Can you hear me now? If not, you could just "raise the bar" or even choose to "go forward". There are many different options when choosing a cell phone plan. The number of minutes, the actual phone complete with hundreds of ring tones, text messaging options, camera and internet access are all at unique levels of importance that vary with the consumer. But for some, it comes down to the monthly payments. Here are three options of service providers to aid you in the plan-shopping process.
Sprint\nIf the consumer is shopping for price, Sprint offers the lowest monthly payment at $29.99. The plan includes 200 any-time minutes per month. The plan also includes usual benefits like nationwide long distance calling, voicemail, caller ID, text messaging ($.10 per message) and voicemail. Customers can also add up to 500 minutes more at a rate of $5 per 50 minutes. \nSophomore Tracie Davis subscribes to Sprint with her family.\n"I've never had too many problems with my phone," Davis said. "There are a few places were I do not get much service, but overall I am generally pleased."
Verizon\nIf the consumer is shopping for dependability, Verizon offers the largest network in the United States. Its lowest monthly payment is $39.99 which includes 450 minutes, unlimited in-network calling as well as the typical benefits listed in the previous paragraph. One can also add extra minutes at a charge of $.45 per minute. \nSophomores Alison Fields and Jennie Farmer both have Verizon. Farmer said, "I get service everywhere. It is very dependable. I have never had one problem." \nFields also agreed that she was very pleased with the service as well as the fact that "it seems like everyone has Verizon."
Cingular\nFinally, Cingular offers the most minutes for your money. At $49.99 a single user can get 1,500 any time minutes. The negative aspect is that night and weekend minutes are not included in this plan. One must pay at least $59.99 per month with 900 any-time minutes for nights and weekends to be included. \nLeslie Kerchief, also a sophomore at IU, subscribes with them. She is a previous Verizon user, but she said, "We switched to Cingular because most of my friends have Cingular." \nBoth Cingular and Verizon offer a variety of family plans which are not offered by Sprint. There is an option of a "shared" plan under Sprint's coverage; however it is targeted toward two individuals. \nThe choice of a plan depends on the immediate needs of the consumer, however the college student's best bet in a cell phone plan is Verizon. The plans offer the most options and service.
