how to change phone plans?? help!

Captain America · #1 Jul 30, '12, 8:26 am

I'm out of the loop. My wife signed us up with ATT, and the contract is expiring.

I'm dismayed at the high price. We're doing about $185 a month for 2 cellphones, a landline and internet connection.

I don't use my cellphone. I just don't need it. I like the landline option, since it is dependable and doesn't faze out like cellphones do on occasion.

Is this a reasonable price?

Does Verizon do better?

Where do I start with this?

SMHW · #2 Jul 30, '12, 9:03 am

It's hard to answer your question because the bundle packages all these providers have makes it hard to figure out what the individual pieces cost. These providers all seem to want to sell you phone, internet, and cable together at a special rate for one or two years then raise the price.

Depending on the options you are getting and using, your current plan with AT&T could be a good one or it could be overkill.

It's been a while since we had a landline. I think most standard landline rates are around $30-$40 a month right now. You can probably go cheaper but then you have to pay for all calls, both sent and received, including local ones.

Internet will likely cost you the same or more than your landline. You might be able to get DSL for less from another provider.

A single cell phone plan can be as low as about $20 a month if you send or receive very few calls or texts a month. If you need a data plan then you can expect to spend $50+ a month per cell phone.

InTheSONShine · #3 Jul 30, '12, 9:30 am

Hello Captain America.....I use verizon for my internet & local land line cost is approximately
$40 to $45 a month......my cell phone which is also for my long distance calls is with
"The Sienna Group" a Catholic communications company cost is about $50 a month...my
cable is with Comcast & is $39 a month, an economy plan.....
Your cost sounds awfully high for 2 cell phones?
Hope this info was helpful
Stay in the Real SONShine
Nancy

garn9173 · #4 Jul 30, '12, 10:14 am

Wow, the OP is the first person i've seen who prefers land line over cell. Instead of dropping your land line, why not drop your cell phone? That said, you would definately need a Track Phone (pay as you go) for roadside emergencies.

**Joe 5859** · #5 Jul 30, '12, 10:46 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captain America

I'm out of the loop. My wife signed us up with ATT, and the contract is expiring.

I'm dismayed at the high price. We're doing about $185 a month for 2 cellphones, a landline and internet connection.

I don't use my cellphone. I just don't need it. I like the landline option, since it is dependable and doesn't faze out like cellphones do on occasion.

Is this a reasonable price?

Does Verizon do better?

Where do I start with this?

That does seem pretty high. In general, though, the major providers don't vary that drastically. But they might piece together their bundles differently, so there could be a better option out there for what you want.

If I were you, I would start by making a list of what services you definitely want and which ones you could do without. You can usually lower your bill by opting for a lower speed internet connection, but then you're stuck with, well, a lower speed internet connection.

Next, simply visit the stores of some other providers (malls can be good places for this as all the major providers usually have a storefront at every mall). Tell them upfront that you're not looking to buy at that moment, but you want some more information about what they offer. Find out what types of packages they have and what they cost. Be sure to ask about any potential hidden fees that aren't included in whatever figure they're giving to you. Thank them and move on to the next place.

After your fact-finding mission, then you can lay out the plans side-by-side and see what the best option might be.

If you find a better deal elsewhere but still want to stick with your current provider, you can always try contacting your provider and telling them you're thinking of switching because you found the same service cheaper elsewhere. Sometimes they'll match the rate, at least for a time.

SMHW · #6 Jul 30, '12, 11:08 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captain America

I'm out of the loop. My wife signed us up with ATT, and the contract is expiring.

I'm dismayed at the high price. We're doing about $185 a month for 2 cellphones, a landline and internet connection.

I don't use my cellphone. I just don't need it. I like the landline option, since it is dependable and doesn't faze out like cellphones do on occasion.

Is this a reasonable price?

Does Verizon do better?

Where do I start with this?

I'm a bit confused now.

Does AT&T provide all your communication services? Or just cell phones? How much of the $185 goes toward the cell phones and how much is for internet and landline? Do you live in an area where there are multiple landline carriers?

(Where I live Verizon is the sole copper wire provider. Both Verizon and Time Warner provide fiber optic. AT&T does not provide landline or cable service in my city but it does in some of the neighboring communities.)