5 Tips for reducing your mobile bill

Mobile phones are great because it’s like having a tiny computer in your pocket. At the same time, the plans for these phones often cost a lot of money. Most people are paying $70 or more per month just for basic service. If you want to reduce your bill, then there are several things that you can do.

Reduce Data
One of the biggest expenditures is data. Most people spend around $15 to $40 on data so that they can browse websites and download apps. The best way to save money is to opt out of a data plan and just use free WiFi. At the same time, that might be impossible because many smartphones must have an accompanying data plan, or you might need to check your email for work.

Another strategy is to mix your carrier’s data and WiFi. Use your carrier’s data for simple things like browsing websites and checking email. If you need to download an app or stream video, then wait until you’re around a free hotspot.

You should also check your data usage. If you have a 4GB data plan, but rarely go over 2GB, then it would be better to reduce your plan so that you pay less every month. Compression apps can also reduce how much data you need by taking away all of the extra data that websites usually crave.

Check Usage
Along with your data usage, you should also check your overall usage. Many people have unlimited plans that offer an unlimited amount of data, minutes and text messages, but that isn’t always necessary. Check your monthly usage through your carrier. Most of them offer tools that will show you how much you use the phone.

Fit your plan around your usage. If you just use 100 minutes a month, then there’s no reason to have an unlimited plan.

Going too low is another issue. Some people are worried about paying more money, which causes them to use the lowest level of service. If you are constantly paying overage fees, then it might be a good idea to increase your phone’s level of service. It will cost more per month, but you won’t have to pay the high overage fees.

Negotiate
It might be surprising to some people, but you can actually negotiate a better mobile bill. The majority of carriers are in fierce competition with each other, and they are afraid of losing any customers to an opposing company. Call the company and say that your bill is too high and you are thinking of leaving.

Most representatives will try their best to reduce your bill for about a year or two. For example, you might become eligible for a 20 or 30 percent discount in exchange for your continued patronage.

Switch Carriers
If negotiating doesn’t work, or if the bill is still too high, then switch carriers. Most carriers offer very low rates for new customers. If you want to pay the least per month, then consider prepaid phone plans. Most of them now allow you to keep your phone.

The only disadvantage is that you won’t get new phones for free, but the overall cost is significantly reduced.

Leverage Data
Did you know that there are apps that will let you call or send text messages without using your plan? These apps allow you to leverage your data plan because the calls and messages will be considered data. If you have a high data plan or are near a free hotspot, then you can use your phone without worrying about overages.

This is great if you commonly have a lot of data left, or if you’re normally around a hotspot. You’ll still be able to use your phone without using your minutes or text messages. The majority of these apps are free, and the call quality for VoIP calls is just as good as a normal call.

Conclusion
Reducing your mobile bill is fairly easy if you’re willing to inspect your usage and change your smartphone habits. If you just change your plan toScratch Wireless where texting is FREE, use free data whenever possible and leverage your available resources, then you should be able to significantly reduce your mobile bill.