Advantages and disadvantages of prepaid mobile phones
We constantly see advertisements on television promoting cell phones and cell phone operators with what they call great introductory offers if you sign up with them on their network.
Is it worth signing a one-year contract with a cell phone operator?
Well, that’s a question you have to answer yourself, although the price may seem attractive, you need to consider whether you will be using the phone on a daily basis. Ask yourself the following:
· Do I need my cell phone to work?
Will I mainly call friends and family?
Will I make out-of-state calls or international calls?
If the answer to the number of questions above is no, prepaid cell phones may be your best option. Prepaid cell phones are ideal for people who do not intend to sign contracts and do not intend to use their cell phone excessively. There are many advantages and disadvantages to using this type of cell phone:
Advantages of using a prepaid cell phone:
No credit check required
No deposit required
No monthly rental fee
No cancellation fee if you decide not to use your phone again
No service fee
A large selection of phones available, including camera phones
Always in control of call costs
Disadvantages of using a prepaid cell phone:
Calls and SMS texts will cost more per minute than using a billing phone
You could run out of credit at a crucial time when you need to make a call
Some companies will set a time limit on your credit (you will need to use it within a certain time or else it will be classified as invalid)
Children with prepaid cell phones:
Always buy a low emission cell phone for health and safety reasons. Children under the age of 7 are not recommended to use any type of cell phone.
If you like to keep an eye on your kids and you think a cell phone is a safe and good idea, don’t make the mistake many parents make when giving away a cell phone that has a rental line. If you do this, be very prepared for a big monthly bill from the postman. It’s like giving your child a big bag of candy and asking him not to eat it unless it is really necessary. Prepaid cell phones are great for kids, if they run out of credit so be it, but you can always call or text them and then you decide what additional credit to allow.
It is very difficult for young children to budget smart and children will be children so you need to be careful when it comes to financing a cell phone for them.
What are the highest costs associated with prepaid cell phones?
Be careful that your credit can be used up very quickly. Camera cell phones are a lot of fun and practical at times, but if you are using a prepaid camera cell phone and want to send photos via text message, the cost can be very high via text message. Also be careful about roaming fees, as these can also be very expensive. Always look for promotions and giveaways with no hidden fees.
Is it easy to get credit?
Buying credit couldn’t be easier. Most stores sell credit for different cell phone operators and some stores have vending machines where you can simply follow the instructions and top up your credit. You can also call your cell phone provider (usually a toll free number) and shop with your credit card. Credit issued as a long number. Just type this in the correct section of your cell and that’s it.
Prepaid cell phones coming soon:
A great idea for those of us who need to keep in line with our telephone expenses.
Very useful for emergencies with no rental cost.
Ideal for children if you want them to carry a cell phone
A good backup if you have a problem with your home phone
Again, always look at different cell phone providers and their prepaid cell packages, they are not all created equal and some offer great starter packages.