Service providers commonly dictate which phone models would work well on their networks. So, if you plan to replace your phone, make sure that you know the guidelines in choosing a phone that will be compatible with your chosen service carrier. This way you can easily decide whether you will stick with your current provider or you will subscribe to a new one.

So to help you in choosing a cell phone unit, we have enumerated some factors you should consider.

Tips on Selecting a Phone Unit

1.Identify your current service plan. First and foremost, you need to know whether you are subscribed to a monthly plan or a prepaid cell phone service.

Monthly phone contracts typically provide a wide array of cell phone models you can choose from. The phones offered under this plan are those that carry the latest technology and features desirable in a phone. Some of these unique features include: Bluetooth headsets, GPS navigation, internet connectivity and complex organizers. So, if you will be using these special functions, you can easily choose a phone model that will suit your lifestyle and needs.

On the other hand, if you possess a prepaid cell phone plan, you will find that the choices of phone models are somewhat limited. This is because a prepaid cell phone service typically caters to occasional users of mobile phones. And a prepaid cell phone plan also provides very fewer features for its subscribers. Thus the phones offered in this program are mostly the conventional models that carry voice and text messaging capabilities.

So identify your current plan, and check out the different phone units you can purchase.

2.Determine how much money you can use to purchase a phone. If you have saved up enough money, and you are a cell phone power user, then you can always purchase a smart phone. This way, you can maximize the features you can enjoy with your state of art mobile phone. And for sure you will get your money’s worth.

But if you have very little savings and you need to replace your phone right away, you can always take advantage of phones that carry prepaid cell phone services. Prepaid phones are very affordable. This is because they provide very basic features. Phones that carry prepaid cell phone services are often categorized as conventional mobile devices. Through these phones you can store your frequently used numbers, send and receive text messages and of course make and receive phone calls.

So consider your budget for you to identify the type of phone and features you can afford to purchase.

3.Your provider’s digital network. A third consideration is your carrier’s network. If you are subscribed to Sprint and Verizon, then the phone you should choose must work on CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) technology. On the other hand, if you use AT&T and T-Mobile, then you must select a phone that will work on Global System for Mobile Communication or GSM technology.

Employ these three tips and you can be properly guided in choosing and in purchasing the right cellular phone unit.

About the Author

Tara Tiemann is a credit analyst for Go-prepaid.com which has been a resource site for people who want to live debt free. If you are on a budget using prepaid debit cards,prepaid credit cards and prepaid cell phone service can save you big money!

You want to shift to a prepaid cell phone plan. After all you have been fully convinced of the things you read and heard about prepaid cell phone service. And you want to benefit from the unique features that prepaid cell phone plans offer.

You can always buy second hand phones that will carry prepaid plans that you want to benefit from. Still, you need to be careful in choosing and buying used phones, especially when you plan to buy it online. This way you can prevent getting ripped off by unscrupulous merchants that sell defective cell phones. Below we have enumerated some tips that you can use in securing second hand cell phone units online.

Tips on Buying Used Phones Online

1.Make sure that you don’t buy stolen items. Before you buy a used phone, check the records of the phone. Review the receipt of the phone and validate whether the name of the seller matches that name of the buyer in the receipt. This way you can be assured of buying only legitimate items and not the stolen ones.

You may also investigate on the background and license of the online cell phone shop. Conduct researches on the service level and products of an online shop. Ask for customer reviews and testimonials. Contact the shop and ask for an assurance that they do not sell stolen phones.

This way you can be assured of purchasing phones that have proper documents and not the stolen ones.

2.Research on the features of the model you plan to buy. Perform a thorough research on the features and specifications of the phone model you want. This will serve as your guide in selecting and buying a used phone that will meet your expectations and needs.

3.Ask to hold the unit first before buying it. Remember that you are buying a second hand phone to take advantage of the features of a prepaid cell phone service. If you will buy a phone that will not be durable enough, for sure your money will just go to waste. So never rely on the pictures and descriptions provided online. Rather schedule a meet up with your prospective seller. This will give you the opportunity to inspect the phone being sold. What are some things that you need to check?

• Phone Casings. Check for scratches and dents. And see if the physical condition of the cell phone cover still allows you to recognize the phone model.

• Keypad. Check whether all the keys work. And see whether there are missing or faded keys. If you see some, better look out for other sellers.

