Mobile provider C Spire launched a new pricing model Monday that the carrier said will help customers eliminate the “guesswork” in choosing a cell phone plan.
According to C Spire, the new system will combine “all elements needed by mobile consumers – data, unlimited talk, text and pics, access line charges and devices – into one total cost with easy to understand pricing.” Customers can either choose one of the carrier’s popular combination plans or build one to better suit their needs.
C Spire’s new combo options include 18 different phone models, two monthly data allowance options for individual plans (3GB and 8GB), three data options for shared plans (6 GB, 16 GB and 25 GB) with up to four devices and the choice to include a down payment to lower monthly installments.
Popular individual plans include a $60 per month option for a 16 GB iPhone 6s that comes with 3 GB of data and a $170 down payment; a $65 per month option for a 32 GB Samsung Galaxy S6 edge with 3 GB of data and no down payment; a $75 per month plan for a 16 GB iPhone 6s with 8 GB of data and a $170 down payment; and an $80 per month plan for a 32 GB Samsung Note5 with 8 GB of data and $0 down. Shared plans are also available, including a $120 per month plan for two 16 GB iPhone 6s devices to share 6 GB of data with a $340 down payment for the phones.
All combo plans also come with the option to include unlimited talk, text and picture messaging, as well as trade in options to lower the down payment and a free 30-day cancellation policy.
“Competitors advertise one price (for data), but it’s not really what you can expect to pay in total,” said C Spire’s senior vice president of Consumer Markets Suzy Hays. “With our new combo pricing, we give you one price for everything you need. No surprises. You’ll know what you’ll be paying on your bill each month.”
Unlike many traditional carriers, C Spire said it also requires pre-approval for additional data usage and charges to help consumers avoid unexpected bill increases.
“With us, you’re always in control and there are no surprises on your bill at the end of the month,” Hayes said. “We let you decide if you want more data. Other carriers take this chance to charge you huge fees without ever asking.”