Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) is trying to pass a requirement that would require cell phone carriers to notify consumers when they hit the 80% mark of their allotted texts and minutes, and would not allow phone companies to charge more without permission.

While that’s well and good, we’ve moved passed the time of text and calls to WiFi and Data. With WiFi, you can use the internet to communicate and find information, and more people are running up their data plans then using up their minutes.

With the advent and spread of smartphones, it really only makes sense to have an everything or unlimited plan to avoid running up fees. While this is pricier than a bare-bones plan, it’s better than the exorbitant fees carriers charge when you exceed your limits. Plus, there are other ways to save money:

1) Select refurbished cell phones for your family. Made to be like new, they often come in the latest cell phone fashions and are guaranteed to function properly at a considerable savings. With used cell phones, there’s no contract tying you to a specific carrier. If prices go up, you’re free to change.

2) Unlocked cell phones, also refurbished, keep you from being tied to a specific carrier (contract free) but also allow you to take the same phone with you when you change.

3) If you can’t afford an everything or unlimited plan, WiFi is the best way to save money. A refurbished cell phone such as the refurbished Blackberry Bold comes with WiFi, allowing you to tether your phones data use to your home internet connection, or a free connection at a local coffee shop or lbrary.