Wireless World: Phone-plan competition hot

United Press International ^ | June 2, 2005 | Gene Koprowski

[kerrywearsbotox]

CHICAGO, June 3 (UPI) -- Monthly mobile phone plans have become more competitive than ever, as carriers offer more minutes to consumers for the same or less money, but increase their profits by selling expensive innovative features as extras, experts told UPI's Wireless World.

This is what people can continue to expect "as fallout from the big cellular mergers," said Derek Kerton, a wireless industry consultant.

The mergers, such as that of Sprint and Nextel -- which is expected to be approved by the Federal Communications Commission later this year -- as well as earlier deals, have remade the mobile marketplace, making it more national and less regional than ever before. By Gene Koprowski

[kerrywearsbotox]

A story about monthly mobile phone plans.

[mnehring]

ping for later

[Sender]

I just signed up on Verizon yesterday. I took the 'free' LG phone, cheapest plan, no add-ons, no accessories. They wanted me to buy everything including broadband video (Vcast) etc.

[tje]

I'm thinking of moving to a 'Go' Phone.. no monthly fees, just put some money up and use it till it's gone..

Like Skype works for VoIP..

[wvobiwan]

T-Mobile and Blackberry - excellent worldwide device, cheap service, good support.

[M. Dodge Thomas]

We recognize the growing importance for sports franchises and networks to engage the wireless channel to monetize their content, enhance team loyalty and promote merchandise and ticket sales..."

I'm probably just old fashioned and hopelessly behind the times, but I can't help feeling that that this sort of "added value" is diagnostic of the end-stage pathology of a critically ill economy.

[Dr. Scarpetta]

How much is it a month?

[spudsmaki]

I went with Tracfone, Moto V60 and doubleminutes, life without a plan and unexpected charges. Super cheap for anyone just calling ahead, it's not for those who conduct their social life on the phone or don't know how to finish a call. Just went to New Orleans via Indianapolis and Kentucky, no coverage gaps, none. And I had to call 911 in Arkansas to report a wreck, the call went through the first time.

They give you Verizon in the city, Alltel in the sticks. Just make sure you buy a CDMA phone. If you buy a TDMA or GSM, you'll get stuck with CingularATTCellular One, they're icky.

Even Consumer Reports agrees with that.

[politicalwit]

if your looking at pre-paid plans take a look at http://www.net10.com

I saw an advertisement for them yesterday...10 cent /min with no roaming fees.

[Sender]

Normally the 'free' phone and minimum plan with 450 anytime minutes would be $39.95, but since my employer is considered a Verizon partner, I pay a flat 20 bucks a month for 750 anytime minutes, 500 weekend/nite minutes, nationwide access and long distance. For that price, I'm not going to be too choosy about the phone.

[Jorge]

I got my first cell phone this year, and finally dropped my land line a few months ago. And I don't miss it one bit.

The convenience and advantages of a cell phone are just great. Can't believe I waited till I was 50 to get one!

[Dr. Scarpetta]

That is an excellent price.

[Clemenza]

Just swithched from Cingular to T-Mobile because 1. I get 10,000 frequent flier miles on Continental and 2. Catherine Zeta Jones told me to sign up.

[Clemenza]

bttt