• Screen. View if the screen is still in good condition or if it has defective pixels or lines.

• Battery. Inspect whether the battery is still performing well. If not, you may ask the seller to provide you newer phone batteries or negotiate a lower price.

• Other features. For more contemporary phone models, check on the following components: software, stylus, slide or hinge mechanism, touch-screen, headphone jack and speakers, and card slots. Inspect the condition of each of these components for you to get assured that the phone you will be buying will be worth the asking price of the seller.

4.Ask for at least a one-week warranty from the cell phone seller. Ask your seller for at least a short-term warranty. This way, should the used phone fail to live up to your expectations, you can still ask for a refund. And you can still buy another second-hand phone from a new online shop.

By employing these steps, you can surely find a second hand phone that you can use to benefit from prepaid cell phone services.

About the Author

Tara Tiemann is a credit analyst for Go-prepaid.com which has been a resource site for people who want to live debt free. If you are on a budget using prepaid debit cards,prepaid credit cards and prepaid cell phone service can save you big money!

Many people are attracted to prepaid cell phones because generally, it is far more convenient to get a prepaid phone than it is to apply for a regular cell phone service.  Do you want to try out a prepaid phone yourself?  Or are you a regular phone service subscriber who plans to switch or go prepaid?

The fact is, that prepaid phones can be advantageous for some people yet impracticable for some.  It all depends on your lifestyle and purpose for using a cell phone.  Therefore, before purchasing your prepaid phone kit, consider first the pros and cons before making a decision whether it is the perfect plan for you.

Prepaid Cell Phone Pros

You are not tied up to a long term contract. Many cell phone service providers require their customers to sign up for at least a two year contract.  That means you cannot terminate the contract before this time period.  If you decide to deactivate the account, you will have to pay the penalty.

No need to worry about credit checks. If you are someone who is currently in the process of rebuilding bad credit, applying for a regular cell phone plan, or post paid plan as its also known, may prove to be tough.  By obtaining prepaid cell phone service, there is no need to worry about the status of your credit history.

No monthly bills and late fees. For those who want to exercise a limit on their budget, prepaid phones are a good option.  Since it is prepaid, you can reload your account as you need to use it.  There is no need to worry about falling behind your payment due dates or being penalized for being late.

Prepaid Cell Phone Cons

Limited choice of phone units. Typically, the choices of cell phone are limited with prepaid phone plan packages.  While many prepaid cell phone issuers are working hard to bring their customers all the features they have grown accustomed to with their old cell phone service, If you are looking for a phone like the I-Phone or Droid you will not be able to get these on a prepaid plan….. yet.

Limited coverage. Compared to regular phone plans, prepaid phones may only work in limited areas so before purchasing a prepaid kit, you’ll want to check out the available coverage provided by your chosen carrier.

You can’t use a prepaid phone plan to rebuild credit. Subscribing to a regular cell phone service can be one way to build up your credit rating since it involves monthly payments.  If you choose to go prepaid, you will need to find other means to enhance your credit history as prepaid cell phone service providers cannot keep track of your phone usage or report your payments to the credit bureaus.

About the Author

Tara Tiemann is a credit analyst for Go-prepaid.com which has been a resource site for people who want to live debt free. If you are on a budget using prepaid debit cards,prepaid credit cards and prepaid cell phone service can save you big money!

Prepaid phones or pay-as-you phone plans are increasingly becoming popular these days as consumers try to find ways to save their budget.  But are all prepaid cell phone services really as good as they promise to be?  How can you find a prepaid cell phone service that’s best for you?

Below are some points to remember when comparing different prepaid cell phone plans:

Know your personal needs. All of us have different needs and purposes when it comes to using cell phones.  Before shopping around for cell phone deals, you need to know your priorities.  For instance, will you use your phone mostly for texting?  Will you need to make out-of-the country calls on a regular basis?  Do you need a roaming service?  Is there a particular cell phone unit that you prefer to use?  Jot down your priorities and use this list when evaluating plans.          

Use online comparison tools. You can find websites that not only offer reviews but also a comparison tool that you can use to match up different prepaid cell phone services side-by-side.  This way, you can immediately see the pros and cons that each cell phone carrier offers.

