For those who prefer prepaid cell phones plans over monthly plans, there are countless cell phone service carriers who offer a variety of prepaid plans depending on your supposed usage and budget constraints. Prepaid cell phones have amassed part of their popularity because of their attractively priced packages that fit consumers needs. The telecommunications industry, specifically the cellular phone business, is one of the premier market trades that has devoted tremendous efforts in research to cater to different target markets. Adding to their appeal are the freebies that accompany prepaid cell phone plans. These may include rebates, free starter phone cards which offer minimal air time, phone accessories or even a free cell phone.

Prepaid cell phone plan holders are not committed to pay the monthly service charge but instead pre-pay for only the air time or the text messages that they intend to use for a specific period of time. Prepaid cell phone plans then work best for those who only use their phones for emergency purposes or just for occasional use.

Prepaid cell phone plans often cost less than $100.00. Prepaid cell phone plan cards denominations are available for as low as $10.00, but the price may increase based on the number of minutes or how many text messages (depending on the provider) the consumer uses. One of the downsides, however, is that call charges are actually more expensive than conventional monthly plans.

Also remember that credits left on your prepaid card, if unused, can expire within a specified time period which may be as short as 30 days or as long as a year, depending on the price you pay for it and the service the credits provide. Hence, it is always best to first buy the prepaid plan card with the minimal amount of credits to gauge cell phone service consumption. Failure to properly calculate how you use your prepaid plan can leave you paying the equivalent monthly fee without all the services offered by postpaid deals.

Using a prepaid cell phone is as hassle-free as buying a prepaid card from a convenience store. All you need is an open-line cell phone which you can use with any carrier, a minimal prepaid activation fee for about $20.00, and a starter card and youre set to use your prepaid cell phone.