Verizon Vs Nextel: Finding a Budget Cell Phone Plan

Cell phones are everywhere. They are displayed on internet ads, commercials, billboards and magazines. If you don't have one or are considering on making changes to your account read further.

I used to have the Nextel service. Click to talk was they way to communicate about 9 years ago. It was all the buzz. All my friends had the two way service. It was unreliable in its beginning. As technology advanced the click to talk did not. I stayed loyal to Nextel even though I always went over my minutes. My bills were outrageous. I was at work one morning when some solicitors came in offering the employees at our dealership new Nextel plans and/or make changes to your current plan. I found an offer I couldn't resist. Unlimited minutes, direct connect and a new phone. For 99.99 a month. I was stoked. I quickly signed at the dotted line.

This was about 4 years ago. Text messaging was starting to gain popularity. So going with the new trends I no longer used my direct connect two way, I texted messaged. That is until I got my next bill. Text messaging wasn't included in my amazing package. Nextel, now Sprint, didn't offer an unlimited text plan. I was furious.

I moved to the Metro Detroit area, Nextel service was almost non exsistant. I had to be in the front of my new home to talk. My husband had Verizon. He never dropped calls, had stellar service and a pretty cheap monthly bill. I decided to switch.

I added myself to his plan. They didn't offer unlimited minutes at that point. So I got the 2000 a month plan with 500 texts messaging for 100 a month. Not bad, but considering we didn't have a home phone and I am self-employed it didn't work out. I was always over my minutes.

I called Verizon and they told me about the business plan. 4000 minutes a month plus unlimited texts would run me 170.00. I jumped for it. Plus I get a new phone every 2 years or a 100 dollar discount every year for a new phone. I go through phones like you wouldn't believe.

This plan worked for awhile. Until that is Verizon offered the unlimited for 99.99 I quickly switched. What they don't advertise is the following.

For 99.99 a month I had unlimited minutes. In order to have unlimited texts that is another 9.99. I can't use the internet on my phone with this plan. If I do I am charged 1.99 per 100 pages downloaded. Unless of course I want to pay another 15.00 for unlimited internet access. Included as the internet is the music and ring tone downloads. So I will be charged to down load the product as well as downloading the page.

So in reality if you want unlimited minutes and text messaging you are paying 110 plus taxes and surcharges. It is still less than the 170 a month from before. I just can't download anything or even scroll through the V Cast music.

Always make sure that you read the fine print. You think you are getting a deal, but there are lots of hidden costs with in that deal..