Save $ on cell service -- Ting Mobile / Solavei (+ other MVNOs) (2 Viewers)

[Doctor Detroit]

AT&T Coverage: Black Wireless, H2O Wireless, Net10 Wireless, SkyView Wireless, and Consumer Cellular. All have $50 plans with roaming included that suit you. If you had to pick from this bunch, I'd either go with Net10 since they have LTE access OR Consumer Cellular since they consistantly are rated so highly by Consumer Reports.

I'm going to try Consumer Cellular based on your recommendation, thanks.

 

[(HULK)]

AT&T Coverage: Black Wireless, H2O Wireless, Net10 Wireless, SkyView Wireless, and Consumer Cellular. All have $50 plans with roaming included that suit you. If you had to pick from this bunch, I'd either go with Net10 since they have LTE access OR Consumer Cellular since they consistantly are rated so highly by Consumer Reports.

I'm going to try Consumer Cellular based on your recommendation, thanks.

I can't remember how old you are, but if you're as old as your avatar, they have AARP discounts...

Good luck and report back on the experience.

 

[BlueDredSo]

Awesome. Thanks for the help and quick response. I'm looking into Straight Talk. My dad can jump on whatever network my mom eventually chooses if I do split from the family plan, which seems likely at this point.

Straight Talk's compatible phones seem to be a little complicated. Is basically any phone that uses Sim Cards compatible? I have a Samsung Galaxy Nexus right now connected to Verizon. I'd like to get a new one, but the best Android on Straight Talk's website (ZTE Unico LTE) is probably no better than my phone right now. I've never had an iPhone and not really willing to pay $550 for one. I'd like to get a newer Android phone if at all possible.

So, Straight Talk has deals with all 4 carriers so you can get a phone that works on any of them... thing is, for CDMA carriers (thats Sprint and Verizon) the selection is VERY limited. But for GSM carriers (thats T-Mo and AT&T) you can bring ANY unlocked GSM phone. Which means you could pick up a Nexus 5 and just get an AT&T SIM from them and you're all set.For good value on unlocked phones, I'd recommend the Nexus 5 or the Moto G (if you want to keep it under $200).

Yikes, Nexus 5 is going to run me $350 unlocked. It says the Moto G doesn't support LTE. Maybe I should just go with the ZTE Unico? It's not a bad phone at all, just not as decked out as the newer stuff available.

 

[Jaysus]

Nexus 5 is going to run me $350 unlocked.

That's a great price!

 

[rick6668]

Nexus 5 is going to run me $350 unlocked.

That's a great price!

That's 2 month's of what you are paying right now. You'll re-coup that in no time.

 

[BlueDredSo]

I do love Google and Android. Nexus 5 obviously gets the first upgrades, no bloatware. Hmmm...considering I'll be saving a good chunk of $ with Smart Talk, this Nexus 5 does look pretty nice.

 

[(HULK)]

The only reason that I don't have a nexus 5 is that I love my nexus 4 so much and it's still awesome.

LTE is nice, but the HSPA+ on tmobile carriers is pretty darn fast... I average about 12 Mbps download speeds, which is fine for my purposes.

 

[Jaysus]

35orLess Closes to New Customers, Current Users Can Keep Service http://www.prepaidphonenews.com/2014/03/35orless-closed-to-new-customers.html

 

[Jaysus]

The only reason that I don't have a nexus 5 is that I love my nexus 4 so much and it's still awesome.

LTE is nice, but the HSPA+ on tmobile carriers is pretty darn fast... I average about 12 Mbps download speeds, which is fine for my purposes.

Same here.

 

[(HULK)]

35orLess Closes to New Customers, Current Users Can Keep Service http://www.prepaidphonenews.com/2014/03/35orless-closed-to-new-customers.html

you keep scooping me! Sucks... They had some good deals

 

[Mr. Ected]

35orLess Closes to New Customers, Current Users Can Keep Service http://www.prepaidphonenews.com/2014/03/35orless-closed-to-new-customers.html

I was going to sign up with them this week, should I? I wasn't too 'big' on the 'orless' part. Just don't want a service to drop.