Pay attention to the fees. True enough, using a prepaid cell phone plan can enable you to save money as long as you know how to control your usage.  Nevertheless, when managed incorrectly, using a prepaid plan can prove to be a lot more expensive.

For example, if you spend a lot of time on calls on a daily basis, you may be better off with a post paid plan.  Keep in mind that prepaid phone plans are charge by the minute so when you ran out of call time, you will need to buy a new call card to reload your account.

Check out the phone units. If you are going to purchase a prepaid phone kit that comes with a handset, see to it that you know what you’ll be given.  One thing you can do is to visit a wireless phone center or store where varying handsets are displayed.  This way, you’ll get a better idea about the type of prepaid phone unit you will get.

Check the features included. Unlike a post paid plan, certain features may not be provided by your prepaid cell phone service provider.  You may need to send a request to your carrier before you can enjoy special phone functions such as call waiting, call forwarding, voice mail, etc.  Take note that subscribing to each of these features will cost you an additional payment.

Wireless Internet Capability. Do you need to use your mobile phone to surf the internet?  If you do, be sure that the type of handset you will be provided is capable of connecting to the internet.  Also, check with your carrier how much you will pay on per minute surfing.

About the Author

Tara Tiemann is a credit analyst for Go-prepaid.com which has been a resource site for people who want to live debt free. If you are on a budget using prepaid debit cards,prepaid credit cards and prepaid cell phone service can save you big money!

Prepaid cell phone services are becoming more popular these.  People who do not want to commit to a long term contract and those who cannot qualify for a post paid phone service because of bad credit turn to prepaid plans.

Are you planning to get a prepaid phone too?  Or are presently subscribed to a post paid plan yet considering a switch to prepaid?  Before you take the next step, first consider if a prepaid cell phone service is indeed right for you.  In this article, let’s discuss the advantages and limitations of using a prepaid wireless phone.

Prepaid Phone Advantages

Lower your monthly bills. You can save a great deal from a prepaid wireless phone if you choose the plan that matches your needs.  Pay-as-you go plans are recommended for people who do not need unlimited talk time.   Many prepaid cell phone companies offer affordable bundle packages that comes with the two basic services- text messaging and calls.      

No credit check done. Anyone can get a prepaid phone at any time regardless of credit standing.  It doesn’t matter if you have bad credit or no credit history at all.  Since you will only be able to use your phone by reloading credit, Issuers do not need to worry about defaults.

More affordable. If you stick with the budget you set, then prepaid phones are definitely the best way to cut costs.  You can get a prepaid plan for as low as $10 per month only.  That gives you at least 30 minutes of talk time at .10 cents per minute per call and .10 cents per text message.

Prepaid Phone Limits

Higher Per Minute Call charges. You can expect higher per minute call charges compared to a post paid plan.  Thus, if you to make calls from a wireless phone on a daily basis or if you need one for business, perhaps a contractual phone package is the more practical choice.

No Free Handset. Post paid wireless plans are often accompanied with the latest phone units or handsets that you can get for free or for cheap monthly installments.  On the other hand, prepaid providers do not offer free handsets since the use is not subject to any contract.  Thus, if you want a trendy handset, you’ll have to buy it on your own.

Extra Services cost more. If you want to subscribe to additional features such as voice mail, caller ID, three-way conferencing, call waiting etc., you need to pay extra for each type of service.  With a post paid plan, these functions are often already included with the package.

Limited Coverage. Different prepaid phone providers extend varying coverage services, depending on the area or State.  It’s very important to consider this factor especially if you frequently go on out-of-State trips.

About the Author

Tara Tiemann is a credit analyst for Go-prepaid.com which has been a resource site for people who want to live debt free. If you are on a budget using prepaid debit cards,prepaid credit cards and prepaid cell phone service can save you big money!

Prepaid cell phone service providers today strive to stay on top of the market by offering the most reliable and most affordable deal. Because of the recent economic slump, what consumers need is a prepaid cell phone plan that matches the budget.

While, many cell phone users are subscribed to a post-paid plan, more and more people are encouraged to switch to a prepaid plan to save costs. How can you find the right prepaid cell phone service provider? Here are some tips:

Understand your needs. People need prepaid phones for different reasons. Some may need to use it for frequent calls while others may use primarily for text messaging. Some people may need a wireless prepaid phone when on a trip or on the road. Obviously, there is not one standard prepaid package that will work for everyone.

