Can you hear me now?

Ryan Norris

It’s like an epidemic. Ever since the late ’90s, cell phone users have been popping up everywhere. When getting out of class, students can be seen walking around campus either talking to someone they’re with or talking on their cell phone. It’s something that is seen as so normal and natural now. These people have one thing they don’t need to worry about: a cell phone bill.

Cingular, has many plans for users. One plan says that they’ll give a user 600 anytime minutes plus rollover (minutes unused that go into the next month) for $50 a month. This includes long distance and 5000 weekend minutes. In small print they let the user know that other charges may apply. Not included in the advertisement is that the user who chooses this plan is required to use a specific phone, either a Nokia 6340i or a Sony Ericsson T62u. Night minutes start at 9 p.m. and end at 7 a.m. the next day. If the user plans on using text messaging than they are given the option of an unlimited three month plan, but will start being charge $.10 per text message after those three months. Also, the user is locked into a two-year agreement, even if they are not satisfied.

T-Mobile targets mostly teenagers and college students. .The 600 anytime minute plan for T-Mobile is somewhat different, and arguably a better deal than Cingular’s. T-Mobile’s 600 minute plan was advertised constantly on television and is one of the most popular plans used. For $50 a month you get 600 anytime minutes, free nights and weekends and free long distance. Instead of paying $.10 per text message, the user can choose a fairly affordable alternative: 500 text messages per month for only $2.99. Also, the user can choose whichever phone they desire.

Mostly every cell phone plan is the same when it comes to their rates. There are subtle differences in their plans so as not to copy off their competition. After researching different cell phone plans, compare them and decide which is the most affordable. Then it’s time to talk and text message for as much as they will allow!

Posted to the web by Ryan Norris