With the growth of smart-phones such as the iPhone and BlackBerry, mobile data plans are becoming more and more popular. I have to admit, I’m a bit slow to adapt this technology…Excuse me while I blush about still owning an old (first generation) Razr. Hello 2005! Mr. Duck on the other hand, has a shiny, updated BlackBerry.
I’m usually all over technical stuff, but in an effort to get debt-free, we’ve cut out nearly all services in our lives. We have basic cable, which costs less than $10 a month and a basic cell phone plan (and I get an employer discount on the plan). We don’t have any other services like Netflix or lawn care. We’re real DIY’ers…so adding a data plan at an additional $25 – $30 a month seems counterproductive to me.
But on the other hand, it’s only $25 – $30 a month to have internet access at all times, and in all places. So I got to thinking about the opportunity cost here. Mr. Duck’s phone is WiFi, so anywhere that maintains a wireless network, he can connect to and use to browse the internet. This means he can go to coffee shops, fast food restaurants, hospitals, hotels, etc and have access to the internet over his phone – for FREE! Neither of us work in areas that require constant access to email or other internet applications, so at this point, I feel we’re better served to put this extra $25 – $30 into our debt.
Now, if either of us had an iPhone, that would be a completely different discussion. I personally prefer the BlackBerry because you’re not required to add on a data plan when using these phones. Not to mention that the iPhone data plans generally cost two-to-three times as much as other data plans.
I’m completely crazy for creating such a fuss over such a small amount of money, right? One day I hope to be crazy AND debt-free…
So what do you think? Do you have a mobile data plan? Is it worth the expense for you?
-SDuck
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Until I got a smartphone I never thought I would need or want a data plan but now that I have one I can’t imagine having a phone without one. Being able to look up an address or a phone number, or even just points of interest while driving around is great. I can even set my DVR from my phone if I forgot to record 24. Me and Jenn have a shared calendar so we always know appointments and stuff for each other. In my opinion the costs outweigh the benefits. Sure it’s extra $ every month but the ability to have pretty much any info I need within arms reach is invaluable.
Also, iPhone data plans are pretty much on par with every other smartphone at $30.
I think we should get a data plan.
Of course you do!
I didn’t even know you could have a Blackberry without a data plan.
Having a smartphone without a data plan is really a waste, it’s like having a gun with no bullets.
Perhaps, but it’s all about perspective. Eric uses his BB mostly for the organization purposes – calendar, reminders, etc. None of these functions require internet access. He may not be getting the full use of his BB without that data plan, but it certainly has benefited him more than a regular phone.
When I accidentally washed Eric’s old cell phone and we had to rush out to get him a new phone, he choose a smartphone knowing we couldn’t afford the data plan. Until his car is paid off we simply can’t justify any additional unnecessary expenses. I agree that having a BB without a data plan poses some restrictions, but I don’t think it makes the phone a total waste.
Me having a BB without a data plan isn’t like a hot dog and a bun.