Best value for big talkers:Most carriers offer individual plans with up to 6,000 minutes. Sprint beats them all with its Power Pack Unlimited, which charges $199.99 for unlimited anytime minutes. If your phone is permanently affixed to your ear, this is the plan for you.
Best value for families:
Most of the carriers charge a similar rate for family plans, with features that vary just a little. Therefore, T-Mobile once again stands out with its myFaves family plans, which provide five free numbers for each phone line. Again, the carrier offers fewer anytime minutes than its competitors for the same price, but more versatility. T-Mobile also offers a traditional family plan (3,000 anytime minutes) for $129.99 but without myFaves numbers.
Best value for families who really like to talk:
Although the price is a bit higher than T-Mobile's when adjusted for minutes, AT&T and Verizon top the charts with their minutes-rich family plans: 6,000 anytime minutes for $299.99. It beats buying a 1,400-minute plan and paying $500 in overage charges.
Although the price is a bit higher than T-Mobile's when adjusted for minutes, AT&T and Verizon top the charts with their minutes-rich family plans: 6,000 anytime minutes for $299.99. It beats buying a 1,400-minute plan and paying $500 in overage charges.
Best value for international travelers:
Most reviewers consider T-Mobile the best international carrier, as it runs on a GSM network (making it compatible with European and Asian networks), is more reliable, and is less expensive. Even so, it's a bit of a pain to set up, as you'll need to ask T-Mobile to unlock your phone for access to overseas networks. AT&T also runs on a GMS network, but doesn't receive such high marks.
Most reviewers consider T-Mobile the best international carrier, as it runs on a GSM network (making it compatible with European and Asian networks), is more reliable, and is less expensive. Even so, it's a bit of a pain to set up, as you'll need to ask T-Mobile to unlock your phone for access to overseas networks. AT&T also runs on a GMS network, but doesn't receive such high marks.
