Cell Phones

Overview

Cell phones have become an asset in our professional and personal lives. Our work and communication needs are becoming increasingly mobile, and oftentimes, we need to accomplish as much as possible in as little time as possible, while on the road.

Smartphones are cell phones with advanced features that allow users to monitor the Internet, check email, and remain productive. To have access to these features, you need a device like a BlackBerry, iPhone, or Android cell phone, and you need access to a data plan.

Many advanced phones come with a GPS feature tracking feature that you can use to map locations and download driving directions. Over the last few years, smartphones have gained popularity with all kinds of customers including businesses, households, and college students.

How It Works

Today's cell phones operate on digital mobile communication (2G), wideband mobile communication (3G), and broadband fourth generation (4G) networks. Digital mobile communication networks can offer features like Internet at a very slow data transfer rate.

Networks that are 3G and 4G feature comparatively faster data transfer rates. Broadband fourth generation networks include Internet capabilities and provide IP services like voice, data, and multimedia. Fourth generation networks have the fastest data transfer rates. Few cell phone providers offer 4G phones or coverage.

Satellite phones are another type of cell phone service. With a satellite phone, you can receive coverage under the same plan no matter where you are in the world, even where coverage is otherwise unreliable. While normal cell phones connect to land towers, satellite phones connect to satellites in the sky. This type of plan is beneficial for people who regularly travel abroad. Despite their benefits, satellite phones also have drawbacks. Satellite phones tend to be larger than typical cell phones, and they do not always perform well when you are inside of a building or when the sky is blocked off.

Cost

Cell phone plans range in price dramatically. There are a variety of cell phone plan providers that offer a range of packages for different consumers. There are family plans that allow users to share minutes between several phones, and there are data plans that allow you to transfer data, access the Internet and monitor email. Choosing the right cell phone plan can be tricky depending on your specific needs. Expect to spend $30 to $40 on average for the most basic plan, and up to $100 or more for more advanced plans that typically feature unlimitied talk and text messaging, and a smartphone data plan.

Cheap Cell Phone Plans

Some cheap cell phone plans offer unlimited voice, text messaging, and data for $40 per month per user. These cheap cell phone plans may only be available in limited geographic areas. For cell phone plans, your geographic area can influence contract terms, fees, and conditions.

Other cheap cell phone options include pay as you go and prepaid cell phones. With these plans, you can pay for a certain number of minutes ahead of time or as you use them. Pay as you go and prepaid plans are ideal for people who do not use their cell phones very often. Typically, people can purchase these plans without a credit check. Other types of plans may require a credit check, especially if you enter into a plan with a service contract.

T-Mobile features a variety of different plans for different needs. For example, a plan with 500 minutes of talk time per month is available for $29.99 per month. Plans with 500 minutes of talk time, unlimited texting, and unlimited Internet are available for $59.99 per month. For $50 per month, Boost Mobile features an unlimited plan that includes nationwide talk, text, and web.

Cell phones must be purchased separately from your plan; however, the plan that you select may make you eligible for a discount.

Companies

In the United States, there are many cell phone plan providers that offer competitive rates. Many of these providers specialize in services for corporate and personal users. For example, U.S. Cellular specializes in plans for a variety of businesses. There are small business plans for up to 99 employers in addition to plans for mid-to-large businesses. These business accounts include features for BlackBerry data plans, Windows Mobile smartphones, and phone repairs and loaner programs. Other cell phone providers may use a different type of smartphone such as an Android or Palm phone.

U.S. Cellular frequently features offers on its new cellular phones and plans. These offers include a new free cell phone with upgrades, contracts, and family plans. These offers depend on what kind of service is available in your geographic area.