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TELEPHONE -
Cell Phones (continued)
b. If you have a plan with a particular company that provides more services than you need, call them up and tell them you need to minimize your cell phone bill and need a less expensive plan. Tell them what services you need and ask what they can do to keep your business. However, keep in mind that they may insist that you sign up for a new plan with a new termination date. If you do change plans, with your same provider, make sure there is not a termination fee when terminating your old plan.
c. When signing up for a plan, do you really need a new cell phone if you already have one that works well. Ask for a cheaper plan that does not include free phones.
d. With many cell phone plans you can have up to five lines with five unique phone
numbers. Additional lines after the first line usually cost $10 per month. Consider
joining with friends or relatives to share one plan and the plan’s minutes. If no
one talks excessively, five people can usually have cell phone service, including
nationwide long distance, for about $20 per month, with no excess minutes charges.
And often free phones come with the plan. Minutes are tracked by phone number,
so if someone does use the phone excessively it is easy to determine who owes any
additional charges. Just make sure everyone is trustworthy and will pay their share
for the entire two-
e If looking for a new cell phone plan, look closely around holidays (including Mother’s Day) for special deals. Ask various cell phone service providers when special deals will be offered.
f. Do you really need a plan? Perhaps if your are only going to use the cell in emergencies, you can buy minutes without a plan. The cost per minute will be higher, but your overall cost might be considerably lower. Or consider buying a prepaid cell phone for emergency calling. And do not forget, if you have a cell phone lying around, you do not need any plan at all if you only want to call 911 in an emergency. This service is provided at no cost.
g. And before you make any commitment on a cell plan, check to see if your employer has an agreement with a provider to give a discount to their employees on cell phone plans. Many employers do this and the cell phone service does not need to be used for business to get the discount.
Telephone Service Alternatives
Standard home-
1. If you already have broadband Internet service, telephone service can be purchased that works over your Internet connection. It is called “voice over IP” or “VoIP”and can generally be purchased from several companies for a set monthly fee that includes all of your calls. The quality is usually good, and if you make a lot of phone calls the savings can be very significant. You can also usually keep your same phone number. However, remember, if your Internet connection goes down, or you lose power, you will no longer have phone service. Also, 911 service may not be as good as provided by a standard phone connection. To learn more and to locate VoIP companies check the Internet.
2. Phone service can also be purchased from your cable company. This service would replace entirely any service purchased from your local phone company. It is sold separately from other cable services, or can be bundled with other cable services you already purchase for more savings. It allows you unlimited phone calls, both local and long distance, for a set monthly fee. However, make sure you are happy with how 911 service works with these programs, and if you have a security system monitored by a central alarm company make sure that service will still be available. Also, be aware that, unlike standard phone service, cable phone service may not work when the electricity is out. Although, this may not be a concern if you have a cell phone that is available.
3. Forgoing phone calls and using other Internet-
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