Don’t let two-year contracts stop you from connecting to a wireless Internet network, go prepaid! Many of the carriers will offer prepaid or pay-as-you-go plans for those that don’t want a contract. Let’s look at the key differences between a prepaid wireless Internet plan and a wireless Internet contract.

Prepaid

• You’ll have to buy or “rent” the device you want to use to access the wireless Internet network of your choice. Sometimes you’ll have to give it back when the prepaid time is up, other times you’ll just have to take a higher up-front cost because you’re purchasing the device unsubsidized.
• The monthly rate might be slightly higher for you, but you can stop at any time or when your prepaid minutes run out.
• Feel free to try out different networks and figure out what’s best in your area. Since you aren’t tied to one network you can experiment with other devices and networks.

Contract

• On a contract the cost of the device you use to access the wireless Internet network is subsidized, meaning you don’t pay as much up front. For example, you can get an iPhone 4 for about $200 with a contract. Without a contract, the phone can cost up to $600.
• The monthly rate to access some wireless Internet networks is sometimes lower for those that are already members of that network.
• With a contract you’re stuck with the network you chose until the contract expires. You can break the contract, but you’ll have to pay early termination fees.