Comparison of Cell Phone Services in North Carolina

By Tonya Whitaker

CarolinaWest is one of several cellphone providers in North Carolina.
i Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

There are quite a few phone service providers in North Carolina, each one offering plans geared toward a particular customer set. The plan structures, as well as the rates of these providers, vary greatly. Most national providers offer North Carolina cellular users family and individual plans. While national providers tend to be the most popular, there are also some lesser-known local options available for cellular service in North Carolina.

T-Mobile

T-Mobile entered North Carolina in 2008, with its acquisition of SunCom Wireless Holdings Inc. As of July 2011, a cellular plan with T-Mobile costs $59.99. This plan provides the most basic unlimited calling plan the company offers. In addition, the basic plan also gives customers unlimited texting. This makes it one of the plans with the best value available in North Carolina, as it is one of the cheapest. Like many of the major providers that offer service in North Carolina, T-Mobile offers free calls to fellow T-Mobile customers.

CarolinaWest

Founded in 1991 and headquartered in Wilkesboro, NC, CarolinaWest offers North Carolina residents data and mobile services, competitive wireless plans and nationwide coverage. Nationwide, nationwide unlimited and unlimited local plans are available. As of July 2011, nationwide plans range from $19.99 for 100 anytime minutes and unlimited text messaging to $99.99 for 2,000 anytime minutes, unlimited nights and weekends and mobile-to-mobile airtime, and, for $9.99, additional lines are available. The nationwide unlimited plan costs $75 and includes unlimited web browsing. Finally, unlimited local plans range from $39.99 to $59.99.

AT&T

AT&T also operates in North Carolina under the BellSouth banner. There is a local connection with the company, as BellSouth has a long history in North Carolina. AT&T’s national network is second in size only to Verizon, making it a convenient choice as far as the range of service goes. As of July 2011, a monthly cellular plan with unlimited national calling goes for $69.99. When calling within the United States, AT&T does not charge roaming or long distance fees. Calls to other AT&T customers within the U.S. are always free.

Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless is a popular cellular provider throughout the United States, and its popularity in North Carolina is no different. The provider promises its customers minimal dropped calls, which helps to ensure that their cellular service will be some of the clearest in the country. As of July 2011, an unlimited talking cellular plan in North Carolina cost $69.99 monthly, without texting. The addition of texting bumps the price of the monthly plan up to $89.99.

×