But users must assess how often they will use the phone to select the right plan. This can be tricky. Many consumers may think they will use the phone only for emergencies, only to find themselves calling their spouse to pick up milk or find out when the next movie is playing. The difference in cost of plans is significant. Other plans offer a flat monthly rate with buckets of minutes included in the price.
Some plans offer free nights and weekends with higher per-call rates during peak periods.
Consumers also need to be aware of where they'll be calling as well as where they'll be calling from. Calling plans include a specific home calling area. Fees for calls made outside this area, known as roaming charges, are higher. Consumers need to scrutinize the wireless provider's home calling area and select a service plan that includes low-cost calls for the area they will be calling most often. Some plans offer a prepaid option for consumers who want to control costs by paying in advance for a set amount of calling minutes.