Ting tosses pre-paid rate plan model, now pay for what you use

While there is no change in the rate structure itself, the MVNO just made things a bit simpler for those that may find themselves confused by the various rates plans that can be found out there.

The carrier used to reconcile with its customers at the end of a given billing period already, so in the grand scheme, the argument is that you may not be saving any money if your usage patterns are consistent.

That said, we cannot help but think this is a bit refreshing. If you are not familiar with Ting’s rates, the carrier lets you choose your minutes, text (global) and data as separate buckets. Each device is a flat $6 (no limit on the number of devices either), so you add everything up, and that would be your pre-paid amount due (plus taxes). The rates for the different features are included below:


If you did not meet, or exceed the threshold of portions of your pre-paid selection, Ting would reconcile with each billing period. That reconciliation is now a thing of the past. To help you understand the change that is taking place, we will share the example given by Ting below (emphasis added):


On the face of it, Ting’s own blog calls the change insignificant and outlines some reasons why. Among them the fact that their rates are not changing and so your cash flow is not likely to change too much. However, other reasons it used to back its claim of insignificance are not so insignificant. The simplicity of what Ting is adopting is absolutely contrary to what the rest of the pre-paid or post-paid wireless sector does with its services.

While it could be argued that these rates are not as simple as say, T-Mobile’s Simple Choice Plans, the ideas is that not everyone wants to pay for unlimited everything when their usage does not reflect such behavior, just like an all-you-can-eat buffet is not a great deal for someone that does not eat a lot.

If this seems like your type of deal, click the source link for more information. You can bring any Sprint device as long as it is not an iPhone, BlackBerry or Push-to-Talk device. The company’s “white list” of devices that can be used is pretty comprehensive.

source: Ting