(HULK)
(Smash)
If you sign up 2 on the same account, yes. And yes, you can add/subtract phones at will.
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Save $ on cell service -- Ting Mobile / Solavei (+ other MVNOs) (3 Viewers)
- Thread starter (HULK)
- Start date
(HULK)
(Smash)
Do some math on it. Cost savings with new plan VS ETF. It might be cheaper to just pay your way out imo
(HULK)
(Smash)
timeline is for the blog portion to go up mid August, initial plan calculator late August, fully operational death Star some time in September. Hit a massive snag earlier when my business partner for snowed in by his real world job. He is the technical guy and it basically slowed to a standstill until recently.
(HULK)
(Smash)
Coverage:
Coverage Reviews for New Castle, PA 16101Reviews Towers [SIZE=7pt]FILTER:[/SIZE] [SIZE=7pt] AT&T[/SIZE] [SIZE=7pt] SPRINT[/SIZE] [SIZE=7pt] T-MOBILE[/SIZE] [SIZE=7pt] VERIZON[/SIZE]
1. AT&T
3 Rating | 3 Reviews
Towers | Map 2. Sprint
2.55 Rating | 11 Reviews
Towers | Map 3. T-Mobile
2.33 Rating | 6 Reviews
Towers | Map 4. Verizon
2.27 Rating | 11 Reviews
Towers | Map
Those are all pretty high scores. People must be nice in general in your area.
Cheapest is Ting, which suprised me because 2 GB of data is typically pricey with them.
$68 for 2 phones, 500 minutes, 1000 texts, and 2 GB of data. Next cheapest options are $90, so pretty much go with Ting.
apalmer
Footballguy
beer 302
Footballguy
Ting folk, the phones showed up and 2 of 3 are active. The one giving my 17 year old fits is the Samsung S4 she bought used off their Glide recommendation. She received this email from customer support today:
We are currently not able to accept BYOD devices for the S4 or HTC One due to device compatibility issues. We are working on a solution to solving the problem at the moment, and once we have it, we will let all of our customer s know through social media and the blog. Although we did allow these devices to be brought over, we stopped allowing them to be brought over because the devices were experiencing issues with all features. Once we have programmed an OS modification, and can push it to the devices, and can solve the SIM unlock problem, we will be able to bring them over.
Anybody else see this? My wife bought a brand new Samsung S4 and fired it right up. Not sure what to think here but not happy.
We are currently not able to accept BYOD devices for the S4 or HTC One due to device compatibility issues. We are working on a solution to solving the problem at the moment, and once we have it, we will let all of our customer s know through social media and the blog. Although we did allow these devices to be brought over, we stopped allowing them to be brought over because the devices were experiencing issues with all features. Once we have programmed an OS modification, and can push it to the devices, and can solve the SIM unlock problem, we will be able to bring them over.
Anybody else see this? My wife bought a brand new Samsung S4 and fired it right up. Not sure what to think here but not happy.
beer 302
Footballguy
(HULK)
(Smash)
send it back to glyde and get her a new one?
beer 302
Footballguy
Told her to call customer service tomorrow and see if there is anything to be done. Also having issues with LG Optimus not sending or receiving picture texts. Been a fun few days for the resident IT guy around here.
(HULK)
(Smash)
Optimus was used as well? They'll probably have you tweak the APNs and it'll be fine.
beer 302
Footballguy
Optimus was new, only the 17 year old went out on her own because we made her pay for her own phone. Just heard back from Ting re: Optimus, we'll see if the wif set it up correctly to begin with. If that doesn't fix it then beer 30 tech support has something to do this afternoon.
beer 302
Footballguy
So thanks to GB J, I checked ESN for the Samsung.
"ESN appears ready fro activation!"
Then right below it:
"Activate this device with Ting!"
beer 302
Footballguy
So we talked to Ting and they said there is absolutely now way they could activate the BYOB Samsung S4. We posted it for sale on FB in the hopes we can get out of it what she paid for it and she ordered a new one through Ting.