 

[Mr. Ected]

35orLess Closes to New Customers, Current Users Can Keep Service http://www.prepaidphonenews.com/2014/03/35orless-closed-to-new-customers.html

I was going to sign up with them this week, should I? I wasn't too 'big' on the 'orless' part. Just don't want a service to drop.

Nevermind, thought I could sneak a SIM, can't. back to the drawingboard.

 

[jonessed]

I have 3 iPhone 4S' set up for Sprint, but with no contract. Is Ting a good option? We are pretty data heavy.

Edit: interesting. It looks like Ciao might be a better option for heavy data use.

 

[Mr.Pack]

The only reason that I don't have a nexus 5 is that I love my nexus 4 so much and it's still awesome.

LTE is nice, but the HSPA+ on tmobile carriers is pretty darn fast... I average about 12 Mbps download speeds, which is fine for my purposes.

Just out of curiosity HULK, how come you left Ting?

 

[(HULK)]

The only reason that I don't have a nexus 5 is that I love my nexus 4 so much and it's still awesome.

LTE is nice, but the HSPA+ on tmobile carriers is pretty darn fast... I average about 12 Mbps download speeds, which is fine for my purposes.

Just out of curiosity HULK, how come you left Ting?

2 reasons. I use too much data and I coveted the nexus 4.

 

[rick6668]

I have 3 iPhone 4S' set up for Sprint, but with no contract. Is Ting a good option? We are pretty data heavy.

Edit: interesting. It looks like Ciao might be a better option for heavy data use.

The real question will be how much data do you need, not how much do you use.

When I had a Verizon Unlimited data plan, I was using 3-4GB a month, but just because I could, moving to ting, I've reduced my usage to ~100MB a month by just using WIFI whenever possible.

If you really need that much data, then Ciao or another option may be better than Ting.

Your 3 iphone 4S' will definitely work with Ting.

 

[(HULK)]

Anyone using Caio? They're brand new

 

[Mr. Ected]

Hulk,

Sorry to be such a pest, but I was set on 35orLess and well you know...

What should I do, I am stuck on the iPhone 5s (much to your chagrin ) and here are my stats again.

I average about 200 texts, 750 mb data, and 250 minutes. I have a 250 texts, 450 minutes, and unlimited data plan that I pay about $75 for. I also have a 1G data plan over 3 months for an ancient iPad that I pay $25 for.

I had planned to get the unlimited data plan with 35orless. I like that freedom, but I'm not tied to it.

I am planning to purchase a new iPad, but not get cellular for it, and use tethering from my iPhone. I don't plan to stream much, just web and email.

Thanks for all your help!

 

[rick6668]

Hulk,

Sorry to be such a pest, but I was set on 35orLess and well you know...

What should I do, I am stuck on the iPhone 5s (much to your chagrin ) and here are my stats again.

I average about 200 texts, 750 mb data, and 250 minutes. I have a 250 texts, 450 minutes, and unlimited data plan that I pay about $75 for. I also have a 1G data plan over 3 months for an ancient iPad that I pay $25 for.

I had planned to get the unlimited data plan with 35orless. I like that freedom, but I'm not tied to it.

I am planning to purchase a new iPad, but not get cellular for it, and use tethering from my iPhone. I don't plan to stream much, just web and email.

Thanks for all your help!

Do you have an unlimited plan on Verizon?

 

[bweiser]

Best phone to watch MLB games live on this season?

And, do I need WIFI to do that?

 

[Mr. Ected]

Hulk,

Sorry to be such a pest, but I was set on 35orLess and well you know...

What should I do, I am stuck on the iPhone 5s (much to your chagrin ) and here are my stats again.

I average about 200 texts, 750 mb data, and 250 minutes. I have a 250 texts, 450 minutes, and unlimited data plan that I pay about $75 for. I also have a 1G data plan over 3 months for an ancient iPad that I pay $25 for.

I had planned to get the unlimited data plan with 35orless. I like that freedom, but I'm not tied to it.

