What we suspected we now know is true: Cell phones have taken over. What was a luxury for adults as recently as a few years ago has become a must-have for most people and many families -- right down to the kids.
Even Barbie is into the act with Mattel's introduction of the new Barbie cell phone targeted at "pre-teen girls eight and older who want to act like their parents."
If cell phone bills are leaving you begging for mercy you have an out.
Pay-as-you-go
Prepaid cell-phone service is a simple concept, a lot like a prepaid phone card. You buy the cell phone (some companies are giving a free phone to get started), activate it and then pay to put minutes or "units" on your account.
As you use the phone, minutes come off your account. When you run low you pay to add more minutes. It's so simple a school child can do it.
Look Ma, no bill!
Possibly the best thing about prepaid cell-phone plans are all the "Nos":
No contracts to sign
No monthly bills
No long-term commitments
No credit checks
No age limits
No hidden fees
Two big questions
Two issues you should consider when going with prepaid cell-phones:
1. What happens to unused minutes?
2. Are there limitations on the calling area?
Unused minutes: With some plans your minutes are good for only a limited time, typically, 30 to 90 days. If you don't use them, you lose them.
Calling area: Some prepaid cell phones work in a very limited local calling area. With some plans if you are outside your local area, your phone will not allow you to make or receive calls.
Who should prepay?
Prepaid wireless makes a lot of sense for seniors, teens and kids and all others who are not heavy users or active talkers.
Across the pond
My first introduction to prepaid cell phones was last year during a trip to England. There, prepaid "mobiles" are wildly popular, particularly among the younger set.
My friends Shane and Jake in Blackpool think of minutes the way lots of kids think of candy. They use their allowances to buy sweets (candy), football stickers (soccer cards) and minutes for their mobiles-used more for texting their friends than to speak with their mum and dad.
