Considering a Discount Mobile Provider?

As you set your budget for 2012, did you find yourself spending too much money on your cell phone plan?  Remember, according to the REFOCUSING Your Finances project we've been working on, you know the goal is to save 10% on each budget category and use that 10% savings to improve your personal finances.  Now might be the time to explore some discount mobile providers to see how they can help you shave 10% off of your cell phone budget.  Here are a few options along with their pros and cons.

1)  Boost Mobile.  Boost Mobile is a discount provider that works on Sprint's 3G network.  They have no contracts and an unlimited monthly plan runs $55 per line (including text/talk/web).  With their "shrinkage" plan, for every 6 months you pay your bill on time, your bill drops by $5.  The downfall is that their phones are expensive and they do not offer discounts on phones.  To get a sophisticated touch phone, you can plan on spending $200.  To find out if there is coverage in your area visit http://boostmobile.com/coverage/. 

2)   Metro PCS.  If you are looking for a 4G phone, Metro PCS might be a good option for you.  Their $60 unlimited plan covers unlimited talk/text/web on their 4G network.  A 4G compatible phone will run you about $200 and since there are no annual contracts, you will pay full price for the phone.  If you can "settle" for 3G, plan rates can drop to as low as $40 and phones can be had for about that same price.  Metro PCS has coverage in 90% of the United States; to see about the coverage in your area visit http://www.metropcs.com/coverage/.

3)  Wal-Mart Straight Talk.  Unlimited talk/text/web through Wal-Mart's Straight Talk plan will run you $45 per month.  The least expensive phone is $30, but they also have more sophisticated phones.  They run off Verizon and AT&T towers so the coverage is excellent.  To browse phones and plans click here. 

4)  Cricket Wireless.  Cricket Wireless offers talk/text/web for $45 per month.  You can get a "starter model" smart phone for about $50 and more sophisticated phones for $100-$200.  Their expanded coverage means better service.  To find out about service in your area visit http://www.mycricket.com/coverage/maps/wireless. 

How much money will you save by switching to a discount provided?  My husband and I save $60 every month.  It took 6 months to break even from our phone purchase, so each month beyond that is money in the bank!