Fifth of mobile phone users surveyed pay more for their carrier service than groceries

--Nearly Half Pay $100 or More Per Month; 13 Percent Pay $200 or More Per Month--

WHITING, Ind., Sept. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- As many new versions of smartphones hit the market this fall, a new survey from CouponCabin.com takes a look at the high costs of being connected. Nearly half (46 percent) of mobile phone owners surveyed pay $100 or more per month for their mobile phone service. More than one-in-ten (13 percent) pay $200 or more per month. This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of CouponCabin from September 4th – 6th, 2012 among 2,310 U.S. adults ages 18 and older.

For some U.S. adults with mobile phones, the costs of their service plans are higher than many other household expenses. More than one-in-five (21 percent) of mobile phone owners said they pay more for their mobile phone service plan in a typical month than they do for groceries. When asked which other typical expenses they spend less on their mobile phone service, U.S. mobile phone owners said the following:

• Basic utilities like water, gas and electric – 33 percent
• Cable TV – 57 percent
• Internet service – 71 percent
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"Mobile phones are ingrained in our everyday lives, but their high costs can do damage to a monthly budget," said Jackie Warrick, President and Chief Savings Officer at CouponCabin.com. "Many mobile phone owners are now revisiting their plans and looking at ways to cut back."

Taking the group approach is a popular option. Nearly six-in-ten (58 percent) of mobile phone users currently have a family/friend plan with their service provider. U.S. adults ages 35-44 are the most likely to have a family/friend plan as 64 percent report having one, compared to 59 percent of 18-34 year olds, and 59 percent of 45-54 year olds.

Others may stick to communicating the old-fashioned way. In fact, 63 percent of U.S. adults said they currently have a traditional, landline phone. That number was much lower for younger Americans, as only 39 percent of those ages 18-34 said they currently have a landline phone.

Whether it means joining a group plan or keeping a landline phone, there are a variety of strategies to help save on your monthly mobile phone bill. Warrick offers the following advice:

• Do a usage audit: In just a few clicks or a quick call, you can figure out your average monthly voice and data usage. If you're paying for a much higher plan than you use on average, consider cutting back.
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• Cut your insurance: If you opt-in for a mobile phone insurance plan, you may be paying high monthly fees along with hefty deductible. Do the math and eliminate your plan if you aren't coming out ahead in the long run.
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• Change your habits: If you have free nights and weekends for your voice service, do what you can to only talk during those periods. If you have a limited texting plan, send more emails. Adjust your usage and stay within your limits.