connected to your mobile services in minutes. Most provider's do not charge for this service, but it is best to check first to avoid unwanted charges on your next cell phone bill.

Cheap Cellular Phones that are Made Well

cheap-cellphone-service.com — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:26:03 GMT

Cheap Cellular Phones that are Made Well

We do not need the most expensive cars to get where we need to go, and we do not need the most expensive cell phones to call the people we need to call. There are many cheap cellular phones that are made well by reputable cell phone manufacturing companies. The cell phone manufacturers are different than the cell service phone providers, they make the phones. This is easiest explained by a comparison. The cell phone service provider is like your home phone company, they supply the towers and networks like the home phone company provides the phone lines.

Land line and cell phones can be purchased anywhere that sells cell phones or land line phones. It is no longer required that you purchase phones from the company who provides you service, as both have in the past. Cellular phones are a little different in that the phone has to be designed to work on a specific cellular service provider's network. Cell phone providers are working to allow their model phones to work across all cell phone networks. For the time being, when you buy a cell phone, make sure it is made to be used with the company who sends you your cell phone bill each month.

Now that you know the basics on how to purchase a cheap cellular phone, where do you get it, and what kind of phone should you buy?

Cell phones can be purchased online, in stores, from another individual or ordered over the phone. There are refurbished phones, used phones and brand new phones available to choose from. If you purchase a prepaid cell phone from a store display, read the activation requirements. Most people use their phones mainly for talking and/or text messaging. Even the most basic phones of today have cameras, calculators and alarm clocks, they are still available at a cheap price. There are also expensive cellular phones with too many bells and whistles to list. There are high end phones that come as great bargains, but it may cost more per month to operate all of those bells and whistles. They can end up being costly over the course of a year. If you are looking for cheap, make sure you do not buy too much phone for your calling needs.

Look for quality in a phone as well. Cell phones are very lightweight and on average tip the scale at 3 ounces. You want to make sure even though a phone is light that it is durable. Look for keys and buttons that are well designed. Make sure the speakers have a good sound quality. Make sure the phone feels good in your hands. Some phones will seem flimsy or cheap, and others will seem solid and high quality no matter which company made or provided the phone. Choose a phone that you will be happy with, read user reviews on the web, seek out pictures and specifications of the phone and stop by cell phone displays to compare phones. Check for return policies before you purchase the phone, and you will certainly be able to find cheap cell phones that are made well.

Cheap Cell Phone Plan Without the Contract

cheap-cellphone-service.com — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:26:03 GMT

Cheap Cell Phone Plan Without the Contract

Contracts unnecessarily bind many people to their cell phone providers. You can always cancel the contract and pay a hefty cancellation fee for the termination of your service, but most people do not want that extra expense. Most of us usually ride out the contract to avoid paying a penalty to cancel. You can find a cheap cell phone plan without a contract.

Jitterbug and Consumer Cellular are providers that offer nationwide services for a very low monthly rate, and do not require a contract. These plans can offer very few minutes or may charge by the minute. Both companies have reasonable per minute rates for pay as you use or overages of allotted monthly minutes. Jitterbug allows you to purchase additional minutes or have minutes that carryover for 60 days as needed. Both offer live operator support to answer your questions.

Check with the provider to discuss any possible charges for operator assistance. Although only Jitterbug has 24/7 customer service availability, both have website services to access and manage your account online. Both companies offer fewer phone model choices than the large providers.

If you are into the latest and greatest cellular gadgets, these companies may not be for you. Make sure you test the phone and service during risk free/trial period to ensure it works in the areas where you need it. If you are not satisfied with the service and wish to cancel, you may be required to pay for services used or return the equipment undamaged.

If you have fulfilled the term of the original contract, the larger companies like AT&T and Verizon Wireless allow you to keep your same cell phone and pay month to month. Since there is no contract to fulfill, you can cancel at anytime without a cancellation fee. If you activate with your own equipment on either of these providers it is possible to avoid a contract term as well. You may have activation fees or a credit check prior to activating service.

Prepaid cell phone plans are available from many providers and do not require a contract. There are also no credit checks, early cancellation penalties or commitments to a monthly bill. You can disconnect a prepaid service at anytime and reactivate it later, but keep in mind you may not get the same phone number each time you reactivate.

