You may be locked into a two-year contract, but that doesn't mean you can't squeeze out some savings.
I'm just taking a wild guess here, but I'll bet your monthly cell phone bill is higher than you'd like it to be. If you use a smartphone, like a RIM BlackBerry or Apple iPhone, you're particularly vulnerable to high monthly bills, what with the data and text messaging plans. Even though you're locked into a contract with your wireless provider, there are ways you can get your mobile phone bills under control.
Obviously, one way to reduce your monthly bill is to switch to a less expensive plan with fewer minutes. But you've got other options, too. Here are four.
1. Text for free
You don't have to pay to send and receive text (SMS) messages. For example, a number of iPhone Apps enable you to text people at no charge. Usually, these programs, such as Freedom SMS (a $2 app), send your texts to a recipient's cell phone via your e-mail account. Responses are received as e-mail, too. While not ideal, it can save you $5 and up on monthly SMS charges.
I've also read reports that you can send and receive free SMS messages using the free AIM for iPhone app, though I haven't tried it.
Alternatively, Gmail users can send and receive texts for free from their computers, using the Google Talk chat feature.
2. Avoid directory assistance
Unless you're driving, it makes no sense to pay $1.50 to $2 for a 411 call on your cell phone. Instead, text the name of a business or person as well as the city and state to Google's text-message information service at 466453. You'll receive a text back, with the desired phone number. You can use this service to get weather updates, foreign language translations, currency conversions, flight updates, driving directions and more. The Google service is free, though you'll have to pay for the text messages (unless you follow tip No. 1, above). You can also dial 800/466-4411, another Google service, for free directory assistance.
3. Use VoIP whenever possible
Did you ditch your landline phone in favor of your cell? Then you're a prime candidate for a Voice over IP (VoIP) service, which may help you switch to a cheaper voice plan with fewer minutes. You could use the VoIP service at home, in a hotel room, or at the office, saving your cell phone minutes for when you really need them.
With a service like Skype or Vonage, you can send and receive calls over the Internet at huge discounts. Let's consider Skype for a second. Using a free Skype account, you can call anyone with a Skype account for free. You can also video chat with other Skype users.
Another advantage to Skype: You can use your cell phone number as your Skype caller ID. That way, when you call someone using Skype, they'll see your cell phone number and know it's you.
Skype has several versions available, for the iPhone, Windows Mobile and other phones. That means you don't have to sit at your computer to use your Skype account for free calls. You can use any version of Skype to call landline and cell phone numbers, at really low rates (beginning at 2.1 cents per minute).
There are limitations to mobile Skype, however. For example, Skype for iPhone currently only lets you make calls over a Wi-Fi network. And the Skype for iPhone app has to be open for you to receive calls.
By the way, the upcoming Google Voice service might help you reduce your mobile phone bill, too. With the service, all calls coming to your Google Voice number simultaneously ring on your cell phone and on other phones you designate, such as a landline. You could then answer the call on your landline, thus preserving your mobile phone minutes.
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