Cell phones--should two people use a family plan or pay as you go?

Question

My wife and I want to each get a cell phone that will be used minimally--emergencies, short questions, etc. Neither of us plan to use the phone very much at all. We're in the Washington DC area. I think I'd prefer a Verizon or Sprint-based phone because I've heard complaints of spotty coverage from some people on other networks.

Considering our plan to use the phone fairly infrequently, would it be best to get two pay-as-you-go phones or a family plan (if there is one) for the two phones? If the difference in costs was not much, I'd want the two phones without paying for each minute, but I suspect that the difference in price (and the required contract) may lead me to get the pay-as-you-go phones (TracFone, Virgin Mobile, etc.).

Thanks for your responses.

Answer 1

It sounds like pay-as-you-go wuold work best for you, the phones are as cheap as around 20 or 30 dollars. If you want to go for a family plan, get verizon if you dont mind spending $70 dollars a month, but if you want it chep, I'd recomend T-mobile, they have a special on right now where you can get 1000 minutes for 50 dollars a plus free roaming for two phones. Te best to buy cell phones online is wirefly.com. you can also check deals2buy.com daily for new deals on all the different service providers from all the online retailers.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

First you need to do more research. Then you need to do a cost analysis. I DID. And I got 2 T-mobile pay as you go. BUT, the key here is to buy 1000 minutes up front (good for 1 year). The cost per minute is 10 cents. I don't think Virgin or TracFone ever gets down to 10 cents.

Monthly, the family plans run about $50 cheapest. Anyway, the T-Mobile pay as you go runs about $9 per month for the 1000minutes/12month thing.

BUT, you gotta remember, you pick the plan. If you start talking lots you lose the cost savings quickly.

Answer 4

Sprint has a very cheap family plan with 550 minutes for $59.99 a month (include 2 lines) - you get free mobile-to-mobile minutes when calling a Sprint or Nextel line, plus the unlimited night time starts at 7 pm & weekends are always free. it's like getting 120 more anytime minutes everyday - no other companies offer a deal like this. http://www.bestincellphones.com/sprint.asp
You can get free cell phones or even cash back after rebates. Good luck.

Answer 5

well i just left virgin mobile (crappy customer service, phones, and to expensive for the little you get). since i just got my daughter a tmobile phone, i decided to go with them as well. BOTH phones i got were free (REAL NICE PHONES!!) i pay 59.99 for their cheapest plan for 2 lines which is 700 anytime min & unlimited nights and weekends, free mobile to mobile 9not just between us, but for us to call ANY tmobile customer).....for 4.99 per phone extra u can add 400 text messages. ($35 activation fee per phone) so, i pay $70+ taxes per month for both....it was cheaper than getting 2 individual lines. and if your credit is not it's best for 'traditional' service, ask for the SMART ACCESS plan...which only means that if your bill goes over $150 you phone will be shut off....it's a way to keep your bills in line......tmobile as well as verizon, and sprint all have pre pay phones, however u have to BUY them, unlike a contract phone at least you get the phones for free w/ minimal activation fee. and even though the phone is only used for emergincies, 1 min here 3 min there can add up each month when you're on a min by min pre pay plan. this way you both wont feel like you have to limit youselves as much. just an option.

Answer 6

If you dont use it too often, do a Pay As You Go plan. Also, family plans are usually only available for 4 or more people.

Good Luck!

Answer 7

if you get a pay as you go, you have time limits to use them minutes. if you decided to get a pay as you go deal, you can go to all wireless companies and they have those pay as you go programs, even though prices and deals may vary. i have had Virgin Mobile, and it was a waste of my money. if you go to to the wireless stores, you will pay a little more money to buy the phones

Answer 8

I say a minimal minute family plan. say 900-1,000 minutes a month. Depending on which company, prices vary.