P.Schuman wrote:
> My son is out looking at different cell plans so he can get a smartphone..
> However, I've warned him - for budgeting purposes - that the real monthly
> cost
> is not just the detailed voice and/or data plan,
> but it also includes the local TAXES.
>
> Looking at some of my old Sprint bills,
> it looks like a $39 plan had about $7.50 added in taxes = 20%
>
> So - what do you see on your bill as far as actual plan cost vs added taxes

It's not just government imposed taxes, it's the garbage fees that the
carrier adds-on to be able to appear to offer lower rates than they
actually do.

Does he want a SmartPhone to be able to use it primarily with WiFi, or
does he also want to use the 3G network where it starts to get really
expensive.

There are so many variables in choosing a "SmartPhone."

-If voice coverage is an issue then get Verizon

-If 3G coverage is an issue then get Sprint or Verizon

-If Wi-Fi is sufficient and 3G isn't needed, an unlocked iPhone used on
T-Mobile prepaid at 10¢/minute may be the best deal. The next iPhone
will have 3G, so it's worth waiting if he wants an iPhone for use with
the AT&T data network.

-Will he have a landline phone to be able to use a monthly cell plan
with less minutes? It's often amusing to see people give up their
landline which typically has a cost of under $20, and end up with an
$80/month cell phone bill, versus a $40/per month bill, plus also
spending $50/month on broadband from the cable company versus
$20-30/month for DSL.

When you look at the big picture, a low-cost cell phone plan plus a
landline with something like OneSuite or Talkloop ends up being a _lot_
less expensive if you have the discipline to minimize your cell phone
use. With PagePlus now down to 5.7¢/minute, $40 buys you more than 700
minutes.