Tips that can help your students save on their cell phone plans
Many of your students are on a tight budget and one of their largest expenses are their cell phone plans. There are some ways to save on these plans (through a little research they should be able to cut their bills in half).
Moneysavingpro published some great tips that your students can use:
Did you know your students can cut their wireless bill by over half just by going with a smaller carrier? These mobile providers are called MVNOs, which stands for Mobile Virtual Network Operators. You’ve probably already heard of a few of them, like Boost Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile (formerly MetroPCS).
These carriers buy up extra space on the four major networks: AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless and Sprint – and resell it at a discount. MVNOs can afford to give you better rates because most of them operate completely online and do not spend the big bucks on marketing as the major wireless carriers do. The best part is that college students can get service on the same great networks for half the cost.
Benefits of MVNOs
Your students need to save money and need a reliable wireless service. MVNOs are the ideal solution.
- Cheaper prices by up to 50% or more
- Service on the same networks as the major carriers
- Custom plans let you pay only for what you need
- No credit checks and no contracts
- Easy to bring your own phone and keep your number
- Great customer service
- Convenient and fast online signup
The Cheapest Cell Phone Plans for College Students
Here are a few examples of MVNOs that offer cheap cell phone plans that meet the high-usage needs of today’s college student – along with their budget.
Mint Mobile
Mint Mobile saves you money by selling their plans in bulk. You can purchase three, six, or 12 months at a time. The more you buy at once, the lower your per month price will be. The highest plan gives you 10 GB of 4G LTE data, which is plenty for most smartphone users. You’ll get unlimited talk and text with any plan. This MVNO runs on the nationwide T-Mobile network.
TextNow
Are you a heavy data user who needs a little more from your plan? TextNow, which operates on the T-Mobile and Sprint networks, offers an unlimited data plan option. They also feature a free Wi-Fi plan and 2 and 5 GB options. All plans include unlimited texting and calling.
Tello
For the college student who has to tighten those purse strings as much as possible, Tello is a great option. You pick and choose as much or as little calling and data as you want. Unlimited text messages are included. Tello runs on the Sprint network.
Here is a link to a comparison engine where your students can compare plans: https://www.moneysavingpro.com/cell-phone-plans/compare/
Save Even More: Buy a Refurbished Cell Phone
Buying a used or refurbished smartphone is a great deal, both financially and practically.
- You’ll save more than 50% off the retail price of a brand-new phone (which can run as high as $1000!).
- There are plenty of reputable sellers now, most of which even offer some kind of warranty on your purchase.
- There are phone repair shops virtually everywhere now – getting your device fixed is easy and affordable.
- Buying a used phone is environmentally responsible. Most people upgrade before their device is actually worn out or obsolete.
They Can Put More Cash in Their Pocket By Selling Their Old Phone
Not only do they need every penny they can get their hands on but they also don’t have much room in their dorm or apartment for extra stuff. If they are replacing their phone, take that old one and sell it for some cold hard cash.
Recap
There’s no reason for college students to pay premium prices for cell phone service or top-end smartphones.
- Choose an MVNO and a discount cell phone plan.
- Buy an old or refurbished phone at 50% or more off retail.
- Sell their old phone for cash.