Choosing the right type of cell phone plan when the family is going to be sharing one is really vital. You’ll find that there are several things to think about here, and some of them are going to include the amount of minutes you need, phones, text messages, etc. That means the best cell phone family plans are the ones that best conform to your needs as a family. There are quite a few factors to consider, if you want to truly find something that covers the whole family, but that also isn’t going to cost you a fortune.
That’s not always easy, as something that you’ll almost always tend to find when it comes to family or joint plans like these, is that they tend to be sort of limited in what they can provide if you want an affordable plan. Whether through the amount of minutes that you share, or the cost of messaging, etc. You want to be sure that you’re able to find a plan that’s not just going to leave you disappointed. Here’s what you want to be sure you assess, before you just go off to Verizon or AT&T to choose the first plan that they offer:
1) First off realize just what family cell phone plans actually are.
These are joint phone plans that are offered by one carrier, so that everyone can get a cell phone without needing a separate account to use them. However, that does mean that there are a few things here that you need to realize, and that includes the fact that you share a lot of features. Most typically things like limitations for text messages or for minutes are all pooled together, so if one person uses up all the talk minutes for example, then nobody else is going to have anymore anytime minutes either. That’s where things can get a bit tricky.
2) Choosing the right plan based on your needs.
First off, consider what sort of Verizon family plans, or even Sprint or T Mobile types are going to suit you. That means thinking about what types of features you really want. Come up with an outline of the following:
Anytime Minutes and Text Allotment
One of the things that you’re going to have to factor in is how many minutes you have. There are plans with unlimited minutes, and they can be a great option if you all talk a lot. Or you can also go with those that have fewer minutes if you’re not going to need that many and you want to save the money. The same is true of something like texting, as some plans will have unlimited which you need if everyone messages a lot, or there are those with fewer and even none.
Mobile calling features
These can be great ways to call more without affecting your anytime minutes. Sometimes the best cell phone family plans is one that offers you the opportunity to have a free 5 or so numbers that you can call that don’t count against your minutes. Or you can even find those that enable you to call within the family circle, or other phones on the same carrier for free as well.
Phone cost
When you compare cell phone family plans something that you have to think about is how many phones are included. You’ll find that with some you can buy one phone, and get another of the same type totally free so that you can buy for your children or other family members. But with other types you have to buy all the phones separately, which can get expensive.
3) Comparing cost.
The best cell phone family plans are always those that are affordable, and that’s why you want to break down the top providers to see what they are going to charge you. You’ll find that they have different price points for their anytime minutes, and that can affect how much you’re paying by a lot. But then you’re also going to find that how much you would have to pay for unlimited family services can also be very different as some companies like AT&T or Verizon family plans might charge $119 a month for unlimited calling, where as a Sprint might charge $190.
That’s a big difference, and one that you want to know about before you sign up so there aren’t going to be any surprises. That’s why a site like MyRatePlan.com can be so useful, as they can compare the top providers in your area and give you a feel for the rate that you’re going to be charged and therefore what you’re going to have to pay in the end as well.