As technology has advanced, mobile phone use has increased. Many mobile carriers provide both contract and prepaid options for customers. Prepaid phone services have gained popularity because of their static cost and lack of a contract. The term “prepaid” can also refer to non-contract service plans that include a monthly charge and additional services such as unlimited minutes or data. As-needed minutes in prepaid systems provide a low-cost alternative for users who do not use their phones frequently or wish to cap their phones’ usage. However, prepaid plans can be costly when used excessively, because of higher per-minute costs. Some prepaid plans also require at least one minute purchase per month for continued service, and some place expiration dates on remaining minutes. Writer Bio
