Wireless (cell phone) service.
Unless you have a family (4+ people) that all need phones, going with the major wireless companies, at least in the US, means you're overpaying for your phone service.
You should really look into the MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) or "prepaid" services. Many of them offer the same level of service, the same core features, running off the same networks, and charging you less than half of what you'd pay going to the Big Three (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile).
There are caveats. MVNOs typically don't offer:
- Included streaming services and perks
- "Brick and Mortar" stores to go to for in-person service
- "On us" phone deals involving the latest and greatest flagship smartphones.
But, when you think about it, these perks aren't so much perks, but just methods of keeping you stuck on that postpaid service. Brick and Mortar stores are less and less focused on offering customer service, and more and more on selling you more lines and service (T-Mobile these days literally forces their store staff to guide you to use the app on your phone to take care of anything service or phone-related). Those "phones on us" deals involve phones that are locked to the service, meaning you're stuck and can't switch unless you pay off that "free" device... and the inflated cost of the wireless service is actually subsidizing that "free" phone.
Often times, buying your phone unlocked outright (or financing thought the manufacturer, if you have to finance) and going with a prepaid service will save you more money that that "free" phone on a major carrier.
There's a stigma associated to prepaid service (some people think it's only for folks with bad credit, and/or that the service is inferior), and the major carriers know this. That's why they charge what they do, and imply in their marketing that you're paying more for something better. yet, they also OWN some of those MVNOs, because they also get that there are come people who are wise to all of this.
Some example MVNOs to look at:
- Cricket Wireless (owned by AT&T)
- Visible (owned by Verizon... which also owns Total Wireless, Tracfone, StraightTalk, etc.)
- Mint Mobile (owned by T-Mobile)
Also look into some independents, that offer cell service on all three carriers:
- US Mobile
- RedPocket.
Unless you have a family (4+ people) that all need phones, going with the major wireless companies, at least in the US, means you're overpaying for your phone service.
You should really look into the MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) or "prepaid" services. Many of them offer the same level of service, the same core features, running off the same networks, and charging you less than half of what you'd pay going to the Big Three (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile).
There are caveats. MVNOs typically don't offer:
- Included streaming services and perks
- "Brick and Mortar" stores to go to for in-person service
- "On us" phone deals involving the latest and greatest flagship smartphones.
But, when you think about it, these perks aren't so much perks, but just methods of keeping you stuck on that postpaid service. Brick and Mortar stores are less and less focused on offering customer service, and more and more on selling you more lines and service (T-Mobile these days literally forces their store staff to guide you to use the app on your phone to take care of anything service or phone-related). Those "phones on us" deals involve phones that are locked to the service, meaning you're stuck and can't switch unless you pay off that "free" device... and the inflated cost of the wireless service is actually subsidizing that "free" phone.
Often times, buying your phone unlocked outright (or financing thought the manufacturer, if you have to finance) and going with a prepaid service will save you more money that that "free" phone on a major carrier.
There's a stigma associated to prepaid service (some people think it's only for folks with bad credit, and/or that the service is inferior), and the major carriers know this. That's why they charge what they do, and imply in their marketing that you're paying more for something better. yet, they also OWN some of those MVNOs, because they also get that there are come people who are wise to all of this.
Some example MVNOs to look at:
- Cricket Wireless (owned by AT&T)
- Visible (owned by Verizon... which also owns Total Wireless, Tracfone, StraightTalk, etc.)
- Mint Mobile (owned by T-Mobile)
Also look into some independents, that offer cell service on all three carriers:
- US Mobile
- RedPocket.