I am planning to purchase a new iPad, but not get cellular for it, and use tethering from my iPhone. I don't plan to stream much, just web and email.

Thanks for all your help!

Do you have an unlimited plan on Verizon?

I do, but when I go to renew or upgrade, I will lose it. Damn Verizon. (I'm a little ticked at them tonite. Lost all connections, phone Internet, TV. Said they will come out Saturday. BS.)

 

[(HULK)]

Hulk,

Sorry to be such a pest, but I was set on 35orLess and well you know...

What should I do, I am stuck on the iPhone 5s (much to your chagrin ) and here are my stats again.

I average about 200 texts, 750 mb data, and 250 minutes. I have a 250 texts, 450 minutes, and unlimited data plan that I pay about $75 for. I also have a 1G data plan over 3 months for an ancient iPad that I pay $25 for.

I had planned to get the unlimited data plan with 35orless. I like that freedom, but I'm not tied to it.

I am planning to purchase a new iPad, but not get cellular for it, and use tethering from my iPhone. I don't plan to stream much, just web and email.

Thanks for all your help!

You already have the phone?

If so, that means you're stuck to either T-Mobile or AT&T at this point.

Considering your tethering requirement and your desire for LTE, I'd say go w/ T-Mobile's $60 plan. Unlimited talk/text, 3 GB of LTE speed data (throttled after you hit the limit), and free tethering for your iPad. That should cover you pretty well and be in about the range you were looking price wise.

 

[(HULK)]

Hulk,

Sorry to be such a pest, but I was set on 35orLess and well you know...

What should I do, I am stuck on the iPhone 5s (much to your chagrin ) and here are my stats again.

I average about 200 texts, 750 mb data, and 250 minutes. I have a 250 texts, 450 minutes, and unlimited data plan that I pay about $75 for. I also have a 1G data plan over 3 months for an ancient iPad that I pay $25 for.

I had planned to get the unlimited data plan with 35orless. I like that freedom, but I'm not tied to it.

I am planning to purchase a new iPad, but not get cellular for it, and use tethering from my iPhone. I don't plan to stream much, just web and email.

Thanks for all your help!

Do you have an unlimited plan on Verizon?

I do, but when I go to renew or upgrade, I will lose it. Damn Verizon. (I'm a little ticked at them tonite. Lost all connections, phone Internet, TV. Said they will come out Saturday. BS.)

Pretty sure you could sell that plan to someone for a couple hundred dollars. There is a market for grandfathered Verizon unlimited plans.

 

[rick6668]

Hulk,

Sorry to be such a pest, but I was set on 35orLess and well you know...

What should I do, I am stuck on the iPhone 5s (much to your chagrin ) and here are my stats again.

I average about 200 texts, 750 mb data, and 250 minutes. I have a 250 texts, 450 minutes, and unlimited data plan that I pay about $75 for. I also have a 1G data plan over 3 months for an ancient iPad that I pay $25 for.

I had planned to get the unlimited data plan with 35orless. I like that freedom, but I'm not tied to it.

I am planning to purchase a new iPad, but not get cellular for it, and use tethering from my iPhone. I don't plan to stream much, just web and email.

Thanks for all your help!

Do you have an unlimited plan on Verizon?

I do, but when I go to renew or upgrade, I will lose it. Damn Verizon. (I'm a little ticked at them tonite. Lost all connections, phone Internet, TV. Said they will come out Saturday. BS.)

You can sell yours on ebay. I did. There is a market for this plan. I sold my plan and iphone4 as a package deal.

Search ebay for grandfathered unlimited verizon.

You should be able to get around $200+ for the plan itself.

 

[the moops]

Hulk,

Sorry to be such a pest, but I was set on 35orLess and well you know...

What should I do, I am stuck on the iPhone 5s (much to your chagrin ) and here are my stats again.

I average about 200 texts, 750 mb data, and 250 minutes. I have a 250 texts, 450 minutes, and unlimited data plan that I pay about $75 for. I also have a 1G data plan over 3 months for an ancient iPad that I pay $25 for.

