Getting the most out of your Smartphone-Deals to be had

I have a number of clients that travel to the Southern States and Mexico in the winter and are always asking what is the best way to get phone service. Personally my first choice would be the use of Line2  since the cost is $9.95 per month for a basic number that you choose or $14.95 per month for a toll free number which includes texting. Because this uses 'data' on your cell phone, you really do not require a cell phone number or 'voice plan' and can therefore utilize a sim card from a tablet device. For that matter, you can simply use your tablet. If you have a tablet with Cellular service such as the Ipad 4G or Nexus 7 LTE then you are pretty much set. If your tablet is wifi only then you would be needing to be in a wifi hotspot. For those that plan on having their own internet service at their Winter escape then you are ready to go.  You can install the Line2 App which is available for both Iphone and Android devices as well as a Windows and Mac version for your desktop and laptop computers and of course you can always sign in to your account online.

Another option as reported from Wired in this article, you can also use Google Voice along with a pre-paid option through T-Mobile for example.

The key both of these are to make sure you have a DATA PLAN for your device as the voice plan is really not required.