Family time and communication are as important today as they were 100 years ago. Like everything in life, technology and modes of communication have evolved. Today’s technology offers families the opportunity to stay in touch quite easily and quickly.
Cell phones come in many shapes, sizes, and technologies. Features previously thought impossible are now easily accessible. Business owners often carry multiple mobile devices to keep up with business, leisure activities, and family. Tech giant Google is getting in on the action by offering a way to combine all your calls into one convenient number.
Special offers to consider
Free Texting – Many of the leading companies offer free unlimited texting as a feature. Consider adding it for convenience; especially if you buy a family cell plan that includes teens. The number one reason most parents pay a large cell phone bill is text messaging.
Free mobile to mobile: Your family cell plan is likely to be purchased from a carrier. Major companies offer free mobile to mobile within the network. Expand your calling potential with a company that offers free mobile to mobile regardless of network.
Free Activation: Activation charges are typically $20 or more per device. Activation fees for a family of four would be $80 minimum. This fee reduces the total price that can be spent on the total order. Don’t let expensive activation fees dictate your decision to purchase cellular service.
Free Mobile Phones: The top mobile phone companies offer the best deals on the best mobile devices. A one to two year contract may even get you a free cell phone. Some family plans offer a two-for-one deal that lets you pay full price for one mobile device and get a second free.
Companies that offer the best cell phone deals
AT&T, T Mobile, Sprint, Verizon Wireless, and Alltel are considered giants in the cellular technology industry. Each company offers something unique to try to win customers. AT&T, for example, offers family plans that start at a very affordable $39.99 per month. Plans include unlimited calls to other AT&T customers, nights and weekends, and no roaming. They allow your unused minutes to roll over to the next month.
One of Sprint’s biggest sellers is the Everything Data Family plan. As its name suggests, it offers a bit of everything. Unlimited data includes web browsing, email, BlackBerry Internet, GPS and more. Plan starts at $129.99 per month and includes 2 lines. Additional lines are a great $19.99 per month. Families looking for a great messaging plan can take advantage of Sprint’s $99.99 Everything Messaging Family cell plan. The plan offers unlimited text, picture, and video messaging.
Verizon Wireless claims to have “America’s Largest Mobile-to-Mobile Calling Family” because they allow free mobile-to-mobile calling regardless of network. Verizon family plans start at $69.99 for two lines. Each additional feature and line adds to the monthly cost of service.
Prepaid cell phone offers
People with patchy credit history or no credit history benefit from prepaid plans offered by major companies. A prepaid cellular plan is just that; no monthly commitment, no upfront fees, and no credit check. With a prepaid plan, your biggest investment is the mobile device itself.
Alltel recently offered free activation with online purchase of any phone and prepaid plan. Prepaid cell plans often include free text messages and other features can be added for a fee. Pay as you go is very convenient for anyone on a budget or those who may not qualify for a contract.
Talk within your budget
Teach your family the importance of money by entrusting them with phones that you control. Kids and teens often don’t realize they’re texting so much or talking to their friends for so long. Parental controls keep your money under your control.