The mobile subscription market keeps growing at an astonishing rate. This stance is justified by the sheer percentage increase between last year and the preceding years.
To provide more clarity, it was reliably reported that well over 8 and a half billion people had direct access to mobile subscription services in 2023.
You should know that we are inching closer to 9 billion active mobile device subscriptions, as of today. Frankly, there is a lot more to come as forecasted. For more on this, you can see: https://www.weforum.org/.
This astonishing percentage increase is down to a lot of things. One such is the possibility of using these services free of charge. While this is possible, how does free usage compare to paid usage? You will find the answers to this question, provided that you continue reading.
Free Mobile Plans
These service providers do not entirely offer free subscription services, more often than not. This implies that the chances of enjoying their services for free are time-bound and largely inclusive.
To provide more clarity, these services are on a time-bound trial basis. For example, it can be a 30-day or 2-month trial period. Furthermore, certain perks/features are usually withheld from those who use these services freely.
Regardless, there are still notable benefits of enjoying the privileges that apply. In the same vein, there are concerns. In the true spirit of keeping you well informed, this section addresses free mobile plans from both angles, starting with the benefits.
Benefits of Free Mobile Plans
Some of the advantages for subscribers who freely use mobile subscription plans include the following:
Access to Basic Services
Of course, these subscribers are very likely to be cut off from using premium services. However, they would still be able to use basic services. By basic service, we mean texting, calling, and data.
Non-Binding
The possibility of using these services for free is often because of a free-trial arrangement. Furthermore, these subscribers are under no obligation to continue using the plan once the free trial period is over.
They can choose to opt out on the grounds of dissatisfaction or for no reason at all as there is no contract tying them down. This is despite having used the plan for free for a certain period.
Cost
Very little or even nothing is paid for the use of the accessible services. So, it is budget-friendly.
Concerns with Free Mobile Plans
There are several common concerns with free subscription plans, which is why many people use paid plans. Some of the concerns in question include:
Limited Data
The need to use data-enabled services is a major part of why people subscribe. However, there are lots of restrictions commonly associated with this option.
One such restriction is manifested in data usage. For example, subscribers to such plans may not be able to use any more than a few 100 MBs daily. Frankly, this can seriously undermine the benefits of using data services, which is why many stick to paid plans, despite the cost.
Ad-Supported
These service providers will always look for ways to generate revenue even while they supposedly offer their services freely. Enabling increased display of ads and promotional messages to free subscribers is one of the ways this happens.
The problem is that frequent displays of ads and promotional messages can be very disruptive and annoying. However, subscribers to free plans may not have a choice but to cope with this.
Restricted Features
This category of subscribers are usually shut out of using premium features. Some of the features that they may be unable to access include:
- Proactive Customer Support
- International Roaming
- Hotspot/Tethering
- 5G Access/Improved Data Speeds
- Additional Data
- Special Discounts & Offers
- Extended Network Coverage
- Family/Multi-Line Plans
- Enhanced Security
It turns out that some or even many of the above-listed are priorities for people who use mobile subscription services.
This is why gratis mobilabonnement – the Norwegian translation of free mobile subscription – is a no-no for certain people. The reason is simply because they cannot cope with these restrictions.
Network Prioritization
There are peak periods – moments when numerous subscribers are onboard. As a result, the network pace would likely be slow.
However, certain subscribers are more prioritized during such moments. This is by beefing up their network quality and strength, thereby reducing the quality and strength of other subscribers.
Unsurprisingly, this category of subscribers are down the pecking order during such periods. As a result, the use of enabled features can be very unsuccessful and frustrating during such times.
Paid Mobile Plans
All mobile subscription companies offer some sort of paid mobile plan. Of course, this is because of the revenue-generating possibilities involved.
Furthermore, most mobile subscribers use paid mobile subscription plans despite the cost implications. This is down to the benefits of doing this, especially when compared to using the very restrictive alternative, as discussed above.
However, there are also common/possible concerns. In the spirit of having you well informed, this part discusses both, starting with the benefits.
Benefits of Paid Mobile Plans
Some of the advantages for subscribers who use paid mobile subscription plans include the following:
Proactive Customer Support
These subscribers usually have improved access to the provider’s quick and very helpful customer support team. As a result, clarifications can be swiftly given and issues quickly addressed.
Premium Features
They have access to many features that free mobile subscribers do not have access to. So, they are not just restricted to using basic services, provided they can pay for the requested services.
Data Allowance
There is usually a long list of data plans that can be opted for. These are plans ranging from some GBs to even unlimited browsing. It is therefore possible to choose something that aligns with one’s needs and/or budget.
Network Priority
The truth is that not every mobile subscription service provider can meet the needs of all its subscribers during peak periods. However, network prioritization for certain subscribers is a huge possibility.
To this end, paid subscribers are prioritized over free subscribers during peak periods. In other words, they stand the chance of having uninterrupted network service even during peak periods.
Concerns with Paid Mobile Plans
There are also common/possible concerns with paid mobile subscription plans despite the benefits. Some of the concerns in question include:
Cost
Of course, several perks can be enjoyed. However, they come at a cost. Furthermore, some mobile subscription service providers offer these features at a higher cost than others, impacting finances.
Speaking of cost, something known as overage fees may also apply. Such fees usually apply when a user exhausts their privileges before the agreed date.
As a result, the extra service obtained will be billed at a higher rate. However, this depends on the service provider’s policies and even the plan in question.
Contract
Paid subscribers may be bound to contracts, which may even be long-term. As a result, opting out and choosing another subscription service provider can trigger certain penalties. These penalties usually have adverse cost implications.
Conclusion
Overall, choosing the right mobile subscription plan requires considering certain things. Top of the list includes your budget, network coverage, usage needs, required features, and contract terms.
Making an informed decision based on these yardsticks can help you realize if free plans are good enough for you, or if you just have to resort to using paid plans.