I had planned to get the unlimited data plan with 35orless. I like that freedom, but I'm not tied to it.

I am planning to purchase a new iPad, but not get cellular for it, and use tethering from my iPhone. I don't plan to stream much, just web and email.

Thanks for all your help!

You already have the phone?

If so, that means you're stuck to either T-Mobile or AT&T at this point.

Considering your tethering requirement and your desire for LTE, I'd say go w/ T-Mobile's $60 plan. Unlimited talk/text, 3 GB of LTE speed data (throttled after you hit the limit), and free tethering for your iPad. That should cover you pretty well and be in about the range you were looking price wise.

wouldn't he be better with the 30 a month unlimited text and data and 100 min talk plan? and just load his acct with 25 bucks each month to cover the extra talk mins?

 

[(HULK)]

Hulk,

Sorry to be such a pest, but I was set on 35orLess and well you know...

What should I do, I am stuck on the iPhone 5s (much to your chagrin ) and here are my stats again.

I average about 200 texts, 750 mb data, and 250 minutes. I have a 250 texts, 450 minutes, and unlimited data plan that I pay about $75 for. I also have a 1G data plan over 3 months for an ancient iPad that I pay $25 for.

I had planned to get the unlimited data plan with 35orless. I like that freedom, but I'm not tied to it.

I am planning to purchase a new iPad, but not get cellular for it, and use tethering from my iPhone. I don't plan to stream much, just web and email.

Thanks for all your help!

You already have the phone?

If so, that means you're stuck to either T-Mobile or AT&T at this point.

Considering your tethering requirement and your desire for LTE, I'd say go w/ T-Mobile's $60 plan. Unlimited talk/text, 3 GB of LTE speed data (throttled after you hit the limit), and free tethering for your iPad. That should cover you pretty well and be in about the range you were looking price wise.

wouldn't he be better with the 30 a month unlimited text and data and 100 min talk plan? and just load his acct with 25 bucks each month to cover the extra talk mins?

I don't think that plan allows tethering, does it?

Full disclosure, my database doesn't do that math (base plan + as you go minutes), it just compares the base plans. There's already over 100K of those, so if I added that factor in it'd probably crash my program.

Anyways, if that prepaid plan allows tethering, thats a $5 cheaper option assuming he keeps his talking down as he indicated.

 

[Mr. Ected]

Hulk,

Sorry to be such a pest, but I was set on 35orLess and well you know...

What should I do, I am stuck on the iPhone 5s (much to your chagrin ) and here are my stats again.

I average about 200 texts, 750 mb data, and 250 minutes. I have a 250 texts, 450 minutes, and unlimited data plan that I pay about $75 for. I also have a 1G data plan over 3 months for an ancient iPad that I pay $25 for.

I had planned to get the unlimited data plan with 35orless. I like that freedom, but I'm not tied to it.

I am planning to purchase a new iPad, but not get cellular for it, and use tethering from my iPhone. I don't plan to stream much, just web and email.

Thanks for all your help!

You already have the phone?

If so, that means you're stuck to either T-Mobile or AT&T at this point.

Considering your tethering requirement and your desire for LTE, I'd say go w/ T-Mobile's $60 plan. Unlimited talk/text, 3 GB of LTE speed data (throttled after you hit the limit), and free tethering for your iPad. That should cover you pretty well and be in about the range you were looking price wise.

wouldn't he be better with the 30 a month unlimited text and data and 100 min talk plan? and just load his acct with 25 bucks each month to cover the extra talk mins?

I don't think that plan allows tethering, does it?Full disclosure, my database doesn't do that math (base plan + as you go minutes), it just compares the base plans. There's already over 100K of those, so if I added that factor in it'd probably crash my program.

Anyways, if that prepaid plan allows tethering, thats a $5 cheaper option assuming he keeps his talking down as he indicated.

I haven't bought the phone yet. As far as pay as you go vs. regular plan, I'd rather pay an extra $5-$10/ month and not have to worry about going over limits.

 

[Mr. Ected]

Hulk,

Sorry to be such a pest, but I was set on 35orLess and well you know...

