Family Cell Phone Plans > Cingular Family Plan

Cingular Family Plan Reviewed

There are two types of Cingular family plans, the National FamilyTalk and Regional FamilyTalk. The major difference is that the nation plans offer unlimited mobile-to-mobile minutes and no roaming changes. After comparing the fine print of the two plans, we believe that the national plan's benefit far exceed what the region plan has to offer.

Unless the regional 600 anytime minutes for $39.99, fits your lifestyle, the other regional plans won't make much sense. The cost of the higher regional plans is very similar to the national plans at the same monthly cost. The included unlimited mobile-to-mobile benefit on all the phones in your family plan will most likely make up for the slightest less anytime minutes. The other great incentive that can save you money is national FamilyTalk plans of $59.99 and up costs only $10 for additional lines up to 3. This means that the 600 and 850 minute plans, both cost $70 per month for 2 lines.

Cingular FamilyTalk National has included long distance and roaming from anywhere in the US. It is also the only family plan in the US to offer roll over minutes. Additional minutes starts at $0.45 for the lowest plan, and decreases by $0.05. Cingular FamilyTalk Region only has free long distance when placed in your home area and no mobile-to-mobile minutes. Roaming for regional plans cost a whooping $0.79 per minute and additional minutes cost $0.45 minimum. As you can see, they definite made the regional plan seem like a joke.

If you are considering giving the national plan a try, be sure to have a tri-band or quad-band phone. Like most cell phone providers, Cingular have some drop zones and weak coverage spots. To take advantage of the included roaming, having a phone that is compatible with all digital networks is a plus.

Another attraction is the activation fee of only $18 per phone. Compared to the $35 fee that AT&T and T-Mobile charge, you can save some upfront cost especially in a family plan with several phones.

With Cingular there are numerous customer service related complaints, so customer service is something that needs major improvements. Most cell phone providers have problems with customer service, just try to solve any problems and questions before signing a contract. This will save you time and hours of frustration dealing with people who can't seem to help you. Although, from recent reviews it shows that Cingular have made a some improvements since merging with AT&T.

Overall Rating for this plan: 4/5

To find out more about Cingular Plans and check availability, click here.

Here is a summary of their plans...

Cingular FamilyTalk Nation with Rollover

Provider

Monthly Fee

Anytime Minutes

Evening/Weekend Minutes

Mobile to Mobile Minutes

$39.99	450 Shared	5000	Unlimited
$49.99	600 Shared	Unlimited	Unlimited
$59.99	850 Shared	Unlimited	Unlimited
$79.99	1250 Shared	Unlimited	Unlimited
$99.99	2000 Shared	Unlimited	Unlimited
$149.99	3000 Shared	Unlimited	Unlimited
$199.99	4000 Shared	Unlimited	Unlimited
$249.99	6000 Shared	Unlimited	Unlimited

To take a closer look at Cingular's coverage, click here.

FREE Long Distance & Roaming throughout the U.S.
Each Addition Line = $19.99 per month each
Can add 3 more cellular phones to the plan
Activation Fee = $36 per line
Addition Minute = $0.45 ($39.99), $0.40 ($49.99), $0.35 ($59.99)
Voice mail, Detailed Billing, Caller ID, Three-Way Calling, Call Forwarding and Call Waiting