Cell phones, iPads and other wireless devices are used by more than four billion people worldwide.
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With the plethora of cellphone companies that provide service to the millions of users worldwide, companies distinguish themselves by offering a variety of calling and data plans to fit every lifestyle and budget. As the two largest mobile service providers in the United States, Verizon and AT &T offer contract and non-contract plans that were made to accommodate the needs of individuals and families.
AT&T Family Plans
AT&T offers a number of family plans that allow customers to have up to five cellphone lines under one contract. Most FamilyTalk Nation plans offer unlimited night and weekend minutes, unlimited calls to anyone in the AT&T network and a free A-list, which allows unlimited calls to five out-of-network domestic lines. Customers who choose any plan less than unlimited shared minutes can use their rollover minutes for 12 months. For an additional cost, frequent callers to Canada can select the Nation with Canada Plan, which does not apply roaming or long distance fees to calls to and from Canada. While international calling plans are also available, most U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are included in standard nationwide plans.
Verizon Family Plans
Similar to AT&T, Verizon also offers a number of family plans for cellphone, smartphone and tablet computer users. Accommodating anywhere from two to five lines on the same plan, mobile users with Family SharePlans not only enjoy unlimited night and weekend minutes, but those who select 1,400 or more minutes are free make unlimited calls to up to 10 out-of-network lines using the Friends and Family package. Customers who regularly make calls to Canada will need the Canada Family Plan, which allows unlimited long distance calling to Canada and Puerto Rico. Senior citizens can also take advantage of additional savings by selecting the 65 Plus Plan that features two lines and 450 anytime minutes for a lower monthly rate. Data and messaging plans are available to add.
AT&T Individual Plans
While the most individual plan packages are for customers who sign two-year contracts, AT&T also features prepaid options. In addition to the A-list and unlimited nights and weekends, individual plan users can choose from plans that offer 450 to unlimited monthly minutes. Packages are available for Canadian calling up to 6,000 minutes and senior citizens featuring 200 minutes per month for a lower cost. Prepaid packages can be paid by the month or by the day. All choices allow users pay for what they want and also offer the option of purchasing messaging and data packages. AT&T also provides at-home phone service. At a set cost for 12 months and no activation fees, AT&T U-verse is digital phone service with unlimited minutes anywhere in the U.S. and numerous territories. Featuring caller ID on TV, voice mail and calling using the television remote control, U-verse can be bundled with high-speed Internet and phone package options for discounted rates.
Verizon Individual Plans
In addition to offering unlimited calls to Verizon network customers, no long distance or domestic roaming charges, affordable mobile calling plans for senior citizens -- with the option to purchase messaging and data packages and text messaging and data for deaf and hard-of-hearing customers -- Verizon features basic talk calling plans that allow customers to select and purchase the number of monthly anytime minutes they need. Customers who choose unlimited calling or plans that contain more than 900 minutes a month also have access to the Friends and Family option, which allows unlimited calling to up to five out-of-network cellphones. Verizon also offers a calling plan for people who only want home phone service. Home phone users enjoy reliable, unlimited service that includes basic voicemail features, three-way calling and caller ID. Although most plans and prices are primarily available under two-year contracts for both cellphones and home phones, shorter contracts and no-contract options are also available for additional costs.
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