Have you taken a look at prepaid wireless lately? I hadn’t, since there is always so much noise to follow in the post-paid world and prepaid is relatively quiet, but prepaid is actually looking better and better over the last few years. Prepaid is becoming a mainstream part of the mix you should consider. In fact, it is now even better than traditional wireless for a growing percentage of users. Is it better for you? You may be surprised. We always think the first option should be a traditional post-paid cellphone.
I like that there's such a big focus on reaching out to the elderly in our population. Options like jitterbug or SVC are great for senior citizens with bad eyesight or bad hearing. An example is the t155 g from samsung offered by SVC. A focus on a big screen with easy to handle buttons are important when getting people 60+ to open up to something that might be "scary" for them.
You make mention of two very polarized services; tracfone that almost monopolizes the bottom low-end market, and Straight talk that does the exact opposite offering the cheapest unlimited plan. Strong mention needs to be made of Net10, also a sister company that is more moderate in it's offerings, but still the best option for those whos mobile needs change month to month.
Yeah i am really impressed with how many phones Tracfone has under their name. I really dont see why they cannot move towards smartphones one day with 4g speed. That would be a great move by them in my opinion. Overall i think they are great and no wonder people are switching from contract phones to Tracfone. They are cheap, reliable, easy to use, and best of all they WILL save you money.
Glad phone companies like Tracfone are finally getting their dues. They save you a ton of money and they're affordable. Once I found out that they used the same network coverage as at&t and verizon it became a no brainer. It's just that they can't advertise this fact. Otherwise, I really feel like these larger companies would be taking a bigger hit. The phones themselves do leave something to be desired, but the savings are def worth it.
I would have to agree with Julian. It is all fine and well that there are niche markets, like the really low usage bracket, served by prepaid providers; but these will always have limited numbers of customers.
However, the way that some prepaid providers, like Straight Talk (a personal favorite of mine), are aggressively going after high usage consumers - now THAT is exciting stuff! There we see some real competition to the big four (maybe soon to be three!) carriers. Unlimited usage for less dollars than even the cheapest contracts? Now you're talking!
Yes, I believe the key here is that companies like Tracfone are doing its best to gain customers and keep them happy, a strategy not many carriers apply really. Tracfone has different products and services that adapt to the consumers needs, like you mention Straight Talk for example, that service is not only flawless, and offers smart phones, but really an unlimited voice, text and data plan, with no contract offer for only $45 a month. I think is the best deal out there and many people are now switching, because, why pay 110 when you can pay 45 for the same service?
my word, a lot of info in this one...i think prepaid is the best thing ever, between all those providers there sure is a pick for everyone. i picked tracfone for myself, as i don't really use my cellphone much, i just want to carry it, just in case.....with tracfone i know that the network coverage is very good, and the prices for their monthly plans are a bargain.for me, the plain jane a cheap phone does the trick, i got the t301 glider for $49.99. i also got an older friend of mine the t155 for seniors, with great big text and screen, hearing aid compatible and with the 911 emergency location assist. that phone cost only $10 and the senior value plan to go with it costs $7 a month.for me tracfone has a great plan for anyone, providing we are all plain janes that don't need a fancy phone, but a phone for emergencies. great value for money
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Prepaid Wireless Has Finally Grown Up
Posted by: Jeff Kagan March 24, 2011 05:00 AMHave you taken a look at prepaid wireless lately? I hadn’t, since there is always so much noise to follow in the post-paid world and prepaid is relatively quiet, but prepaid is actually looking better and better over the last few years. Prepaid is becoming a mainstream part of the mix you should consider. In fact, it is now even better than traditional wireless for a growing percentage of users. Is it better for you? You may be surprised. We always think the first option should be a traditional post-paid cellphone.
However, the way that some prepaid providers, like Straight Talk (a personal favorite of mine), are aggressively going after high usage consumers - now THAT is exciting stuff! There we see some real competition to the big four (maybe soon to be three!) carriers. Unlimited usage for less dollars than even the cheapest contracts? Now you're talking!