Therefore, you need to understand your personal situation and determine your priorities. Don’t sign up for a plan just because you like the phone unit that comes along with the package. Check out the maintenance costs. How much will it cost you to keep your phone active?

If you prefer to call rather than send text messages, then you should choose a plan with a lower per call rate and more talk time. On the other hand, if you’re a frequent traveller, you need to look for a provider that offers reliable roaming service and reasonable long distance call rates.

Shop around online. Prepaid phones are now available at leading malls and convenient stores such as Wal Mart, Target and 7-11. However, before going out to buy one, it’s best to explore your options first through the internet.

You can check out product review websites to get a better idea as to which carriers offer the best deals. Some websites have an online comparison tool that allows you to compare varying prepaid phone packages on the same page.

Currently, the leading names in the wireless prepaid phone market are Net10, TracFone, Boost Mobile, Virgin Mobile, Alltel, T-Mobile, Cingular and Verizon Wireless. By checking online, you can compare prices and services right from your computer.

Should you go prepaid? For some people, a post-paid cell phone plan is a more practical option. Before going prepaid, make sure that it will match your needs and lifestyle. Prepaid wireless phones are best for:

• people who want to limit their phone usage
• people who do not want to commit to a long contract
• parents who want to provide a cell phone to their kids
• people who are on a budget

About the Author

Tara Tiemann is a credit analyst for Go-prepaid.com which has been a resource site for people who want to live debt free. If you are on a budget using prepaid debit cards,prepaid credit cards and prepaid cell phone service can save you big money!

Now that times are tough, many are switching from a post-paid cell phone plan to a prepaid cell phone service.  What are the advantages and disadvantages of using prepaid cell phones?  Should you get a prepaid phone as well?

Advantages of Prepaid Cell Phones

Pay only for your call/text usage. A common complaint with post paid phone plans is that subscribers find additional charges on their bill for calls they never made.  With a prepaid phone, there’s no need to worry about incurring extra charges, missing your due date of payment, or paying late penalty fees.

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Easy to acquire. There’s no need to fill out application forms or sign up for the 1 year contract to get approved.   If you want to have your own prepaid cell phone, all you have to do is visit your chosen carrier and make a purchase.

Put a limit over your spending. It is easier to exercise control over your call expenses using a prepaid cell phone.   You can only reload a limited amount of credit that you can use for the whole week or the whole month.  With a post paid plan, you can always make a call at anytime or make your calls a little bit longer than necessary, racking up your bills for the month.

Disadvantages of Prepaid Cell Phones

Now that we have discussed the advantages of owning a prepaid cell phone, let’s tackle the disadvantages that you should consider as well.  Remember, if you need to make frequent calls from your cell phone every day, then you may be able to save more with a post paid plan.  Prepaid phones are great for those who only make phone calls occasionally.
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You always have to reload new credit. Once you’ve used up all your available credit, you will need to buy a new prepaid card or transfer funds to your cell phone to be able to use it for new calls or texts.

You can’t use a prepaid phone to build credit history. Cell phone companies do not provide credit reporting for their prepaid plan subscribers.  If you want to build up your credit history, then what you need is a post paid cell phone service.

The cost per call is higher than a post paid plan phone. Since prepaid cell phones charge calls by the second, not by the minute, you could end up paying for more if you make longer calls frequently.  If you need a longer airtime, then a post paid plan may be a better choice for you.

About the Author

Tara Tiemann is a credit analyst for Go-prepaid.com which has been a resource site for people who want to live debt free. If you are on a budget using prepaid debit cards,prepaid credit cards and prepaid cell phone service can save you big money!

If you want to cut back from your personal costs, why not consider switching from cell phone line to a prepaid cell phone plan?  Yes, using a prepaid cell phone can actually give you significant savings.  How?  Here are practical tips on how you can save money using a prepaid phone.

Choose a prepaid cell phone service that matches your needs. Different carriers offer varying packages for prepaid cell phone service.  Find one that best complements your lifestyle.  Read online reviews so you can have better idea on which carriers provide the best service.  Compare not only the rates per call or text messaging but the quality of coverage as well.

