Is the iPhone Calling Plan Really Worth It?

We all know what the iPhone can do: it's a pioneering smart phone that provides a lot of valuable features that we could have only dreamed of just ten short years ago. But owning an iPhone is not a completely up-front investment: you also sign up with AT&T when you buy one, thanks to a contract of exclusivity with Apple. In other words, when you buy an iPhone, you have to make a monthly commitment to pay a specific type of phone bill every month - and for some people, this can be a dealbreaker.

But why? Is the AT&T plan really so outlandish? In this article, we'll explore this issue a little further and check out the options you have for buying a cell phone plan that really works for you and your specific financial situation.

The Different Plans

You can check out the different iPhone data and calling plans at the AT&T web site, where you'll fine the different monthly prices for issues such as unlimited calling, unlimited data, and just about everything else you can find from AT&T when you own an iPhone. So how do these plans really stack up? Browsing through the site, you may find that buying an iPhone along with a certain commitment might save you money on the initial investment, but you'll have to be sure to pay close attention to the specific deals if you really want to make sure you find the financial commitment that is right for you.

What exactly are these different plans? On a very basic level, a "data" plan usually refers to issues likesurfing the web: unlimited data usually means you'll have unlimited access to the web whenever you can access it, and can perform all of the functions that go along with it, such as e-mail. "Minute" plans generally refer to phone plans, with a certain amount of "talking minutes" being charged at certain rates.

If you look at the way you communicate now, you may get a better idea of what your tendencies really are. If you're a frequent texter, you will want to get the plan that discounts you money for texting. If you prefer to do business and handle communications via e-mail, you'll want to focus on that wireless Internet plan. Many times, you may find that the two are coupled together, so be sure to check the individual specifications of each plan.

Your Finances: Are You Ready for the Commitment?

The truth is, you'll find that many smart phones have data plans with similar offerings to AT&T's iPhone plans. Sure, the AT&T exclusivity with Apple does limit your options, but you can always but an "unlocked" iPhone that will give you a greater range of options in terms of the payment plans you prefer.

We recommend that, when you're searching for a new smart phone, you do plenty of your own research. Check out not only the different phones out there, but the plans they frequently come with. Be sure to check the total cost of a new smart phone - including its plan - when you do your research. You may find that some "deals" aren't really deals at all: they're just discounted phones with heavy usage plans.

It's important to remember that a usage plan's monthly fees can really add up, so make sure you think about what it would really be like to pay the amount of money each of these plans asks of you. If you believe that you're getting a deal for both the smart phone and for the subsequent monthly fees and you can easily afford all of it, then you should feel fine about this kind of expense.