Different Types of Calling Plans

Each carrier will offer variations, hoever most calling plans fall into one of the following basic categories:

• Local-These plans are the most limited plans> With these plans you will pay extra for using your phone outside of a relatively small home calling area. Under many of these plans you will also pay extra for long distance calling. These plans do carry the lowest basic monthly fees, however if you use your phone when you’re on the road or make a lot of long distance calls, monthly bills can climb well above the cost of regional or national plans. If you stick close to home or don’t plan to use your phone very much, these are the most cost-effective plans
• Regional-These plans usually offer inexpensive calling and over a much larger area. The only time you will pay high roaming charges will be when you make or take calls outside this area. If you are frequently on the road, this would be the best plan for you. Always be sure to check the coverage plan frequently to make sure you are within your calling area.
• National-These plans have a somewhat higher monthly fee, howvere they allow you to use your phone anywhere in the country with no extra charges for roaming or long distance calls typically. These are best for people who travel or are willing to pay a bit more for the no-hassle worries about where they are and who they’re calling.
• Family or Shared Plans-These plans give family members their own phone and separate phone numbers, but they share an allotment of minutes. These plans have a lower cost per minute than the individual plans that add up to the same amount of minutes. Even better, when some family members exceed their allotment of minutes, others may not use theirs, thus cutting costs. You will receive one monthly bill for the entire family. You will want to check minutes frequently so you do not exceed your allotment of minutes.
• Pre Paid-A pay-as-you-go phone is a great option for people who don't want the hassle of a credit check or having to sign a long-term contract. These are perfect for people who only use their cell phones infrequently or for emergencies. The per-minute rates can be more expensive and the minutes you purchase expire after 90 to 120 days. The phones are inexpensive, but more and more stylish and are being offered with standard features such as voicemail, call waitingand other features available on phones with conventional monthly plans.