Like it or not, a cell phone bill is basically a requirement for most people. In fact, more and more people are dropping their landlines altogether and opting for a cell phone only solution. My wife and I are among the group of people who don’t own a land line and use cell phones and Skype for our phone calls.

But cell phone bills can be expensive – especially if you are one of the people who opts for every add-on the cell phone company offers. Thankfully, there are several ways to reduce your cell phone bill.
How to Reduce Your Cell Phone Bill

Look for corporate discounts. Many cell phone companies offer corporate discounts to large companies. They offer these discounts because the company signs an agreement to use their service as their official cell phone plan. The good news is that these discounts are often available to any member of the company, regardless of whether or not your company picks up the tab. Expect to save anywhere from 10% – 30% off your total cell phone bill.

Sign up for family plan. Family plans are a great way to save money on your cell phone bill. You can often get an add-on line for about $10 per line for shared minutes. This is much less expensive than paying full price for a new line. You can even share a family plan amongst friends if you are willing to agree to a contract and have a strong enough friendship to deal with any contract or payment issues that may pop up.

Drop the insurance. Cell phone insurance isn’t necessary for most people. The average cost for cell phone insurance is about $3 and up per month, depending on the carrier and the phone. Warranties usually cover the first year, so unless you lose the phone, you are out that money. Most people would be better off saving that money and applying it toward their next phone.

Examine texting habits. Most people send or receive at least a few text messages per month. At $0.10 – $0.15 per text, it can add up quickly. Most cell phone companies offer unlimited text plans for anywhere from $5 – $10 per month. Look at your last few cell phone bills. If the number of texts you send or receive covers the cost of unlimited texts, then pay for unlimited texts. Otherwise, drop unlimited texts and pay as you go or request the cell phone company block texts messages to your cell phone to avoid paying for any text mesaages.

Drop extras. See texting and insurance above. Also reconsider GPS, data, and other features that you may be paying extra for, but aren’t using.

Out of contract? Negotiate lower rate or shop for a new plan. Cell phone companies love it when you are in a contract because you are basically at their mercy. Once you are out of your contract you are free to go to another carrier. So shop around. If you find a better deal but prefer your current carrier, negotiate a lower rate. You may have to enter into a new contract, but you may be able to save a few bucks every month. You may also be able to get a great deal on a new cell phone.

Get out of your cellphone contract without paying fees. This is the ultimate in lowering your cell phone bill – get rid of it altogether! Here are tips on how to cancel your cell phone contract without paying early termination fees and how to transfer your cell phone contract without paying fees. These are only good options if you are looking to drop your cell phone coverage or find a cheaper plan.