Pay as You Go- The Prepaid Solution for Wireless Needs

Almost everyone has a cell phone now, with the number of contract carriers and options expanding significantly over the past few years.

However, not everyone qualifies for, wants, or needs a contract cell phone. Major contract carriers still require credit checks with large deposits for those with "challenged" credit profiles. While a one year contract used to be standard, longer contracts of 2 or more years are now pushed and expected. Along with a contract plan comes a heavy early termination fee. This is problematic for those who experience reliability problems or move out of the service area.

While prepaid used to be a solution mainly for those who could not pass credit checks or afford a monthly bill, it has become an attractive option for those who want to maximize their mobile efficiency.

With the move towards data and text messaging, may people no longer need the minutes offered with a contract plan. Many "pay as you go" phones now offer competitive per minute rates and text messaging for pennies per text. The type and style of phones offered has improved dramatically. I remember when prepaid phones were often refurbished or very old out of program phones that had been discontinued from contract carriers. These days you can get a nice phone and $20 or more worth of service started for under a hundred bucks.

Pay as you go Wireless offers freedom from the monthly plans that start at $40-50 a month or more and allows efficient use and budgeting of airtime and text usage. If you talk sparingly and/or use messaging casually a pay as you go cell phone may help you stretch your wireless budget.