Cutting Costs of Cellular Data Plans

By Alex Vuchnich, CPA, CFE -

If you spend any significant amount of time working out of the office, you may have already discovered the value of having a cellular data plan for checking email, news, etc. with your smart phone. However, these data plans are expensive typically running anywhere from $40 - $60 per month for unlimited data connections. One way to cut cost is to consider switching to a wi-fi access point plan. These plans are offered by most cellular providers as well as independent services, such as Boingo. A wi-fi smart phone access plan on Boingo costs just $7.95 per month. I made the switch and saved $32 each month. At an annual savings of $384 this could add up quick if you have multiple staff who have mobile data connection needs. The downside of the wi-fi plan is that in order to use the data connection you have to be within range of one of the services access points. Coverage therefore is much more limited than with a cellular broadband plan. Wi-fi coverage with these plans typically includes all major airports, Starbucks, many hotels and various restaurants and cafes. This may not be a good solution if you or your staff need to get access from a clients office where the coverage is not available but if you find yourself mostly checking emails and the internet in the above mentioned locales when on the road then this service will likely be a good fit.