No-Contract Phones Coming of Age

No-contract phones and carriers are becoming attractive to subscribers nearing end-of-term contracts and others desiring to lower their mobile phone bills.

Within the past few months, mid-range smartphones utilizing Android operating systems have attracted quite a few buyers, considering that some monthly rates start as low as $30 USD for unlimited data. While the airtime minutes for voice are relatively low, new apps for VoIP allow unlimited airtime over data connections for a low monthly or one-time fee. This can supplement voice minutes when WiFi is available.

One Android model which I have used is the no-contract version from T-Mobile...the Samsung Exhibit II. When coupled with the Wal-Mart/T-Mobile.com special pricing, the $30 plan works quite  well. While in the office, WiFi usage and voice quality are excellent, and the only limitation is during travel time on 3G/4G.

Another model which I have tested is the LG Optimus V on Virgin Mobile. I have used one for several months over WiFi, and the 300 minute airtime with unlimited data is a relatively inexpensive $35 per month. The only negative of the phone is the memory management for apps, which translates to a lack of RAM on the device.

I would anticipate more mid-to-higher end phones being available this year without the need for a 2-year contract. And with coverage usually being a non-issue, many current contract subscribers may be able to cut their monthly bills in half...or more.