Upside, I got the LG Optimus to start sending & receiving picture texts.
Upside, I got the LG Optimus to start sending & receiving picture texts.
beer 302
Footballguy
Yea, the brand new one the knothole bought activated just fine. The used one my daughter bought off Glyde, NO SOUP FOR YOU!
(HULK)
(Smash)
beer 302
Footballguy
48 hour return policy was up 9pm Saturday. Being on vacation last week and not getting back until Saturday that window of opportunity has come & gone.
Jaysus
Good times!
(HULK)
(Smash)
Ting hits 25K subscribers: http://www.fiercewireless.com/story/sprint-mvno-ting-counts-25000-subscribers/2013-08-12
Chaos Commish
Footballguy
Been trying to make the switch from V. Trouble is we want our son to remain on V while away at college as their service is just about unbeatable (maybe that's dumb). So I have 1 dumb phone that I would like to move to smartphones on Ting - probably cost me $10 more a month for service on Ting but I wouldn't be paying the $30 smartphone charge on V - so I am only netting $20.
Then buy a $400 phone and it's almost a wash - and service is likely better on V.
I wouldn't be able to lower my plan on V even switching to 1 phone as we are on about their smallest plan.
Hulk, if you have any thoughts....
Then buy a $400 phone and it's almost a wash - and service is likely better on V.
I wouldn't be able to lower my plan on V even switching to 1 phone as we are on about their smallest plan.
Hulk, if you have any thoughts....
(HULK)
(Smash)
Okay, lets start here. Your zipcode, and son's zip @ college. Your current costs in total. And finally, how many minutes/texts/MBs of data each phone uses. From there, I'll help you figure it out.
(HULK)
(Smash)
FYI, the blog portion of my website is going to go up next week. Calculator(s) following close behind. Any ideas for articles? So far, these are the ones I want to start with:
-Comparing Ting and Zact: Paying for what you actually use
-Why the Nexus 4 is awesome
-Why Google Voice is awesome and how to use it
-Total Cost of Phone Ownership Explained
I'd love to hear any topics people would like more info on and consider useful.
Also, anyone I've helped thus far, if you would be willing to write a testimonial for the site, please PM me. TIA.
-Comparing Ting and Zact: Paying for what you actually use
-Why the Nexus 4 is awesome
-Why Google Voice is awesome and how to use it
-Total Cost of Phone Ownership Explained
I'd love to hear any topics people would like more info on and consider useful.
Also, anyone I've helped thus far, if you would be willing to write a testimonial for the site, please PM me. TIA.
Corporation
Angry Bovine
FWIW, I put my son on a zact plan, would have never heard of them if not for this thread. Has worked really well for him. Thanks Hulk!
ETA: I'd be happy to write a testimonial
ETA: I'd be happy to write a testimonial
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Keerock
Footballguy
"Unlocked Phones to Avoid" (I.E. cheap android phones) or maybe "What to look for in a used Phone"
"Wi-Fi Calling and you"
"What is an MVNO"
beer 302
Footballguy
Daughter sold her phone yesterday via Glyde so that debacle is coming to a close. She lost about $80 on the deal but learned a lesson READ THE FINE PRINT. I'd encourage anyone purchasing used phones from Glyde to use on Ting to fully vet what phones will work (Samsung S4 USED & HTC USED) will not. You can buy them new from Ting with no issues but for some reason used is a no go.
Have had no problems with the service but my wife's phone is one step away from going back with a warranty issue (new Samsung S4 bought from Ting).
Have had no problems with the service but my wife's phone is one step away from going back with a warranty issue (new Samsung S4 bought from Ting).
Keerock
Footballguy
(HULK)
(Smash)
This is one I will do, but not initially. There is potential to get affiliate $ with an article like that, so I won't be doing ones like that until I have that in place. Another one would be on 3rd party insurance and/or cases, both of which also can pay out.Oh, and if any of you want to know, buy an unlocked phone directly from the manufacturer, or via Amazon. Places like GSM nation needlessly markup phones.
