Cell Phones Without Plans

Cell Phones Without Plans

The key advantage to buying cell phones without plans is that you avoid a lengthy commitment with a single service provider. This way, if you're not pleased with the service you receive from T-Mobile, you can switch to another network and grab the Verizon Voyager cell phone instead.

The disadvantage is that if you buy a cell phone without contract, the total price may be more than if you were to take advantage of the discount that comes with signing a new agreement. The choice is yours, of course, and there are several ways that you can go about getting a mobile phone without a new plan. Here are a few to get you started.

Prepaid Cell Phones

By far the easiest way to avoid a cellular contract is to take the route of prepaid phones. Instead of paying a monthly plan, you pre-buy any minutes that you are going to use on your phone. In this way, you only pay for the airtime that you use and there are (typically) no surprise hidden fees or charges. You'd be amazed how many cheap prepaid cell phones are readily available from most cellular providers. However, it is unlikely that you will get a free handset, because you are not signing a contract.

Unlocked Cell Phones

Perhaps you are a traveler. Or maybe you're the kind of person who won't be satisfied with keeping the same phone for the length of a contract. Whatever the case, opting for an unlocked phone might be a viable option. The two key advantages to an unlocked phone is that you don't need to sign a contract with the provider before using their services and it is possible to use the phone worldwide, including in Europe. There is a definite premium to buying cell phones without plans, and this is best illustrated by unlocked phones available in the classifieds, at online stores, and on eBay.

Used Mobile Phones

We'd all love to score some cell phone deals. While it would be nice to always buy new and unique cell phones, this can prove to be a little expensive. Traditionally, the way to dodge the price would be to sign a service agreement in exchange for a discount, but that's exactly what this guide is designed to avoid! Instead, buying used cell phones could be a way to save a few bucks and avoid a contract. Note that you may have to pay an activation fee though.

Buy Without a Calling Plan

The easiest and probably most expensive way to buy cell phones without plans is to literally buy the cell phone without a plan at your chosen mobile operator. Although the TV commercials and other advertisements talk about free with contract or cheap with contract, you can typically buy a phone without having to commit to any contract at all!

The prices are significantly higher than the with-contract prices, however, so be prepared to pay a very hefty premium. For example, a mobile phone that goes for $99 with a two-year service agreement might be sold for over $500 if you do not sign a contract. That's quite a difference! The exception to this is the Apple iPhone, at least in the United States, because you can buy it from any Apple Store without signing up for a plan. It's also a $399 phone with zero discount for signing a contract.

Whatever strategy you choose to employ, know that it isn't hard to get cell phones without plans. It's just that it can prove to a more pricey affair.