Cell Phone Calling Plans
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Are you feeling overwhelmed by the huge selection of cell phones on the market
It seems like everywhere you turn, there is an advertisement about a cellular telephone rate plan offered by one of many different wireless providers.
Aggressive competition for subscribers among the carriers has driven the monthly and per minute costs of cell phone calling down dramatically. If you make the right choices, a cell phone need not cost you much more than your home phone and service from the local phone company.
Whether its a long conversation or a quick chat during the day or at night, you will find a great range of calling plans to choose from. Take a look at all of them here.
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Start here by Choosing your state
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Though each carrier offers variations, most plans fall into one of three basic categories:
Local Calling Plans:
If you use the cell phone most of the times in your local area you might consider a local plan. These are the most geographically limited plans, in which you pay a lot extra, often as high as 50 or 60 cents per minute for using your phone outside of a relatively small home calling area. Under many local plans you also pay extra for calling long distance. These plans carry the lowest basic monthly fees, These are the most cost effective plans if you generally stick close to home and/or don't plan to use your phone very much.
Regional Calling Plans:
These plans usually offer inexpensive calling over a much larger multi state area. If you want to make calls from or to anywhere in your state and maybe neighbouring states, you might consider a regional plan (if those states are covered in the plan). In exchange for a higher fee, you may have free long distance and free roaming. So the calls made in the regional area, do not cost any more than a regular call. Make sure to check the coverage map for your carrier to make sure the places you frequent are within your home calling area. For these plans some carriers require at least a one year commitment
National Calling Plans:
These plans carry the highest monthly fees, but and have nationwide coverage. These plans are best for people who travel or are simply willing to pay a bit more for freedom from worrying about where they are and who they're calling. National plans typically require a one year or 2 year contract.
When choosing a plan, you have to read the details (small lettering) carefully. Most companies offer very attractive rates on weekend minutes and some throw in night time as well. Make sure it's clear whether you have "nights and weekends" or just weekends. Also be very careful that you understand what they define as "night" hours. Just because it's dark outside doesn't mean that you're paying night time rates. Night time starts at 8:01 p.m. for some companies. For others, it's 9 p.m.
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