Prevent Cell Phone Overages With WatchMyCell

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Constantly checking up on how many cell phone minutes you have left? The Windows application WatchMyCell logs into your online account page for you and tracks how many minutes you have left. It will even send you an text message or e-mail whenever you’ve reached your chosen threshold. Currently supports Cingular, Verizon, T-mobile, and Sprint/Nextel. They claim that no personal information is stored on their server, and all information sent to your cell phone provider is sent over 1024 bit encryption (also addressed here).

The only time I’ve gone over cell phone minutes was during my wedding, and it was way over. Link via LifeHacker.

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Comments

  1. Cellphones are a huge cash drain. Several of my co-workers are always talking about the outrageous fees and bills they’re racking up. Seems like lots of those television courtroom shows like judge judy have those cell bill disputes on a regular basis – sometimes in the THOUSANDS of dollars.

    I didn’t own a cell for the longest time, and when I finally got one it was a prepaid tracfone. It’s strictly an emergency phone with a few (600) minutes on it, I buy a 60 minute card with 90 days service for $25 (works out to $8.34 a month) and the minutes roll over. If I need an in depth conversation I stick with my VOIP connection at home, instant messaging, or email. Better yet, I visit and have a real face to face conversation if possible.

    I know my solution isn’t right for everybody, and I don’t have the flashiest, shiniest phone out there (I have a motorola V176), but I also don’t have the huge bills.

  2. I have been having a cellphone the longest time i can remember. Remember the good ol days when a plan came with only 20 minutes the whole month. Yup, only 20 free min a whole month.

    If used right, the cellphone plan is an outstanding plan with great value. How can u beat the convenience of a cellphone with 600 free minutes, unlimited night and weekend minutes for $39.99?
    I always shop around for plans that offer above $200 rebate for singing up with a free phone. The $200 rebate covers almost 4 months free. (T-mobile)

  3. Execllent idea.
    Lifehacker really has some good ideas.

  4. This looks like a great tool, has anyone found a mac version?

  5. Is this safe? I know the watchmycell.com says its safe, and no personal information is sent to their servers, blah blah blah, but how can you trust them?

  6. There are Firefox extensions that also check minutes, but don’t send out alerts, for Mac/Linux users.

    There is software that monitors information sent to/from your computer, see the link to their own forum in the original post.

    However, in the end there is nothing that can prove it is 100% safe. I guess you just have to decide what they could do with your cell phone website username/password and weigh it with the benefits.

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