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Call 4 Action: Easy Changes Can Save On Cell Phone Bills

POSTED: 5:42 pm EDT September 25, 2007

Average cell phone bills for some customers are now as high as $60, $70 and even $80 -- and that's just for one phone.

If you're tired of shelling out that much money for a just few calls a month, Call 4 Action reporter Aaron Saykin said you should consider making a few easy changes.

The biggest waste is cell phone insurance. Unless you have a really fancy phone that's worth hundreds of dollars, it isn't worth paying $5 a month for insurance, which often requires a $50 deductible as well.

That's hardly the only thing you can do.

Tip No. 1: Check your monthly bill, line by line.

One consumer group estimated the average household pays $200 a year more than it should because of overcharging by phone companies.

Tip No. 2: Join an "in-network" calling plan.

Who's calling you most of the time? If it's family or friends, find out what cell phone company most of them are using and join it too.

Most carriers have a plan that allows you to call someone within the same network for free, and that means you can sign up for fewer minutes.

Tip No. 3: Dial 1-800-FREE-411.

If you need to know a phone number, stop calling 411 from your cell phone. Cellular companies are starting to charge $2 each time you use that service.

You'll have to listen to a 15-second advertisement if you use 800-FREE-411 instead, but the information you'll get is totally free.

One other thing to remember: If you don't make many calls, consider going with a prepaid plan that only charges you when you use the phone. Some companies who offer those plans won't make you sign a contract.


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