What should I do, I am stuck on the iPhone 5s (much to your chagrin ) and here are my stats again.

I average about 200 texts, 750 mb data, and 250 minutes. I have a 250 texts, 450 minutes, and unlimited data plan that I pay about $75 for. I also have a 1G data plan over 3 months for an ancient iPad that I pay $25 for.

I had planned to get the unlimited data plan with 35orless. I like that freedom, but I'm not tied to it.

I am planning to purchase a new iPad, but not get cellular for it, and use tethering from my iPhone. I don't plan to stream much, just web and email.

Thanks for all your help!

Do you have an unlimited plan on Verizon?

I do, but when I go to renew or upgrade, I will lose it. Damn Verizon. (I'm a little ticked at them tonite. Lost all connections, phone Internet, TV. Said they will come out Saturday. BS.)

You can sell yours on ebay. I did. There is a market for this plan. I sold my plan and iphone4 as a package deal.Search ebay for grandfathered unlimited verizon.

You should be able to get around $200+ for the plan itself.

Would I have to give up my number? And my phone isn't in 100% perfect shape. I have a couple of sets of minor cracksin the glass.

 

[the moops]

I have the Moto-G with the t-mobile 30 a month plan. It allows USB tethering and portable wi-fi hotspot.

 

[(HULK)]

I have the Moto-G with the t-mobile 30 a month plan. It allows USB tethering and portable wi-fi hotspot.

cool, wasn't sure on the hotspot

 

[Dragons]

Hulk,

Sorry to be such a pest, but I was set on 35orLess and well you know...

What should I do, I am stuck on the iPhone 5s (much to your chagrin ) and here are my stats again.

I average about 200 texts, 750 mb data, and 250 minutes. I have a 250 texts, 450 minutes, and unlimited data plan that I pay about $75 for. I also have a 1G data plan over 3 months for an ancient iPad that I pay $25 for.

I had planned to get the unlimited data plan with 35orless. I like that freedom, but I'm not tied to it.

I am planning to purchase a new iPad, but not get cellular for it, and use tethering from my iPhone. I don't plan to stream much, just web and email.

Thanks for all your help!

Do you have an unlimited plan on Verizon?

I do, but when I go to renew or upgrade, I will lose it. Damn Verizon. (I'm a little ticked at them tonite. Lost all connections, phone Internet, TV. Said they will come out Saturday. BS.)

You can sell yours on ebay. I did. There is a market for this plan. I sold my plan and iphone4 as a package deal.Search ebay for grandfathered unlimited verizon.

You should be able to get around $200+ for the plan itself.

Would I have to give up my number? And my phone isn't in 100% perfect shape. I have a couple of sets of minor cracksin the glass.

Most people only transfer the account, not the phone, so the condition of the phone is not important.

There are ways to keep your number, but they are complicated and Verizon won't help you.

Google Verizon assumption of liability.

 

[rick6668]

Hulk,

Sorry to be such a pest, but I was set on 35orLess and well you know...

What should I do, I am stuck on the iPhone 5s (much to your chagrin ) and here are my stats again.

I average about 200 texts, 750 mb data, and 250 minutes. I have a 250 texts, 450 minutes, and unlimited data plan that I pay about $75 for. I also have a 1G data plan over 3 months for an ancient iPad that I pay $25 for.

I had planned to get the unlimited data plan with 35orless. I like that freedom, but I'm not tied to it.

I am planning to purchase a new iPad, but not get cellular for it, and use tethering from my iPhone. I don't plan to stream much, just web and email.

Thanks for all your help!

Do you have an unlimited plan on Verizon?

I do, but when I go to renew or upgrade, I will lose it. Damn Verizon. (I'm a little ticked at them tonite. Lost all connections, phone Internet, TV. Said they will come out Saturday. BS.)

You can sell yours on ebay. I did. There is a market for this plan. I sold my plan and iphone4 as a package deal.Search ebay for grandfathered unlimited verizon.

You should be able to get around $200+ for the plan itself.

