Benefits for using Prepaid Wireless

The market for prepaid wireless plans is exploding -- having grown from $2

billion in 2000 to more than $7 billion in 2005.  There's several reasons that make prepaid wireless plans so appealing -- but the trend will continue as the benefits of prepaid wireless changes the rules on how consumers choose to sign - up for cellphone use.

Virtually all prepaid wireless plans have some common benefits:

No credit checks - no hassles

No contracts to sign - say goodbye to 2 year commitments!

Flexibility - 'pay as you go' plans put you in control

Control costs - most have no monthly fee's

 

Phones are typically purchased with whole dollar amounts of time added - you buy the phone, and add a fixed amount of time which is based on an amount 'loaded' onto your account.  For example, load $20 or $40 worth of time.  Many plans run around $0.10 per minute, so $20 buys you a lot of talk time (200 minutes).  Charges for many plans include the same low rate for local OR long distance.  Either way, with the benefits of prepaid wireless plans you win.

While the early adopters of prepaid plans were those who were credit challenged, they have gained in popularity and are now favorites for teens, travelers not wanting to lose their traditional phone, gifts, even corporate users.  Among the most popular users are traditional wireless companies ('can you hear me now?' like Verizon or Cingular) who are tired of high monthly costs and long term contracts with questionable service. 

What's Ahead for Prepaid Wireless Plans

The market for prepaid wireless plans looks solid.  From a handful of early providers consumers can now get solid coverage everywhere, and just about all the major players who provide traditional services also offer prepaid plans.  Plus, there are rock solid prepaid wireless only providers who know the market well and are the best at what they do - providing the benefits and advantages of prepaid wireless with no long term contract.

Top choices include Cingular and TracFone.

In the coming year, expect even more robust features and more powerful cellphones to come on the market featuring video on demand and more robust text messaging.