Packages and Deals to Get Cheap Cell Phone Accessories

cheap-cellphone-service.com — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:26:03 GMT

Packages and Deals to Get Cheap Cell Phone Accessories

Accessories to Customze and Protect Your Phone

Accessorizing your phones with cases, covers, holsters, power cords, car chargers, extended batteries or skins can be a confusing and expensive process. There are many packages and deals to get cheap cell phone accessories to customize and protect your phone. Some accessories such as car chargers, spare batteries and extended life batteries can protect you from being stranded with a dead battery. You do not want to be unable to use your phone in a time of need.

A great time to purchase the additional accessories is when you get your new phone. There are bundled packages or even free accessories available sometimes if you purchase a phone. You may also qualify for a discount through your employer or an organization where you are a member. Quite frequently web-only deals are available from the cell phone providers' websites, and many times offer free shipping. There are also many new and used accessories available through popular online auctions.

Cell phone manufacturers recommend using only accessories that are made by them to guarantee they work with the phones. They indicate these accessories may cause damage to your phone. You can purchase off brand accessories at big box retailers or corner drug stores, but if you experience a problem with the phone it may not be covered under any remaining manufacturers warranty on your cell phone. A lot of people use the alternate brand accessories with no problems. They are definitely cheaper than those you buy from the providers. It is a personal choice which brand of cell phone accessories you choose to use for your cell phones.

Accessories including cell phone covers, cases, pouches and skins cannot damage your cell phone since they do not charge your phone or attach to any of the ports. Therefore, the off brand packages and deals to get cheap cell phone accessories to customize and protect your phone are the recommended route to get the best price.

You can avoid having to buy additional accessories if you check your user manual or provider's website for compatibility between phone models. Many manufacturers make accessories which are compatible with multiple cell phone models they offer. Before upgrading your phone use this great money saving tip, and check for interchangeable accessories from your current device that may work for you on the cell phone you plan to purchase.

Find Hot Cell Phone Specials During the Holiday Season

cheap-cellphone-service.com — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:26:03 GMT

Find Hot Cell Phone Specials During the Holiday Season

Cell phones like other popular, must have merchandise go on sale on Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving), and continue to be offered at appealing discounts throughout the holidays. You will also find other hot cell phone specials during the holiday season on items such as Bluetooth headsets, memory cards, car chargers and cases. It is very smart for providers to offer great deals at this time of year. What teenager does not have cell phone at the top of their Christmas wish list?

A popular offer with many cellular companies are Buy One, Get One (or more) Free. Receiving a phone for free does not mean you will have an extra phone to keep around in case something happens to your phone. Each phone you purchase must have an active phone number. Do not get talked into adding another line to get the free phone if you do not have the need for someone to use the new number. You will pay at least $9.99 a month for the length of a contract plus taxes, surcharges and activation fees for a phone number you do not need. Otherwise, you will have a cancellation fee.

Many phones are free if you order online. Providers are able to pass savings to you because it saves them money if you shop for and order the phone without a salesperson they are paying. If you are online savvy this is the way to get your phones. There are also additional credits available like instant manufacturer rebates or credits you have earned for being a repeat customer.

Mail-in manufacturer rebates are sometimes required to get a free phone. You pay up front and get reimbursed the amount of the rebate by check, debit card or a bill credit. How this is refunded to you depends on the provider. Make sure you keep original receipts, packaging and rebate forms to properly complete the rebate as required. Read the rebate form to see how much time you have to submit it. It is such a let down to fill out the form the day after it was due. Once a rebate has expired, there is little that can be done to get your refund. Follow the recommendations on the rebate to retain copies of some or all of the rebate paperwork.

Repeat customer credits. Once you have fulfilled a contract, you become eligible to get another cell phone, and possibly, an additional credit for another one or two year contract. This is not a bad offer if you are satisfied with your cellular company and plan to keep your cell phone connected for at least the term of the contract.

Seek out these offers and take advantage of the great discounts while you cross off your holiday shopping list at the same time.

Cheap Cell Phone Service: What Does That Mean?

cheap-cellphone-service.com — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:26:03 GMT

Cheap Cell Phone Service: What Does That Mean?

Especially during these times, we are all looking for cheap. Cheap food, clothing, cars, and even cheap cell phone service. One thing you do not want with a cell phone or cell phone plan is cheap by the sense of the word definition as: of inferior quality or worth, as it is defined by Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary. While you want to get a good value on cell phone service, inferior cell phone service could be quite upsetting. If you do not have a high quality network to back you up, you may not pay much for your service, but it might only work well for a few square miles. You need to find a low-cost plan that is reliable.