Plaid Boxer
Footballguy
On that zact plan would I need to go onto my son's phone to do the parental controls? I wouldn't have my own zact phone. The pricing and ability to limit what he can do is very intriguing.
ETA-spoke to customer service and I can put an app on my phone to control the features. Looks good, may give it a try but no 4G LTE from Spring in NH.
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(HULK)
(Smash)
with zact you must buy the phone from them I believe
cstu
Footballguy
Plaid Boxer
Footballguy
But you only pay for the exact minutes/text/data you utilize, so that money can possibly be made back.
Corporation
Angry Bovine
Got the Ting e-mail on the refurbed Evo - and that sunk the deal. Now I can try the whole thing out and within 3-4 months I will break even - so even if I don't like Ting, I can go back to V in a couple of months with no harm done.
And if all goes well, I will be adding lines to Ting by then
And if all goes well, I will be adding lines to Ting by then
(HULK)
(Smash)
Good luck. Use one of our referral links in post 1 to save $25 when you buy the phone.
blend
Footballguy
Hulk,
Wnated to see what you could drum up for this scenario for a friend of mine..
Zip - 33957 (Verizon is pretty much the only service that is reliable in this zip code).
She doesn't care what type of phone - But, she has an iphone now and I can't imagine she'd like to downgrade that much although she says she doens't care.
Minutes - about 2000/month
Text - about 3k/month
Web Usage - Less than 1GB
Her current bill with Verizon is about 90/mo - although I think she has gone over in some months so she might be altering her plan.
Wnated to see what you could drum up for this scenario for a friend of mine..
Zip - 33957 (Verizon is pretty much the only service that is reliable in this zip code).
She doesn't care what type of phone - But, she has an iphone now and I can't imagine she'd like to downgrade that much although she says she doens't care.
Minutes - about 2000/month
Text - about 3k/month
Web Usage - Less than 1GB
Her current bill with Verizon is about 90/mo - although I think she has gone over in some months so she might be altering her plan.
(HULK)
(Smash)
Coverage wise, on Root Metrics, it looks like all 4 have a presence, but none are that great.
Typically I would post the results from cellreception.com, but I've recently noticed that they use decade old data when compiling their rating, which I think is completely ridiculous. Coverage changes over time and all 4 carriers are constantly upgrading their networks.
You can check out the rootmetrics maps here: http://www.rootmetrics.com/check-coverage/
From looking at them for Sanibel, I see Verizon and Sprint as best, and AT&T and T-Mo as decent but with a few pockets of poor reception. I think it'd be worthwhile to consider all 4, so I'm going to give 4 answers and she can choose from amongst them:
Verizon Coverage:
In the interest of her potentially being able to bring her current phone (not certain on this, but this is only carrier its a maybe for, you'll have to call them to be certain) I'm going to say Page Plus. $55 for unlimited calls/texts + 2 GB of data. No LTE, so you're stuck with Verizon's crummy 3G (max 1 MBps downloads). Roaming costs extra. I had to rule out a couple because she doesn't want a completely crappy phone, so this is her best deal while keeping Verizon coverage and hopefully her current phone.
Sprint Coverage:
Best deal here is absolutely Voyager Mobile. $39 a month, unlimited calls/texts + 5GB of data. Has access to Sprint's LTE (not sure Sprint has deployed it there yet though). No roaming. Would have to buy a new phone from them and they don't have the iPhone.
AT&T Coverage:
Pure Talk USA. $43.95 a month. Unlimited calls/text and 1 GB of data. No LTE but AT&T has HSPA+22, download speeds of about 6 MBps. No roaming.
