Is Spectrum's new cell phone service any good?
Maybe youve seen ads for cell phone service from Spectrum, and other companies you dont usually think of when it comes to mobile phones. These days, more and more cable and broadband companies are offering cell phone plans and claim they can save you money. JD Matthewson was looking to lower his bills, especially his rising cell phone bill. "At the time, I was paying Verizon about $170 a month," he said. So he switched to Spectrum Mobile. About 5 million people now get their cell phone service from a cable or broadband company like Spectrum. WCPO's partners at Consumer Reports said there is no need to worry about coverage or if they have enough towers. The reason: Cable companies lease wireless capacity from major carriers and use WiFi whenever possible to provide service, so you don't have to worry about losing a signal while traveling. And by doing this, that saves consumers money  in some cases, a lot of money  according to Consumer Reports. If you already get internet service from Spectrum, adding a cell phone plan to the bundle could lower your mobile bill. You can get one phone line with unlimited talk, text, and data for just $45 a month. Major carriers start around $75 and bills often exceed $100. And they offer flexibility, so you can sign up for customized data plans for each family member. Consumer Reports says there are a few drawbacks to consider:  Your service could get slowed down if network traffic is high. Fees or taxes may not be included in the low advertised rates. Automatic monthly payments may be required. You don't get all the perks that come with AT&T or Verizon plans. But just like with cheaper cell plans like Consumer Cellular, Mint, and Boost, Consumer Reports says if money is tight, this could be a way to afford both cell service and Spectrum high-speed internet in your house. Matthewson said the savings work for him. "I'm saving about $50 a month on my cell phone bill," he said. That way you don't waste your money. _________________  Don't Waste Your Money" is a registered trademark of Scripps Media, Inc. ("Scripps"). Like" John Matarese Money on Facebook  Follow John on Instagram @johnmataresemoney  Follow John on Twitter (@JohnMatarese)  For more consumer news and money saving advice, go to www.dontwasteyourmoney.com