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Limit unnecessary calls. Most wireless carriers provide a few hours or minutes of calls each month that you can use for free.  However, once you’ve used it up, you will need to purchase more credit to be able to use your cell phone for new calls. Use this limit to your advantage.  Call only for important reasons and utilize your call minutes wisely.

Choose a combo package. If each one in your family needs a cellular phone, consider the prepaid family package offers.  Combo deals are great for families who need to contact each other every day.  Not only can you get a discounted rate for calls and texts, you may also be able to enjoy more airtime usage.

Be aware of your carrier’s restrictions. When acquiring a prepaid cell phone, reading the fine print is just as important.  You want to make sure that you know the exact rules of your carrier particularly when it comes to the expiration of your available credit.  Unused credit is certainly a waste of money.  When reloading credit, be conscious about the amount of your cell phone balance and the date that it will expire.  If you don’t need to make long conversations, then buy the smallest denomination of credit available.

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Avoid the penalties. Prepaid phones often need to be reloaded on a regular basis.  Not purchasing any credit for a month or two can cause your account to be automatically deactivated.  As a penalty, your prepaid carrier may require you to pay a fee in order to reactivate your prepaid account.  Such fees can be avoided by being aware of the terms in your contract.

Take advantage of the free calls. Sometimes, calls made to the same network are not charged at all.  You can make the most out of this privilege by picking a network that many of your relatives or friends are already using.

About the Author

Tara Tiemann is a credit analyst for Go-prepaid.com which has been a resource site for people who want to live debt free. If you are on a budget using prepaid debit cards,prepaid credit cards and prepaid cell phone service can save you big money!

With all the prepaid cell phone services in the market, how do you know which is the best choice for you?  Below are some tips on comparing different prepaid phone carriers:

Check out reviews. You can read online reviews to get to know the best choices in the market.  Obviously, if a certain cell phone company is not raving good reviews, there could something wrong or unsatisfactory with its service.  You can narrow down your options more quickly by checking out reviews from the internet.

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Compare prices. Everybody wants to enjoy the cheapest call rates and the lowest text messaging fees.  However, you want to make sure that you will enjoy real value for your money by choosing a reliable coverage and service.

Watch out for deceitful promos. Some cell phone service providers may introduce deceitful promos to invite more subscribers.  For example, you may be offered unlimited texting or unlimited calls but enjoying these privileges may be subjected to certain conditions.  You may only be able to use the unlimited texts and calls during past midnight until six in the morning.  Before subscribing to a prepaid service, make sure that you can really use the privileges offered.

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Understand how you can buy credit. Prepaid cell phones need to be reloaded with new credit in order for you to use them.  You can buy new credit either by using a prepaid phone card or transfer funds from your saving account or your debit card into your cell phone.  See to it that you are aware of how purchasing new credit is done particularly the duration period that you can use your credit.

Check out cell phone packages. Prepaid cell phone carriers offer combo packages that can enable you to save more money.  For instance, family packages are generally cheaper than buying individual cell phone kits.  You may even be able to enjoy free airtime, free text messages or bonus credit.

Read the terms and conditions. Regardless of which prepaid cell phone service you choose, take time to read and understand the Terms and Conditions.  Reading the fine print is the best way to compare cell phone deals effectively.

About the Author

Tara Tiemann is a credit analyst for Go-prepaid.com which has been a resource site for people who want to live debt free. If you are on a budget using prepaid debit cards,prepaid credit cards and prepaid cell phone service can save you big money!

Residents of the state of North Carolina are eligible for free prepaid cell phone service thru a little know government sponsored program called Lifeline.

TracFone.com is the first prepaid cell phone provider to open a program to meet the needs of those who are eligible for this program.

TracFone.com’s program is called Safelink, under this program if you are at a certain income level and live in North Carolina, you can receive free cell phone service. Currently most people who have applied for Safelink are actually paying 50% of the plan cost and the government is paying the rest. I believe the amount you pay is based on your income.

Currently Tracfone is the only provider with a program, but Virgin Mobile plans on rolling out a similar program this coming summer.

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Click here to go to TracFone.com!

About the Author

Tara Tiemann is a credit analyst for www.go-prepaid.com which has been a resource site for people who want to live debt free. If you are on a budget using prepaid debit cards, pre paid credit cards and prepaid cell phone service can save you big money!