Cost for the following things we didn't have in 1985

[Judique]

Some of the first non-business cell phone consumers started popping-up in 1988-1989, as the then-big telcos were the first to offer service under names like "Southwestern Bell Mobile", "Ameritech Cellular", "GTE Mobilnet", and "Bell Atlantic Mobile" (all of which have been rolled-into today's AT&T Mobility and Verizon Wireless). Service on these providers was quite expensive, by today's standards ($30 got you only 20 minutes per month -- roaming was extra).

I had a car phone installed in 1990 through Bell Atlantic Mobile. The service wasn't outrageous, but the device itself was very expensive. Prices dropped significantly in a few short years.

Service was 9.99 per month for 60 peak minutes and any minutes after the first 60 in peak time were 40 cents each. Weekends were free and after 9pm. The phone went to 'roam' quite often, but I don't remember if I incurred any significant roaming expenses while staying in my home area.

 

[momxx5]

Well in the mid 80's we did not have cable.....we had an antena.

We did not have a VCR.....you could rent them for $10 weekend plus 1 movie, extra movie was $5.

We had dial phone attached to wall with no long distance service at all.

No internet, no cell phones, and certainly no eating out fast food. That was a special treat. Our small town had a McDonalds and Eat-in Pizza Hut....that was it.

 

[Tink-n-MrIncredible]

Just have him text you - most of the parents I know don't have a iphone, and wouldn't be getting these messages. I find texting works better than email - we got an email than ds's soccer tournament was cancelled at 6:22 am (an hour away). However, we didn't read that email until later on in the morning. Unfortunately, he was out the door at 6:30 am. DH would've gotten the text in time.

I pay $350 a month for cable (no premium channels, but 5 DVR's), phone, internet, and cellphones (5 on the plan, lowest minutes, unlimited texting, 2 regular data plans).

HA HA I do not text. Nor do I have any attention to. My friends and family know not to even bother me with that as I do not read any nor do I reply. They know if they want to get in touch with me they have to do it the old fashioned way. Call me on the phone. Out of all my friends I am the only one without an I phone. I have no plans on getting one either.

 

[Tink-n-MrIncredible]

I think I was in 5th or 6th grade when we were able to get cable. MTV was so popular.

 

[My2BabiesLexis&Dill]

Directv 60.00
DH cell 45.00
My cell 45.00
Internet 50.00

So around 200.00 a month!