In light of current economic conditions, industry experts have predicted an annual growth rate of 14% for prepaid phone service, versus only 4% for traditional service.

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Bob Serina, Premier Franchisee, and family.

Premier Rental-Purchase in Newberry, South Carolina has become the authorized dealer in the area for Page Plus Cellular, a nationwide prepaid cell phone service provider with coverage through Verizon Wireless, the country's largest wireless network. Premier Rental Purchase was recently ranked among the nation's fastest growing franchises (see story).

Bob Serina, owner of the Newberry Premier store, said, "The coverage, variety and cost effectiveness of our handset selection as well as the price of the plan will change the way people think of prepaid wireless service." Premier is offering unlimited phone service plan for $39.95 a month - The lowest priced plan of its kind in the prepaid wireless market.

Unlimited Talk n Text includes unlimited voice minutes, unlimited text messaging and 20 megabytes of data transfer for Web browsing, e-mailing and downloading applications from its recently available App Store for the iPhone and iPod Touch. "People are looking for the best value across the board in life, whether it's in a wireless service or other parts of the budget," Serina said. "The Unlimited Talk n Text plan offers best value simply by providing quality wireless service at an unbeatable price."

Prepaid cell phone service, which can cost 50% to 75% less than contract-based (postpaid) plans, is expected to grow to 20% of the U.S. market by year end, according to wireless industry consultant Chetan Sharma. In light of current economic conditions, industry experts have predicted an annual growth rate of 14% for prepaid service, versus only 4% for traditional postpaid service.

"We are always looking for ways to bring new value to our customers' Premier experience," said Serina who added computer repair to his furniture, appliance and electronics rental-purchase business earlier this year. Our motto is: 'We help people get the things they want.' We are excited about offering a phone plan that will save our customers money and at the same time offer them a high-quality service."

Serina explained that customers who switch to the plan can replenish their account and even set up automatic monthly refills through the Page Plus Web site. They can also bring ("port") their existing phone numbers with them to the new service from other plans or from landlines.

Because Page Plus Cellular operates on a nationwide network, it has an advantage over other carriers who only operate regionally or in certain metro areas. Customers have the best possible coverage area, and the reliability of the Verizon Wireless network means fewer dropped calls. Plus, there are no long distance charges. Page Plus is consistently ranked among the top prepaid service providers for low rates, flexible plans and exceptional customer service.

Premier Rental-Purchase has been part of the Newberry community since 2007. It is located at 1929 Wilson Road. Phone is 803-276-8300. Visit their website at www.NewberryRentalPurchase.com.