Mar 02 2009
Calling Plan Options
Wireless consumers face an expanding array of choices among different types of cell phone calling plans. Here are a few of the more prominent alternatives:•Monthly-minute buckets: The flagship plans of mainstream wireless companies such as Sprint Nextel, Verizon Wireless and AT&T require consumers to sign one- or two-year contracts and pay regular monthly fees for so-called buckets of 500, 700 or more calling minutes. Family members often can join the plan for additional fees.
Best suited: These plans are a good fit for consumers who can find a monthly minute package that meets their calling needs.
•Flat-rate: Last year, the largest wireless companies introduced plans that provide unlimited monthly calls for a flat fee. Sprint’s “Simply Everything” plan, for example, allows unlimited calls, texts and Web surfing for about $100 a month.
Best suited: A good option for heavy users of cell-phone services and others who want certainty that they will not be charged extra for using more minutes than those available in a monthly bucket plan.
•Prepaid: Plans offered by companies such as Virgin Mobile, Boost Unlimited and Tracfone allow consumers to avoid long-term contracts and sign up for pay-as-you-go use.
Best suited: This option can be attractive for consumers who rarely use their cell phones or for teens and others seeking an easier way to control spending on wireless service.
•No-contract unlimited: Newer services such as those offered by Cricket and Boost offer a flat monthly fee for unlimited calls.
Best suited: The selection of phones and additional services tends not to be as expansive as plans from larger carriers. But it can be a good option for those who want the flexibility of no contract or might need to switch between an unlimited package one month and a less-expensive pay-by-the-minute plan the next.