Would I have to give up my number? And my phone isn't in 100% perfect shape. I have a couple of sets of minor cracksin the glass.

Most people only transfer the account, not the phone, so the condition of the phone is not important.

There are ways to keep your number, but they are complicated and Verizon won't help you.

Google Verizon assumption of liability.

 

[Wingnut]

Best phone to watch MLB games live on this season?

And, do I need WIFI to do that?

Unless you have truly unlimited data, you're gonna need WiFi.

 

[bweiser]

Best phone to watch MLB games live on this season?

And, do I need WIFI to do that?

Unless you have truly unlimited data, you're gonna need WiFi.

ugh

i assume unlimited data means ####loads of $$ as well.

i will have to double check, but i am pretty sure there is no wifi at my new 'job.'

 

[Wingnut]

Best phone to watch MLB games live on this season?

And, do I need WIFI to do that?

Unless you have truly unlimited data, you're gonna need WiFi.

ughi assume unlimited data means ####loads of $$ as well.

i will have to double check, but i am pretty sure there is no wifi at my new 'job.'

Not really, but most companies throttle to slower speeds once you hit the cap...so streaming will suffer.Hulk can tell you more about which carrier and plan you might want to look at for this.

As far as which phone to get I have no clue.

 

[Mr. Ected]

Hulk, what is your info on Cricket/AIO?

Trying to find one that 'allows' tethering. Most seem to disallow it. I know you can probably sneak by it, but I will try to get it legally first.

They have a $60 plan with:

• UNLIMITED VOICE:
• talk
• US long distance
• visual voicemail (available on supported devices)
• caller ID
• call waiting
• 3-way calling
• call forwarding
• 411 directory assistance (5)

• UNLIMITED MESSAGING:
• text
• picture
• video
• international text
• international picture
• international video

• UNLIMITED DATA:
• 5GB full-speed data allowance
• mobile hotspot (available on supported devices)

You can add roaming, not sure if you can turn that on and off as needed or not.

 

[(HULK)]

Best phone to watch MLB games live on this season?

And, do I need WIFI to do that?

Unless you have truly unlimited data, you're gonna need WiFi.

ughi assume unlimited data means ####loads of $$ as well.

i will have to double check, but i am pretty sure there is no wifi at my new 'job.'

Not really, but most companies throttle to slower speeds once you hit the cap...so streaming will suffer.Hulk can tell you more about which carrier and plan you might want to look at for this.

As far as which phone to get I have no clue.

You're streaming video as well, so you'll need LTE or maybe you could slide by with HSPA+42.

Cheapest for this is probably Toto Wireless. Its on Sprint's Network, but its $50 for unlimited everything. Could get a Nexus 5 and go that route (assuming Spint covers you well and has LTE in your area, which it may not).

If you need unlimited on T-Mobile, it sucks you just missed the 35orless boat, because that would've only been $60. But they closed up shop. So, you'd have to go to T-Mobile themselves, and its now $80 for unlimited.

AT&T and Verizon and their MVNOs... none of them have unlimited data.

ETA: If you're willing to go to slower speeds, there are unlimited deals on AT&T and Verizon. But I'm not sure a max of 6 MBps is fast enough to stream video reliably.

 

[(HULK)]

Hulk, what is your info on Cricket/AIO?

Trying to find one that 'allows' tethering. Most seem to disallow it. I know you can probably sneak by it, but I will try to get it legally first.

They have a $60 plan with:

• UNLIMITED VOICE:
• talk
• US long distance
• visual voicemail (available on supported devices)
• caller ID
• call waiting
• 3-way calling
• call forwarding
• 411 directory assistance (5)

• UNLIMITED MESSAGING:
• text
• picture
• video
• international text
• international picture
• international video

• UNLIMITED DATA:
• 5GB full-speed data allowance
• mobile hotspot (available on supported devices)

You can add roaming, not sure if you can turn that on and off as needed or not.

I do track who allows tethering and wether it is free or not. Unfortunately for you, Cricket/AIO does NOT allow it. Cricket used to, but their plans are being phased out, even if the name is staying.

What are your needs?

