Family Cell Phone Plans
From LoveToKnow Cellphones
The Pros of Family Cell Phone Plans
Family cell phone plans can save you a lot of money. That's the biggest advantage they have to offer--and it's a fabulous one. For as low as $9.99 per month, per additional line, you can bring your family members onto your plan. Basic lines for one person can run between thirty and forty dollars, so it's not hard to see the savings. The best deals are usually found around Christmastime and during back-to-school. If you can wait until then, you have the best chance of finding a deal. Companies often adjust the price of their family cell phone plans based on the season.
Normally, when you share a plan, you and the other people on that plan can talk without digging into the minutes on your plan. In other words, you and everyone on your plan talk to each other for free. You may have been resenting the fact that your night and weekend minutes are never getting used up lately--or even close to it. With multiple people using them, you'll get more of your money's worth. Companies often offer free or deeply discounted phones when you sign up for a plan. That discount usually applies for each phone you add to your cell phone plan. You could feasibly walk away with three or four new phones, possibly for free.
What About the Cons?
The major con to family cell phone plans is the fact that you have to share minutes, but that's not a problem in most cases. You may need a month or so to determine just how many minutes you'll need. Texts may count twice, as well. Make sure to ask the company you choose about any text plan you add. If you have a plan with 100 text messages and text the other person on your plan 50 times, your texts could be used up, unless they don't charge you for incoming text messages.
If you have a teenager who loves talking on the phone, you might want to consider a prepaid cell phone instead. This will help ensure that your bill stays the same every month.
Where to Go for Assistance When Choosing a Plan
The most obvious thing to do is to call or visit the stores in your area and see what they have to offer right now. Unless you already have a cell plan established for yourself, it's best to shop around. Make a list of questions to ask each one, so you won't forget any comparison points. For a quick look at plans online, try Let's Talk. You can compare companies side-by-side on that site. Compare individual plans and family cell phone plans. You can even look for a phone.
For news on some of the newest sales and rebates, see Point.com. The sidebar assists you in browsing through cell phone plans, cell phones, and carriers. This site also offers cell phone how-to's and other articles. Search the archive for help getting started if you're a cell phone newbie.
Comments
Probably best for you to contact US Cellular directly for that.
-- Contributed by: MichaelKwanWe have a U.S. Cell account (2 lines) and have stayed with U.S. Cellular for several years. We have a granddaughter who will be going to college in Los Angeles, CA, and we lives in Kingston, IL. Can we add a family plan additional account for her in Los Angeles on our account in Illinois? We have the National 1350 minute plan, with 250 text msgs/mo. on one line. If I read this correctly, it can be done for 9.99/mo. Am I correct? Pls respond as this will be an 18th birthday present for her, if possible to do. I sincerely hope so - and thanks for your time. Cherokee Gardner Avid U.S. Cell customer - (don't like the others, lol :)) 815-766-1074 (my Cell number).
-- Contributed by: Cherokee GardnerThis page has been accessed 1,166 times. This page was last modified 22:49, 14 February 2008.
© 2006-2008 LoveToKnow Corp.
