Weekend Gadget Guidance: Lower your phone bill
Summary: It's tempting to choose a cell phone plan by the shiny toy that comes with it, but we all know that it's too easy to get roped into the two-year terror of a contract you don't like (or worse, can't pay for) when distracted by, say, that shiny new Samsung Instinct.Enter Billshrink.
It's tempting to choose a cell phone plan by the shiny toy that comes with it, but we all know that it's too easy to get roped into the two-year terror of a contract you don't like (or worse, can't pay for) when distracted by, say, that shiny new Samsung Instinct.
Enter Billshrink.
This new online service, now in beta, presents "comprehensive usage analysis, including a listing of the user’s most-called contacts and networks," when you enter in a cell phone number and your mobile account password, according to the guys and gals over at TechCrunch. If you're not into giving away personal information, you can put in specific information such as how many minutes you use, but of course, that's a bit more time-consuming.
In the end, a list of comparable plans is displayed, with the hopes that head-to-head, you'll find a plan that works for you for a smaller price tag. In addition, the site also has neat features such as maps that graphically represent each carrier’s cell phone strength and a “Commute Rating” that analyzes connection strength over a route calculated by Google Maps.
TechCrunch reports that the site is still buggy, and I haven't fully vetted it myself, seeing that I'm fairly happy with my current carrier. I did give it a quick whirl, though, and it certainly looks like it could be of great help. The company says its site allowed the average beta tester to save $225 annually.
Tell us, readers -- have any of you tried this? Would you switch carriers for a better price? Or is it all about that shiny, pocket-sized toy? Tell us in TalkBack.
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Talkback
No more contracts for me....
RE: Weekend Gadget Guidance: Lower your phone bill
RE: Weekend Gadget Guidance: Lower your phone bill
For years I had MetroPCS then again I started traveling
(before MetroPCS provided roaming outside their area). I
needed wider coverage so at present I have AT&T 1,500
min. for $50 a month. They had that special a few years
ago during Christmas only.
If you live in a MetroPCS area nothing beats MetroPCS.
Especially when you have children with cell phones. $40 a
month, unlimited incoming and outgoing, unlimited long
distance (contiguous US), and unlimited texting. Now when
you travel to other MetroPCS areas you can still use your
phone as you do in your home area.
Another good one is ConsumerCellular, it's advertised in
AARP however, anyone can get it at the same price.
Contract isn't required, and the monthly service is at a
good price. They are resellers of AT&T using all AT&T
towers. Unfortunately they neither provide data nor the
Internet. Wife has ConsumerCellular we both have the
same bars. When she had Verizon we had different bars,
she'd have sometimes more or less than I.
Very satisfied customer!
Now if they could help me figure out how to do the same with all of my other monthly bills.
? re savings
Stevie
Help with your other monthly bills.....
Re: Help with your other monthly bills.....
http://dude56112.wordpress.com/
RE: Weekend Gadget Guidance: Lower your phone bill
Andrew Nusca
CTIA 2006 videos
Samsung
I tried the page you recommend. It is SHRINK and sponsored by many. I tried to use this. Andrew, .tell me why do you guide me the CNET page to get the phone I got, then to the site that has me baffled. The ZIP code, mail, etc. You do not like this, keep it. I do not need this. It confuses my PC and I do not like to go the Samsung as I have Nokia, you know the connecting people not animals. Please I like your www and if you draw a line, go there, other that connects me to BTC and others; I think you are trying to get me work harder and report to you what works and what does not. I quit.
I thank you
Firozali Mulla MBA PhD.
P.O.Box 6044
Dar-Es-Salaam
Tanzania
East Africa
wow
I opted to go whole-hog; I gave them my cell# and password and let them pull all of my data to make their recommendation.
What I found is that I can save around $250 per year staying with my same carrier (AT&T) and utilizing the same basic family package we already have, but making a couple of minor "tweaks" to the plan. I'll be calling AT&T today.
I've long suspected that my bill was just a little too high but couldn't quite put my finger on it- for me, this site was extremely helpful. Thanks for bringing it to my attention!
RE: Weekend Gadget Guidance: Lower your phone bill
Verizon, At&t and other contract requiring companys can kiss my a__!
RE: Weekend Gadget Guidance: Lower your phone bill
It's not exactly fabulous but it works ..
better than a blackjack. next time it's a Nokia
RE: Weekend Gadget Guidance: Lower your phone bill
It's not exactly fabulous but it works ..
better than a blackjack. next time it's a Nokia