Based off of the plan you listed, and including tethering, your cheapest option is GHz cellular. Free tethering, unlimited mins/texts/data, but its just HSPA+21. There is also no roaming (its AT&T coverage). This plan runs $60.

Next best is probably the T-Mobile $70 plan.

 

[Mr. Ected]

Hulk, what is your info on Cricket/AIO?

Trying to find one that 'allows' tethering. Most seem to disallow it. I know you can probably sneak by it, but I will try to get it legally first.

They have a $60 plan with:

• UNLIMITED VOICE:
• talk
• US long distance
• visual voicemail (available on supported devices)
• caller ID
• call waiting
• 3-way calling
• call forwarding
• 411 directory assistance (5)

• UNLIMITED MESSAGING:
• text
• picture
• video
• international text
• international picture
• international video

• UNLIMITED DATA:
• 5GB full-speed data allowance
• mobile hotspot (available on supported devices)

You can add roaming, not sure if you can turn that on and off as needed or not.

I do track who allows tethering and wether it is free or not. Unfortunately for you, Cricket/AIO does NOT allow it. Cricket used to, but their plans are being phased out, even if the name is staying.

What are your needs?

Based off of the plan you listed, and including tethering, your cheapest option is GHz cellular. Free tethering, unlimited mins/texts/data, but its just HSPA+21. There is also no roaming (its AT&T coverage). This plan runs $60.

Next best is probably the T-Mobile $70 plan.

Is the Mobile Hotspot "tethering?"

ETA: After an annoying dealing with their customer support, the short answer is yes, you can tether with an iPhone 5s, that is what their Hotspot is.

Took a chat and call with two CS agents to get the answer to that simple question. Hard to believe. They also gave me conflicting info about whether I needed to go into a store to activate my phone.

They work on CDMA, I don't believe I can purchase an unlocked CDMA phone from Apple. Where do I go to get a new one?

Sorry for the vent...just had a bunch of cruddy dealings with CS agents lately. Is this one way to make your product(s) cheap? I also sent a request for info to GHz 6 weeks ago and haven't heard anything.

 

[the moops]

For anyone who doesnt talk on the phone much, like me, you gotta get yourself on the 30 dollar a month t-mobile, unlimited text and data plan. It is a ridiculously good plan. You get 100 minutes of talk. Even if you need to load 20 bucks a month on there for an additional 200 minutes, it is still most likely better than the plan you have.

It's also a good way to cut phone calls short. Sorry, I only have 100 minutes of talk this month, and you are not important enough for me to waste it on you

 

[the moops]

And another point. I had iphones for years. Loved them. But now that I have had used a Nexus 5, and a Moto G, there isn't enough of a difference between any of them, for what I use the phone for, to justify getting locked into a stupid contract for 2 years just to get a phone for slightly less than what I paid for the Moto G. Which is why I also sold my Nexus 5 I had, for the Moto G I found for 140 bucks and it is superb for my uses

 

[Keerock]

And another point. I had iphones for years. Loved them. But now that I have had used a Nexus 5, and a Moto G, there isn't enough of a difference between any of them, for what I use the phone for, to justify getting locked into a stupid contract for 2 years just to get a phone for slightly less than what I paid for the Moto G.

You don't need to get locked into a 2 year contract anymore FWIW...

 

[the moops]

And another point. I had iphones for years. Loved them. But now that I have had used a Nexus 5, and a Moto G, there isn't enough of a difference between any of them, for what I use the phone for, to justify getting locked into a stupid contract for 2 years just to get a phone for slightly less than what I paid for the Moto G.

You don't need to get locked into a 2 year contract anymore FWIW...

To get an iphone for 100 bucks?

 

[Keerock]

And another point. I had iphones for years. Loved them. But now that I have had used a Nexus 5, and a Moto G, there isn't enough of a difference between any of them, for what I use the phone for, to justify getting locked into a stupid contract for 2 years just to get a phone for slightly less than what I paid for the Moto G.

You don't need to get locked into a 2 year contract anymore FWIW...

To get an iphone for 100 bucks?

