A pre-paid wireless phone lets you take control of your celluar phone use. You can go wireless for under $40 with no contract and no bill at the end of a month.
Prepaid wireless lets you pay as you go. It's a great deal for the occasional user or peace of mind in case of emergencies while away from home. A pre-paid phone is also a good way to limit your teenager's use while providing a phone for emergencies or checking in with you. There is no surprise bill at the end of the month with a prepaid phone, only the minutes previously purchased can be used so junior can't run up the bill talking or sending text to friends.
Currently the most popular pre-paid wireless service is provided by Tracfone®.
Tracfone® provides nationwide prepaid wireless service using the nation's leading cellular providers. Tracfone® advertises a wireless footprint covering 99% of the U.S. population which means you get celluar serivce everwhere it's available.
Only special phones may be used with prepaid wireless but they begin as low as $19.95.
In addition to the phone a pre-paid card is needed for access and minutes. As little as $19.95 gets your phone activated for 60 days with 40 "units" of use. Units are generally the same as minutes except if "roaming" two units per minute may be charged.
Prepaid wireless phones differ slightly. Some show the number of paid minutes remaining right on the phone so you always know what you have left. The period of access is extended by purchasing additional cards. On some plans, unused minutes purchased on previous cards remain available during the extended period.
If you need to spend a lot of time on the phone and do so regularly, prepaid wireless may not be for you. If you only use the phone occassionally or for emergencies, then prepaid wireless can offer you significant savings.
Tracfone® is available at major retailers like walmart.com, target.com, radioshack.com and others.
This site is not affiliated with TRACFONE Wireless Inc. The costs and coverage reported here is based on market survey at the time of this writing. Check current rates and coverage with TRACFONE Wireless, Inc. or any other provided prior to obtaining service.