Yes, it’s been while since my last post. Rather than doing the typical cut-and-past an interesting link or video, I thought I’d actually do something useful for once by explaining how to uncover cellular service plan discount that you may possibly be eligible for depending on where you work or where you went to college. Let me first start off by saying that I hate cell phone providers with a passion. I have assigned them to the same circle of hell as cable companies, insurance companies and banks. There’s a special place reserved for those who do business with you in hopes that they can legally overcharge you. But I digress…

Since reading that AT&T is charging even more for their data plans, I’m finally starting to look around to see how much cheaper I can enjoy my mobile standard of living. The awesome news about finally being able to tether your iPhone is overshadowed by the fact that it’s going to cost an extra $30 a month. I only chose AT&T for the iPhone, but with the new options available through Google’s Android OS, I think that I could be convinced to switch carriers if it ends up costing me $50-$60 less a month – especially if I can tether, integrate my Google Voice and not deal with AT&T’s chronic problem with giving me the “call failed” message.

Admittedly, this discovery probably doesn’t apply to most Americans, but if you do happen to work for a large company like American Express or Fidelity (two examples from my personal life) they typically have a corporate discount plan offered through most major cellular phone companies. The easiest way to find out if your company is offered a discount is to enter your corporate e-mail address (ex: billybob@bigpharma.com) on the provider’s web page and see if they offer a discount program.

I’m not working for a big company currently, but since my Alma Mater is a large university and thus a large employer, my .edu e-mail address worked for AT&T and Verizon on my initial try. If you can’t seem to get anywhere, I always say that the proper Google Search has permanently rendered “not knowing where to start” a lame excuse. Try the links below to see if it works for you!

Sprint – Had a 15% discount when I was at BYU. Got a 20% discount working for American Express.

Verizon – Used my BYU e-mail and was offered a 20% discount on service plans, 25% on equipment

AT&T– ﻿Had a 20% discount available when I worked at Fidelity. Currently on a 7% discount through BYU.

T-Mobile – Nothing worked for me personally, looks like you’ll have to call them to see if your employer qualifies. Also, a nice alternative is to join the Freelancer’s Union as described in this article, and you automatically qualify for a discount apparently. Some University students or employees may automatically qualify, and I also read that





40.436137 -111.904849