When pricing a cell phone plan, factor in the number of minutes you need per month. 450 minutes of talk time is just shy of an eight hour work day (7.5 hours). Do you talk on the phone more than seven and a half hours a month during daytime or peak airtime hours? Are the conversations with people on your same cell phone service? If so, you may have unlimited minutes for calls between other customers of that service provider. You may also have unlimited minutes to anyone at night and on weekends. Think about when, why and where you need to use your cell phone throughout the course of a month. If you use more minutes, choose a more expensive plan which will give you more minutes and keep your overall monthly bill cheaper than paying high overage charges on the wrong plan.

The other factors in keeping your monthly cell phone bill low is to determine which additional features you might be using. It is best to have an allowance or subscription for messaging, Internet, navigation or music services. Any of these types of services you use will be at an additional cost, just like dessert or a pay-per-view movie. You may be able to bundle services with your minute allowance and your costs will be cheaper each month. Although a cell phone may be a necessity in most of our lives, the add-ons do drive up the cost of the bill. The key is to evaluate your usage needs and cell phone service plan to make sure you are not paying for something you do not need or want.

Consider a share plan if your family has multiple cell phone numbers. You will get more minutes than a single line plan for a slightly higher price than a single line for the first two lines. Third, fourth and fifth lines are as low as $9.99 a month and are great options for children. Check with your service provider to see if activation fees or contracts can be waived.

Most providers have unadvertised plans for the asking. They want to keep your business and may be able to set you up with very limited minutes for as little as $20.00 a month. These plans are not for those who want to use the phone a lot, and any messaging or additional features will not be included. If you change to one of these unadvertised service plans, track your usage very closely. Many of the plans offer allowances of less than an hour and are not intended for daily use. These plans may even include some additional off-peak minutes or free long distance. You want to get the most for your money on anything you buy.

If you are a current cell phone service subscriber, review your current plan. If you are paying for a service you do not use remove and block it. There is usually not a charge to block additional services such as text/picture messaging, Internet, ringtone downloads or voice mail. When and if you choose to unblock the features, this too can be done at no cost. Before you unblock any services, discuss how you will use the service with your provider so you can get the cheapest cost based on your usage requirements. Do not add an unlimited text package for $20.00 a month if you are only going to text a limited amount, and do not pay for a text bundle if you only send and receive 20 messages per month.

Most providers offer multiple ways to manage and monitor your service, and it is important that you do this at least until you know your plan works for you. You are ultimately responsible for how the phone is used which can impact your bill in a very expensive way.

Best Cell Phone, Best Cell Phone Deal

cheap-cellphone-service.com — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:26:03 GMT

Best Cell Phone, Best Cell Phone Deal

Everyone uses a cell phone these days. We no longer meet friends without some form of cell phone communication while en route to meet one another, or when trying to find one another at a public venue. Gone are the days of phone booths to allow you to talk when you are away from home, now you can just conveniently dial from the phone in hand. We shop, eat and walk using our cell phones. There are also those people who use their phones at inappropriate times such as in movies, restrooms or another intimate setting. Old, young and middle aged men and women are all using phones, and everyone is interested in the cool looking phones. For you, the best cell phone deal may depend on what your calling needs are.

You may get the best cell phone deal of the year on a Blackberry, Treo, HTC or other advanced device, but if you do not use the Internet or e-mail services the deal is not good for you. Most cell phone providers require you to have some form of a data plan on these types of phones. Prices for data plans range from $20.00 - $60.00 more a month. This is in addition to the cost of your current plan and services. Lower rates are available with data package bundled with voice and/or messaging plans. People who own a business or work mobile for a company will benefit most from these phones and plans. It can be too much money to spend just to carry a cool looking hi-tech phone. Sometimes blocks can be placed on your plan so you cannot mistakenly connect, but you will not get the most out of what those phones have to offer. Paying only if you use it is an option with some plans, but the charges can add up quickly and end in a hefty charge on your bill.

The PDA and Blackberry style devices have additional capabilities that can be to many users' advantage. There are those which have a USB connection and a software installed on a personal computer or laptop, and you can use many of these devices to serve as your Internet connection similar to a modem. E-mails, documents, presentations and contacts can also be synced from a computer to the device depending on the available features.

There are many phones that look like a mini computer that do not require the additional data packages, and you can still have one of the latest neat looking phones. There are phones with full QWERTY keyboards for text messaging. Cameras on phones allow you to snap and save or send pictures. Messaging packages are available if you plan to use the phone to send and receive texts or pictures. Navigation, music and menu driven Internet packages are available on many regular cell phones.

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