So you want a discounted phone AND no contract? Well... good luck with that.

 

[the moops]

Huh?

Did you read my post? I was comparing a "discounted" phone like the Moto G with the iphone.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

alright....i'm getting back into the ring.

would it be possible to have a phone tethered/hot spot and handle the home wifi? be nice to somehow eliminate that stupid bill.

kev, do you want your sim cards back? or have the solavei plans stabilized?

currently have a 2 original 4iphones and a dumb phone. only the dumb phone is under contact. i have unlimited data on 1 iphone. probably don't need it. 92656 zipcode

thoughts?

 

[Keerock]

Huh?

Did you read my post? I was comparing a "discounted" phone like the Moto G with the iphone.

My bad. You're right... I skimmed.

 

[Drifter]

So with Ting, if I'm already on Sprint, I (or more importantly my wife and MIL) would not see any difference in their experience?

 

[(HULK)]

Hulk, what is your info on Cricket/AIO?

Trying to find one that 'allows' tethering. Most seem to disallow it. I know you can probably sneak by it, but I will try to get it legally first.

They have a $60 plan with:

• UNLIMITED VOICE:
• talk
• US long distance
• visual voicemail (available on supported devices)
• caller ID
• call waiting
• 3-way calling
• call forwarding
• 411 directory assistance (5)

• UNLIMITED MESSAGING:
• text
• picture
• video
• international text
• international picture
• international video

• UNLIMITED DATA:
• 5GB full-speed data allowance
• mobile hotspot (available on supported devices)

You can add roaming, not sure if you can turn that on and off as needed or not.

I do track who allows tethering and wether it is free or not. Unfortunately for you, Cricket/AIO does NOT allow it. Cricket used to, but their plans are being phased out, even if the name is staying.

What are your needs?

Based off of the plan you listed, and including tethering, your cheapest option is GHz cellular. Free tethering, unlimited mins/texts/data, but its just HSPA+21. There is also no roaming (its AT&T coverage). This plan runs $60.

Next best is probably the T-Mobile $70 plan.

Is the Mobile Hotspot "tethering?"

ETA: After an annoying dealing with their customer support, the short answer is yes, you can tether with an iPhone 5s, that is what their Hotspot is.

Took a chat and call with two CS agents to get the answer to that simple question. Hard to believe. They also gave me conflicting info about whether I needed to go into a store to activate my phone.

They work on CDMA, I don't believe I can purchase an unlocked CDMA phone from Apple. Where do I go to get a new one?

Sorry for the vent...just had a bunch of cruddy dealings with CS agents lately. Is this one way to make your product(s) cheap? I also sent a request for info to GHz 6 weeks ago and haven't heard anything.

Tethering = Hotspotting in my parlance. I guess if you want to get technical, hotspotting is no wires and tethering is with a wire, but I use them as synonyms because I'm an idiot who likes it simple.

I would STRONGLY hesitate about getting a CDMA phone on Cricket. They've been bought by AT&T. The CDMA network is going to be phased out. I certainly would not be comfortable going $650 out of pocket for a CDMA iPhone5 when they could shut down and switch to GSM at any point in time. You certainly will not get 2 years out of the phone. Maybe 1 year.

 

[(HULK)]

alright....i'm getting back into the ring.

would it be possible to have a phone tethered/hot spot and handle the home wifi? be nice to somehow eliminate that stupid bill.

kev, do you want your sim cards back? or have the solavei plans stabilized?

currently have a 2 original 4iphones and a dumb phone. only the dumb phone is under contact. i have unlimited data on 1 iphone. probably don't need it. 92656 zipcode

thoughts?

Keep the sims, I have plenty. They're plans have settled into what they are now it looks like, but who knows. Things change constantly in the market.

How much data do you use at home? Pretty ballsy to go that route... data delivered over a wire should almost always be cheaper than data over a cell network, but you never know, sometimes circumstances allign weirdly.

Okay, so, answer some questions:

You want new phones, or to keep your existing ones. If so, what network are they for?

Mins/text/data requirements for each phone?