"Did you know that data plans for smartphones can cost a family of four like mine more than $1,400 a year?" says Leah Ingram, who writes the Suddenly Frugal blog. "Rather than paying for a smartphone, we keep our stupid phones for calls and use an iPod touch in conjunction with a (Wi-Fi hotspot). The iPod touch acts just like an iPhone, without the calling part."
Mobile Internet access costs the Ingram family $20 per month, or just $240 per year for up to five devices including an iPod touch, iPad and laptops. The devices must be in the proximity of the hotspot to access the Internet.
Depending on how you use your cellphone or smartphone, you also may be able to save by reducing your voice or data plan to match your usage.