How to Find Hybrid Cell Phone Plans

A hybrid cell phone plan is essentially a monthly billing structure for cell phone service without the contract. Instead of purchasing minutes with a prepaid card, users are billed a set amount each month by automatic credit card or debit card deduction. A hybrid cell phone plan often provides customers with favorable per minute rates compared with conventional prepaid plans. Choosing between different hybrid cell phone plans depends on the location and needs of the user.

Instructions

1. Estimate your monthly cell phone use. Evaluate whether you use your cell phone mostly during the day, at night, on weekends or follow any other pattern. If you call internationally, send a lot of text messages, check your email or use your phone for other purposes, figure that into your estimate as well.

2. Compare and contrast hybrid cell phone plans. Some prepaid hybrid services are regional, with steep charges for roaming; others are national. Compare available features: text messaging, Internet access, downloads or whatever is important for you.

3. Check out each service's phones. Most prepaid services do not offer the latest phones to their customers. However, the available phones do vary between hybrid services. Determine whether a phone with the features you want is available with a particular hybrid cell phone plan.

Tips & Warnings

• Hybrid plans often offer discounted nights and weekends to their customers, much like conventional monthly plans.

• Some hybrid plans charge daily access fees on days when you use the phone; other hybrid plans charge daily fees whether you use the phone or not.

References

• Prepaid Reviews: Choosing a Prepaid Plan
• Phonedog.com: Prepaid and No Contract Services
• Cell Phone and Wireless Guide: Pre-Paid Cell Phone Plans Can Be More Economical Without Credit Checks.