The BYOD Cellular Plan Defined
A BYOD plan lets you keep your current device, but gives you the ability to use a new phone with the service. This is great for people who want to switch providers or for people who want to stay connected with their loved ones even when they’re out of town.
BYOD Plans Are Cheaper Month-to-Month
If you have a BYOD plan, the monthly cost of the plan will be less than if you have a traditional monthly phone plan.
BYOD Plans Can Be Easy to Get Out Of
If you’re not using your subsidized phone for a certain period of time, you can easily cancel your BYOD plan. Some BYOD plan providers don’t even offer long-term contracts. So you can get contract data and voice rates but still cancel your plan whenever you like without penalty. For example, Jolt Mobile’s plans only last 30-days at a time.
BYOD Can Be More Expensive Overall
When you buy a phone outright, you’re paying the full price of the phone, without any discounts or rebates. If you go with a BYOD plan, your monthly cost will be cheaper than if you bought the phone through an installment plan.
When you buy a phone, be sure to factor in the cost of handset installments and bundled accessories. If you’re going to BYOD (bring your own device), be sure to do the math and see which option has the higher total cost.
You Need an Unlocked Phone
In some countries, mobile phones can be locked to specific carriers, which won’t work with anyone else. If you want to use a BYOD plan, you either need a phone that’s already locked to the carrier of your choice, a phone that’s unlocked, or you have to get your phone unlocked by the carrier or a third-party service provider.
unlocked phones are generally more expensive
There are a few ways to unlock your phone with free unlock codes, but there is no guarantee that this will be possible for your specific handset. If you have a model that is not supported by the company’s unlocking service, or if you are not sure how to get your phone unlocked, it may be best to consult with a professional Unlocker.
You Can Keep Your Phone When Switching Providers
When you switch providers, it can be helpful to consider whether you want to stick with the same provider for your phone or sign up for a BYOD contract.BYOD contracts offer a significant advantage over traditional contracts because you don’t have to move all your data to a new phone. You also save the costs of buying an entirely new handset when the one you’ve already got works just fine.
If you’re in the middle of a contract and your provider has ended, it’s relatively easy to switch to another one, but if you’re on the end of your contract, there may be some costs associated with early cancellation. For example, you’ll have to pay the balance on your current handset and may also have other penalties. Make sure to read through your plan’s contract to see what the terms are for early cancellation.
Mobile providers often offer to cover the cost of your early contract cancellation as an incentive to switch, but be sure to read the fine print carefully to see whether you’re locking yourself into a long-term deal with harsher penalties.
Your Phone Needs the Right Network Compatibility
GSM is the older network, and it’s being phased out quickly in the US. If you have a GSM phone, you may not be able to use the newer CDMA network.
The simplest solution is to get in touch with the BYOD contract provider and ask them whether the phone you want to use is compatible with their network. If not, you’ll either have to purchase a new handset or go with a non-BYOD plan.
Some providers may have a self-service BYOD eligibility tool that allows you to check if your existing phone will work or not.
No Aftermarket Device Support
If you bring your device to the contract, then you are also responsible for that device. Your BYOD provider is not obligated to provide technical support for the handset. You also have to provide your device insurance against theft and damage. If your device is still under warranty, you’ll also have to handle the process of a warranty return or repair yourself, along with whomever you bought the phone from.
It’s worth considering these additional costs and whether getting a phone contract with a handset that may include insurance and support in the price is worth it.
Some Providers Offer Handset Trade-Ins
If you have a handset that won’t do the job for your new network, but you don’t want to pay the total amount for a new phone, you may have the opportunity to take advantage of a trade-in offer. Assuming that your current handset is paid off and in an acceptable condition, the new provider might discount a compatible handset. While this won’t necessarily save you as much money as a BYOD plan, it could still be less expensive than getting a new handset outright. However, do a little research and check whether you couldn’t get more money for your current phone by selling it privately.
Who Offers BYOD?
Almost all BYOD providers allow you to use their phones for calls and texts, but some allow you to only use their phones for data.
All three of the major providers in the USA offer BYOD plans. This means that you can use your phone on any of the three providers’ networks, without having to contract with a specific carrier.
Mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) are companies that don’t own any network infrastructure but run their own plans on the hardware of major operators. This allows them to offer lower prices and more flexible service options to customers. ..
Major MVNOs who do not offer any BYOD plans include: -AT&T Mobility -Verizon Wireless -T-Mobile US ..
GreatCall, Karma MobilitySafetyNet Wireless offer mobile phone insurance that helps protect you and your loved ones from potential harm. With GreatCall, you can be sure that your phone will be with you when you need it most, and with Karma MobilitySafetyNet Wireless, you can be sure that your loved ones are safe when they’re away from home.
MVNOs are a rapidly-changing part of the mobile provider market, so it’s always best to check a provider’s website for BYOD plans. ..
