How to Save on Mobile Phone Bills Without a Family Membership
People love to brag about how little they pay for a cell phone. But ask them how they have such a low rate, and they will surely tell you one of two things: either they have a family plan, or they have the same plan for 14 years and they became grandfathers. some amazing unlimited service.
But you, the person reading this? You’re here because you weren’t forced to buy a super-cheap phone plan. And you don’t have a family with a plan to jump on to, or you don’t want the pressure to maintain the relationship you need to get involved.
Fortunately, this isn’t the only way to save money on your cell phone bill. And you can opt for a more economical data plan without sacrificing a stylish smartphone or giving your phone number.
Make an audit plan
“Before you do anything, audit the contract,” said Julie Ramhold, consumer analyst at DealNews.com . “Do the audit yourself and see if the contract is still worth it. Are you still using all the features you have? Need less data? Checking your situation prior to the expiration of your contract allows you to contact your carrier and try to negotiate another plan, be it downsizing or scaling up, ”she said.
If you think you’re ready to switch carriers , be sure to find out which providers are compatible with your devices and offer the network coverage that’s right for you. You can usually do both on the site of any provider.
Choose a low-cost airline
In the past, low-cost cellular carriers offered good service but had a decidedly low-budget aesthetic. “But that’s not the case anymore,” said Michael Timmermann, a cell phone expert at Clark.com .
While in the past, budget carriers could only be a good deal for city dwellers, Timmermann now says coverage is nearly indistinguishable from standard coverage. Timmermann has tested 12 low-cost cellular service providers over the past two years.
The most noticeable difference between standard services and low-cost providers these days is whether your data loses priority during high traffic, which can be indicated in the small print of your plan. “When the network is really congested, you can have slower data compared to people who have one of the big carriers,” Timmermann said. But he ran speed tests during all of his experiments with phone services and said, “It didn’t affect how I actually use my phone.”
And while you won’t find the flashy toll-free deals that you often get from the Big Four carriers (AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon), the savings are usually worth paying for the phone yourself. …
Most of these low-cost companies are mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), which means they do not own their own infrastructure, but operate on one of the larger networks. “If you like the network you’re on, look for a low-cost mobile operator that uses the same network,” Timmermann said. “Chances are you won’t have any problems because he uses the same towers. In addition, you have a better chance of keeping your phone if you are already connected to this network. “
Timmermann lists Visible (on the Verizon network) with Mint Mobile (uses T-Mobile) and Total Wireless (another one from Verizon) among his favorites. Each offers a monthly service for $ 40 or less. Visible even has a “group payment” that gives you a discount for connecting with other Visible users – you don’t even need to know who they are. How do you like this modern take on a traditional family plan?
He also mentioned Tello, which offers unlimited talk and text messages on the Sprint network along with one GB of data for $ 10 a month. He said it works great if you can rely on Wi-Fi for browsing and using apps.
Ramhold also recommended Google Fi, which received high marks for its international services and pay-as-you-go data connectivity. The only catch is that if you want to buy a phone on your data plan, you need to get an Android phone. If you want an iPhone, you’ll have to bring one with you.
Switching to prepaid version
Another option is to switch from your typical postpaid plan, where you pay your bill after using services, to a prepaid plan.
These plans often offer comparable calling, text messaging, and data services to their larger counterparts for about half the cost. Timmermann said that when using prepaid plans, keep in mind that you often miss out on the premium quality of service that is often found on traditional plans, especially if you’ve joined a carrier that doesn’t have a physical location.
Agree with your telecom operator
If you really want to stay with one of the big guys, Timmermann recommends making a competitive bid to your current carrier to see if they are right for him.
There are also often special plans for seniors , military personnel, or even through your employer, so check anything that may apply to you before moving on.
If you want to try to negotiate with your current service provider, “research ahead of time and note, for example, how many minutes you use each month and how much data you use,” Ramhold said. Compare this usage with what other companies are suggesting before talking to you. “If you can point out your specific use and let them know what other reps are proposing, you might be able to find a better deal without leaving.”
Choose the timing wisely to switch
Timmermann said that when you’re ready to change your plan, make sure you get it on time. Don’t wait two days before your next billing cycle to try to cancel your current plan. “Give yourself at least a week because you will have enough time to get your SIM card, fix any phone problems and transfer your number,” he said.
If you wait, your carrier might pay for another month: “And they usually won’t refund your money if you cancel within the last month.”
This post has been updated to reflect that Google Fi users can bring their iPhone.