KNOXVILLE, Tenn., April 2, 2009 – Prepaid cell phone plans are increasing in popularity as consumers continue to look for ways to tighten their household budgets. In fact, the number of U.S. prepaid wireless subscribers is estimated to have grown by nearly 19 percent in 2008 to 49.5 million. In 2009, prepaid plans are expected to continue to rise another 13 percent, according to the Yankee Group.

Is Prepaid Service for me? Cell phone users who prefer to pay for only the minutes they use should consider prepaid cell phone service. There are two options for consumers: pay-as-you-go prepaid plans and regular or monthly prepaid plans.

Pay-as-you-go plans work almost the same way as a long distance calling card, by purchasing minutes for your cell phone as needed, and are ideal for light users or if you only want a cell phone for emergencies.
Regular prepaid service is just like a traditional wireless plan with a monthly package of minutes, which you pay in the beginning of the month. These plans are ideal for even heavy users who want to stay on a budget.

“Because so many customers are accustomed to using their phones everyday and rely on this convenience, they don’t want to let it go even in a tight economy,” said Jack Brundige, director of sales for U.S. Cellular in Tennessee. “There are affordable prepaid options that help consumers keep their phone without breaking the bank.”

Why Prepaid? The benefits of prepaid wireless are pretty obvious: no monthly bill, easier-to-control costs, no credit checks and no long-term commitment. Not only can you manage your wireless expenses wisely, but the service can also be a great way for individuals new to wireless to get their feet wet. For example, a teenager buying his or her first cell phone can learn the responsibility that comes with it with the simplicity of a prepaid plan. In addition, prepaid services offer flexibility for customers who move frequently, are members of the armed forces, college students or temporary workers.

How Prepaid works. Prepaid plans are simple: you open an account and pay for airtime up front. When you run out of minutes, you can pay for more or let your plan expire.

“Today’s prepaid plans offer consumers a lot of value, the same quality network and a wide selection of phones,” Brundige said. “The major differences are that you don’t have to sign a contract and there is no credit check.”

“U.S. Cellular prides itself on providing the best customer service and quality network for its customers—both prepaid and post-pay,” Brundige added. “By offering monthly prepaid plans with free incoming calls from wireless and landline, free nights and weekends and other great features, we put customers in control by allowing them to use their outgoing minutes the way they want. Offering free incoming could save nearly half of a customer’s total monthly usage.”

As with traditional plans, text messaging is also available, and with U.S Cellular, all incoming text messages are free with both prepaid and traditional plans.

The 9,000 associates of U.S. Cellular believe a wireless phone enhances people’s lives and a wireless company should be in the business of bringing people together. U.S. Cellular has a wide range of monthly plans, including those with unlimited nationwide calling, unlimited free incoming calls and options to prepay. The company has a growing catalog of phones like the BlackBerry® Pearl and Curve, and the touch-screen Samsung Delve, which offer e-mail and Web access. Based in Chicago, U.S. Cellular is the nation’s fifth-largest full-service wireless carrier, serving 6.2 million customers across the country. To learn more about the company visit one of its retail stores or uscellular.com.
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