L.A.’s Cell Phone Bills Highest Among 14 Cities

Mobile phone users in Los Angeles pay more per month for the service, on average, than their counterparts in 13 other major cities, according to a survey by Econ One Research Inc.

The survey, which reviewed and ranked wireless pricing in 14 U.S. cities, found that Los Angeles customers paid the highest average price per month--$40.79. Mobile users in Atlanta paid the least--$32.37. San Diego was the second most expensive ($39.35), with San Francisco placing fifth ($37.27) and Sacramento ranking eighth ($36.69).

Econ One Research, an economic research and consulting firm with offices in Los Angeles and Sacramento, based its survey on the prices and plans posted on each carrier’s Internet Web site. The company said it made adjustments for differing levels of “free” minutes, as well as for rates that differ by time of day or day of the week.

However, the survey did not review carriers’ regional promotions, which can sometimes substantially reduce prices but which tend to change frequently.

The company compared prices for customers who use an average of 30 minutes a month; 150 minutes a month; and 300 minutes a month. In Los Angeles, Econ One found that Sprint PCS had the lowest monthly price for 30-minute and 150-minute users, while AirTouch had the best total rate for a caller using 300 minutes a month.

The full results of the wireless survey can be found on the Econ One Web site at https://econone.com.