In this article we will give you all of the details necessary for you to obtain similar savings while keeping your existing Smart Phones working the same way you would expect them to.
While we decided on a slightly complex system to set up, it provides significant benefits over single provider plans which may lock you into technologies that may be displaced in the near future, and financial contracts that look good today, but not so good tomorrow. Having said that, if your needs are very simple, you may also want to check out some of the new, lower cost, “all inclusive” cell service providers. This PCWorld article is a good place to get you started.
Considerations: Besides the significant savings come a few benefits of note, such as the ability to do your Text Messaging (SMS) from your computer using a a real keyboard. WiFi is widely available, however, it is spotty and may not be there when you need it. The main disadvantage of using a WiFi phone in the past was that you had to be close to a Public WiFi Hotspot which ruled out using your phone while driving. The key is to always have your own WiFi Hotspot available when you need it. These are now referred to as MiFi hotspots; and, along with providing you with your phone services, they also give you five to eight Internet connections for computers and other devices!
We are going to break down what we found to be the best VOIP services for Smart Phones without the costs associated with a traditional cellular network. We are currently using Skype for phone in combination with TextFree for text messaging. TruConnect is our portable MiFi hotspot provider. TruConnect provides pay-as-you-go, 3G service for a $4.99 monthly access fee and 3.9¢ per MB. TruConnect does not require a long term contract but does require that you purchase a Wireless MiFi Hotspot. Their device is about the size of a short stack of credit cards and cost $99 when we bought it.