Cell phones, just about everyone has one, right? On the other hand, if you’re like some you’ve been holding off committing to a cell phone because you’re afraid of receiving an outlandish bill of overages, fees and charges that you didn’t see coming. Sound familiar? Refer to mobile banking for extra information.

If you need to have a phone available while you’re out and about for either business calls or personal reasons, this it’s probably a good idea to get a cell phone. However, before committing to any phone it’s a good idea to search out the many options available before taking the plunge. There are two most basic options to choose from: Prepaid verses a Monthly Plan.

Prepaid Plans: When you will only use your cell phone on occasion then it’s a good idea to consider a prepaid phone, but look into several different companies very carefully as they vary greatly, which can absorb your minutes like a sponge.

__Coverage: Can you get service where you need it without extra charges, such as roaming tower access fees, extra taxes?

__Service Access Fees: Some companies charge a daily access fee, which could end up being more expensive than a monthly plan. For more info refer to mobile banking solution

__Activation fees: Prepaid phones shouldn’t have an activation fee.

__Cost per Minute: Some companies offer lower rates for buying bulk minutes, but check to see when the minutes expire (this is the popper) and if they roll over if not used when adding more minutes to the phone.

__Are there any other fees, taxes or other charges for making/receiving calls?

__In what increments are minutes charged for making/receiving calls. Some companies charge a whole minute for just using a small fraction of a minute; others round it off to the nearest minute…this makes a huge difference in how long your minutes last.

__Is there a requirement to keep purchasing minutes in order to keep the same phone number? Some companies don’t allow you to keep the same number if you fail to refill your minutes after a specific time. For moe information visit mobile banking

__Phone cost? Usually, prepaid phones cost very little. If you lose a phone or it breaks it can replace it fairly inexpensively, but you’ll most likely have totally different phone number.

Monthly Plans: Monthly plans require a contract (usually at least two years) and you agree to pay the charges under the terms of the contract. Before signing any contract, read it carefully–never rely on a salesperson’s verbal statement–get it in writing.

__Coverage: Find out exactly where you can make phone calls without incurring extra charges, such as roaming, tower access fees, taxes and such. Some companies offer nation-wide free long distance and with no roaming fees. This is a definite plus. Check to see if the company frowns on the majority of the usage outside your area. Some companies may kick you off their plan if you roam too much.

__Phone Features: Some plans require you to pay for extra services when more features are included with your phone such as text messaging, email, web surfing and more. These charges can be for incoming and outgoing usage.

__Plan Types: There are basic plans that offer single usage and family plans that you can share minutes. Compare and consider the plan type carefully. Perhaps, having a family plan would cost less in the long run. Look at all the benefits before deciding.

__Corporate/Business Discounts: Some companies offer discounts if you either own a business or work for certain companies. Don’t forget to ask if you qualify.

__Extra Charges, taxes and fees (both from the phone company and the state/federal, etc…for all usages. Some companies add extra usage fees, so check it out.

__In what increments are your minutes charged? Again, some companies charge a whole minute for using a smidgen over a minute; others round it up to the nearest minute.

__Contract Duration: Make sure you know how long you are obligated to the contract and what penalties will be charged if you choose to end it. There is usually a small grace period (from 14 to 30 days) to try out the phone service and if it doesn’t suit your needs you can cancel your contract (this is called buyers remorse).

Only you know which type of cell phone service fits your needs. It’s silly to pay more when you rarely use your cell phone, but on the other hand, if you are traveling in areas that a prepaid doesn’t get service it may be better to go with a basic monthly plan so you can actually talk to someone when you use your phone.

Written by: OSAblogger / Bill Wardell - Please Read Our Latest OSA eZine Edition

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