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- Introduction{1 mention}{1 mention}
- Prepaid Phone Plans{18 mentions}{1 mention}{6 mentions}{5 mentions}{12 mentions}{1 mention}{1 mention}
- Global Cell Service{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}
- Contract vs. Prepaid
- Useful Links
- Our Sources
What prepaid wireless offers
This report just covers prepaid cell phone plans. Regular cell phone plans require a one- or two-year contract, but they may offer better phones, services or network coverage. See our companion report on cell phone plans. We also have more than 300 cell phone reviews. See our list of best prepaid phones.
Smartphones (which combine PDA functionality and web services with a phone and sometimes music) are popular, but be aware that you'll need a more expensive service package to send data over your phone or surf the web. Unlimited prepaid plans that include data services cost $45 to $80 per month. High-speed wireless Internet services such as Verizon's 4G network can reach Internet speeds faster than broadband, but they are expensive and not available in all areas. If you can settle for 3G, you can get a prepaid smartphone that runs on a major national network. For example, Virgin Mobile sells the LG Optimus V, an Android 2.2 smartphone, with unlimited voice, text and data service on the Sprint 3G network. See our reviews of the best smartphones.
Your choice of phone depends firstly on the service you choose. Once you've chosen a carrier and your phone choice has thus been forcibly narrowed, CNET, PCMag.com and PhoneScoop.com are good resources for individual phone reviews. ConsumerReports.org also has a comprehensive report on cellular phones, but you have to be a subscriber to read the report.
If you are interested in cell phone technology and how mobile phone services work, an excellent place to start is How Stuff Works. Editors have compiled a lengthy article that explains how they evolved, how Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) networks are different from Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) systems, and many other essentials.
About.com's wireless usage quiz is handy if you're trying to figure out what type of prepaid plan works for your calling habits.
Will a prepaid plan work for you? SmartMoney magazine lists six things to consider, such as how many minutes you usually talk each month and the number of phones your family needs.
Engadget Mobile posts news of the prepaid wireless world on its blog, including editors' take on some of the new unlimited monthly prepaid plans.
Prepaid cell phone plan carriers
You can get detailed pricing and coverage information on the website of each wireless service provider. It's a good idea to check with carriers, since terms and rates change constantly.