A cellular service plan can be arranged to suit the unique needs of every subscriber.
The various service options can be compared and arranged in a way to produce a
custom plan structure for any caller. This subject can be simplified by addressing the
most important aspects of service.
Cellular phone service plans can be placed into 3 types: Contract Plans, Prepaid
Plans, and Hybrid Plans. Here is an explanation of each type:
A Contract Plan is the most common type of cellular service plan. This arrangement
usually requires a 1 or 2 year service agreement with the chosen provider. Payments
are to be made following a monthly bill for services rendered. The number of minutes
of talk time, along with the geographical calling area, are both specified by the
service plan. Often there is a credit check for a new subscriber, and upon
establishment of service, |
there may be an activation fee. A cancellation fee may be applicable if a subscriber terminates their service before the contract has expired.
A Prepaid Plan is a service agreement where the customer buys a specified number
of airtime minutes up-front, before they are used. You just pay for minutes according
to how many you think will be needed. This plan is especially good for those who
desire an emergency phone, who don't talk too much, or who want to regulate on
their children's use of a phone.
A Hybrid Plan offers similar service features as a contract plan, but doesn't require
a long-term contract and credit check. A subscriber pays on a month-to-month basis
but can cancel at any time.
In addition, a certain geographical calling area for operation must be established for
any of these three types of service plans. A consumer has the option to order
Nationwide, Regional, or Local cellular coverage.
Nationwide Plans are the most expensive plans in terms of cost-per-minute charges.
This cost comes in conjunction with the ability for a subscriber to use their mobile
phone anywhere within the United States. Some plans dictate that roaming fees will
apply to calls if the caller isn't within the range of their own cellular company's
smaller network. Other no-fee nationwide plans do not add any charges regardless of
whether the call is in or out of the subscriber's network range.
Regional Plans offer service coverage to sub-national areas such as the Southeast
or Northeast United States. Roaming fees only apply when a call is made beyond the
covered region.
Local Plans provide coverage for certain cities, groups of cities, and metropolitan
areas. Many people find that these plans suit them fine because they don't travel
beyond their home area very frequently, and when they do, they can still make calls
and simply pay a roaming fee. These are usually the cheapest of all calling area
arrangements.
International Calling Plans also are available to call to specific international
destinations.
Other components of a cellular service plan that should be emphasized:
Optional Calling Features are available and include such functions as Caller ID,
Call Waiting, Three-Way Calling, Voice Mail, Wireless Internet, Text Messaging,
and Call Forwarding.
Cell Phone Insurance is available which provides the replacement of a covered
cellphone in the event of a peril.
A Warranty is usually included along with a mobile phone service plan, and can
often be extended further.
Long Distance Fees may apply when calls are made beyond or outside of a
subscriber's geographical calling area.
Roaming Fees usually apply when a call is made from an area beyond the range
specified in a cell phone service plan.
Lastly, mobile-to-mobile calls and non-peak time calls such as nights and weekends
often carry special or discount charge structure.
Taking the time to make the comparison between the best service plans is an ideal
way for a shopper to find a satisfying cellular deal with an acceptable monthly rate.
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