In emerging markets, prepaid plans are commonplace and postpaid service is often overpriced.
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Episode 088 of the Pocketnow Weekly, we had a listener mail in with a question concerning multi-SIM phones and how many people used up to 10-SIM expansions. Our own Jaime Rivera weighed in, explaining that he, too, lives in an emerging market. He said he used to pay over $140 per month for his cell service. The data speeds and calling was ideal, but the pricing was hard to swallow.
Various prepaid plans come with different offers, however. Some offer better data pricing, yet come with horrible calling plans. Another prepaid service may offer better calling options, but poor data services and pricing.
By switching to two separate prepaid plans, Jaime was able to get the best of both worlds without breaking the bank. He said after the switch, his monthly wireless costs dropped to just $50. On one prepaid carrier, he can get HSPA+ data and “a ton of minutes”, while on the other carrier, the data is horrible, but he can call the U.S. for no additional charge.
This is one of the most popular uses for dual-SIM phones. Using SIM adapters, which often squeeze beneath the battery door, some people are able to add even more SIMs to their phone and juggle even more prepaid deals.