Most cell phone users know that in reality, those free phone offers you see all over the place aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. But can you really get a free cell phone? We’re going to find out.
How Regular Free Phone Offers Really Work:
Although many realise the true cost of a “free” cell phone, you’d be surprised how many people don’t see it that way. Most mobile phone companies want to get their customers signed up to lengthy service plans, sometimes up to 24 months. They offer the phone for “free” to entice additional customers – but you’ll end up more than paying for it in the long run.
New phones are expensive, as anyone who has tried to purchase one without a sim card or service plan will know. People are reluctant to pay such a large up front cost – but it’s much easier if it’s spread over many months. Paying a monthly contract of $30 would add up to $720 over 24 months, more than covering the cost of the handset and any additional charges. Some might argue that phone contracts are great value since many of them offer free calls and other services – but in reality these are costing the service provider very little.
How Additional Charges can Add Up:
You’ve already seen that when it comes down to it, your free cell phone wasn’t really free – but many think that their monthly service charge is all the phone is going to end up costing them when this isn’t always the case. You need to make sure you pay close attention to any additional charges that might be in your contract, as you could end up paying way more than you bargained for. Although there will normally be set allowed limits, such as a number of minutes or sms messages that are provided for free – if you go over this amount you’ll have to pay more. Many phone companies charge unreasonably high amounts for any additional charges.
You also want to make sure you don’t sign up for any extras when you agree to the phone contract. Lots of phone companies try and get you to agree to costly insurance plans, but in reality they are rarely worth it. What many salespeople forget to tell you is that your phone might be covered by your home insurance anyway.
How can You Really Get a Free Phone?
As you’ve seen, most “free phone” offers aren’t really free. However, there are ways to really get yourself a free phone, and that’s from the Government with the help of Reachout Wireless. Thanks to a little-known plan that’s actually been helping poorer people get connected for some years now – many people who receive Government aid might also be eligible for a free cell phone AND free calls each month.
