Prepaid phones are the most common type of cellphones s in most parts of the world. According to this report, around 70% of customers in Western Europe and China use prepaid phones. And this number gets higher, with over 90% such customers in India and Africa
Prepaid phones are usually preferred by those users who are looking for a combination of freedom and control. These phones are also very popular among travellers, students and children. Mobile users who don’t use their phone a lot, find many advantages in prepaid phons and their plans.
Nonetheless, is a prepaid phone a good solution for you? Is a prepaid plan aligned with your needs?
Here are all the benefits and advantages of prepaid phones.
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What is a prepaid phone?
First of all, let’s start with a definition. Prepaid phones are also known as pay-as-you-go, pay-as-you-talk, pay and go, and go-phone. Their main characteristic is that credit is purchased prior to using any telecommunication service. In contrast to postpaid phones, also known as contract phones, as calls and texts are made, and as data is used, deductions are made against the prepaid balance amount. When no funds remain any more, you can’t use more of the services, until the next top-up.
So here are the benefits of prepaid phones.
Benefit #1: Save money
Prepaid phones are an excellent way to save money every month. With the right prepaid plan, you can cut your phone bill in half.
With a prepaid plan, you pay for the minutes and data that you actually use. Any leftover time rolls over from one month to the next. If you use your phone sparingly, then a prepaid plan is most likely the best choice for you.
Benefit #2: No requirements
Many contract phones require a credit check. Unlike contract phones, anyone can own a prepaid phone, regardless of their credit history or status. Furthermore, contact phones usually require a permanent address or credit card. If you don’t have any of these, then a prepaid phone can be what you’ve been looking for.
Benefit #3: No strings attached
Prepaid phones come with no strings attached. You are never going to sign any kind of contract to get a prepaid phone. Therefore, you don’t have to adhere to any rules or restrictions. And if you ever want to use a different plan, change to contact phone, or stop using your phone altogether, you can do so any time you want – no questions asked.
Prepaid phones have no early termination fees – and no fees at all for that matter.
Benefit #4: Control
Since prepaid cellphones have limited plans, they are excellent for younger family members. If you have a child or a teen who’s looking to get their first phone, then consider giving them a prepaid phone. A prepaid phone puts you in control and it’s a good guarantee to avoid receiving any unexpectedly high bills at the end of the month.
Benefit #5: Phone variety
Sure enough, the variety of models available you will find in contract phones is far wider than the one in prepaid plans options. Regardless, you still have many options. You can find a prepaid phone with buttons for as few as R150 or you can make a more modern selection, and go for smartphone for over R1000.
Conclusion
Prepaid phones are worth considering for all the above reasons. They are a good choice for casual phone users and they offer many benefits regardless. So, is a prepaid phone the right option for you?