Keeping Track Of Minutes With Tracfone Prepaid Cell Phones
A major drawback to conventional cell phone plans is the issue of long-term commitment. Most cell providers require at least a 2 year commitment, in return for which they 'give' the consumer a 'free' phone. This is not a problem you will face with Tracfone prepaid cell phones.
These are indeed cheap cell phones; the average cost is less than $15, although more expensive models are available.
Tracfone likes to offer what they call "bundles" - these consist of a cell phone, a certain number of minutes and an accessory package. Each phone keeps track of your prepaid minutes so you can refill them prior to their expiration date.
It's interesting to note that this company does not operate its own network of cell towers; rather, Tracfone is an MVNO, or mobile virtual network operator. The company purchases large bundles of deeply discounted cell phone minutes from traditional cell carriers, in what is known as 'piggybacking on the networks'. Are there advantages to using this type of service? Certainly there are advantages. The minutes are fairly cheap; there is no long-term contract or commitment. In addition, you can refill your prepaid cell phone minutes in a number of ways: from your phone, via the internet and by regular mail. Tracfone prepaid cell minutes are good for a minimum of 90 days and in several cases, as long as a year. Another feature I liked was the carry over. Let's say you have minutes left on your cell phone and you want to add minutes from a new card? No problem. The old minutes will still be good - just add the new minutes and start calling. One interesting note about Tracfone minutes - you can purchase a Lifetime Double Minutes card which means that all future purchases of minutes (by those who hold this card) will automatically be doubled. The only exception to this is the One Year + Double Minutes card. So the inevitable question is, OK, let's agree there are advantages to Tracfone's services. What are the disadvantages? Like many cell phone carriers, there are areas of the country where Tracfone's service isn't covered. Some reviews cite customer service problems. However, before making a snap judgment, do your research. Only after you've done a thorough job of research should you make your decision. There are a number of consumer review type sites that give pro-and-con reviews for each and every cell phone package and service. Be aware that there are no two plans alike and that areas of coverage vary from carrier to carrier. If you are travelling, look into a cell phone that will allow you to make calls to and from overseas or Canada. Finally, once you have done your research and weighed the pros and cons, why not give Tracfone prepaid cell phones a try?
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