The average cell phone bill was $71 in 2013. Craze over the latest smartphone and whether you carry the coolest device can cloud your frugal judgment at times, having you regret spending more than $1,000 a year on text, talk and web browsing. If you’re gloomy over the prospect of keeping your current provider, there are always alternatives; after researching and comparing the world’s cheapest cell phone plans, I’ve come to the conclusion the following take the budgetary cake.
Cheapest Cell Phone Plans
Republic Wireless
Republic Wireless is the phone service for people who hate paying phone bills. First, one must purchase a new phone from Republic—either a Moto X or Moto G—and sign up for a plan. The reason why it’s so cheap is Republic uses Wi-Fi for its coverage. When you are out of Wi-Fi zones, you enter into the Sprint network. The cheapest plan is $5 and the most expensive is a mere $40. Check Republic Wireless Coupons.
Straight Talk
If you’re part of the 46 percent that spends $100 a month, then Straight Talk’s lowest-priced plan will save you $840 over a year. That is, if you subscribe to the $30 monthly plan. As long as you talk less than 1,500 minutes a month—that’s 50 minutes a day—then you can have one of the lowest monthly plans on the market. The most popular plan at Straight Talk seems to be the $45 a month for unlimited talk and text, which is still very reasonable. They also boast their $45 no contract plans offer up to 10 times more high speed data. Be sure to use Straight Talk coupon codes at check-out.
Page Plus
Page Plus is on the Verizon Network, so you’re getting virtually the same service from a different company—with considerably cheaper plans. If you think their $12 a month “minimalist” plan is too risky frugal-wise, then the $29.95 plan is still a bargain; you receive 500 MB of data, 1,200 minutes and 3,000 texts. Page Plus is the perfect alternative for those already signed up with Verizon Wireless and have a contract ending shortly.
Cricket Wireless
Unlimited text, talk and data plans start at $35 at Cricket Wireless. This is after you receive an auto-pay credit, which otherwise would have you paying $40. AT&T acquired Cricket in 2013 and everything runs on their LTE network. All prices include taxes and fees, so you know exactly what you’re getting into. Cricket’s basic phone plan is $25 a month, plus they have coupon codes for new customers.