T-Mobile Coverage:
There are several options in teh $40 to $50 range. Some with roaming, some with faster data. If she's interested in one with roaming there is GoSmart Mobile for $45 with unlimited calls/texts and 5 GB of data (but it is throttled to 1 MBps download speeds). If she wants roaming AND faster data, there is Solavei, $49 for unlimited calls/text + 4 GB of highspeed data (HSPA+42... I use them and get about 12MBps downloads). If she wants faster data and doesn't care about roaming, Straight Talk and Ultra Mobile both have plans that work for her for $45.
Good luck.
Typically I would post the results from cellreception.com, but I've recently noticed that they use decade old data when compiling their rating, which I think is completely ridiculous. Coverage changes over time and all 4 carriers are constantly upgrading their networks.
You can check out the rootmetrics maps here: http://www.rootmetrics.com/check-coverage/
From looking at them for Sanibel, I see Verizon and Sprint as best, and AT&T and T-Mo as decent but with a few pockets of poor reception. I think it'd be worthwhile to consider all 4, so I'm going to give 4 answers and she can choose from amongst them:
Verizon Coverage:
In the interest of her potentially being able to bring her current phone (not certain on this, but this is only carrier its a maybe for, you'll have to call them to be certain) I'm going to say Page Plus. $55 for unlimited calls/texts + 2 GB of data. No LTE, so you're stuck with Verizon's crummy 3G (max 1 MBps downloads). Roaming costs extra. I had to rule out a couple because she doesn't want a completely crappy phone, so this is her best deal while keeping Verizon coverage and hopefully her current phone.
Sprint Coverage:
Best deal here is absolutely Voyager Mobile. $39 a month, unlimited calls/texts + 5GB of data. Has access to Sprint's LTE (not sure Sprint has deployed it there yet though). No roaming. Would have to buy a new phone from them and they don't have the iPhone.
AT&T Coverage:
Pure Talk USA. $43.95 a month. Unlimited calls/text and 1 GB of data. No LTE but AT&T has HSPA+22, download speeds of about 6 MBps. No roaming.
T-Mobile Coverage:
There are several options in teh $40 to $50 range. Some with roaming, some with faster data. If she's interested in one with roaming there is GoSmart Mobile for $45 with unlimited calls/texts and 5 GB of data (but it is throttled to 1 MBps download speeds). If she wants roaming AND faster data, there is Solavei, $49 for unlimited calls/text + 4 GB of highspeed data (HSPA+42... I use them and get about 12MBps downloads). If she wants faster data and doesn't care about roaming, Straight Talk and Ultra Mobile both have plans that work for her for $45.
Good luck.
Jobber
Footballguy
I just signed my mom up for Ting as she's a very, very light user on T-mobile today. Her T-mobile contract is up on Monday. I suppose she'll get her new phone next week sometime - says up to 10 days shipping. I used Uwe Blab's referral link.
Thanks for the most useful thread on FBG Hulk!
Thanks for the most useful thread on FBG Hulk!
apalmer
Footballguy
Evo worked for me, too. Signed my wife up to start immediately. I may follow when I'm done with Verizon. Used your link, Hulk. Thanks again.
(HULK)
(Smash)
Iwillgettothistomorrow. Is there a reason to avoid sprint and T-Mobile?
(HULK)
(Smash)
Dorno,
Coverage wise, this is what I see:
Oshkosh: Sprint is the strongest, the rest are all pretty good.
Mountain: Verizon and T-Mo are the strongest. AT&T is a clear 3rd and Sprint is dead last. But, this appears to be the sticks, so they might all suck anyways.
Then I have independent and recent data for:
Madison: Verizon is best, AT&T close behind. T-Mobile and Sprint are decent.
Milawaukee: AT&T is best, Verizon is close behind. T-Mobile and Sprint are decent.
My thought is this... you can go with any carrier IF you make sure that your plan includes roaming. So, if you're outside of AT&T's network you can use T-Mobiles, or outside of Sprint's you can use Verizon.
I'll pull up the best plans for you on AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile. I think we did Verizon before, and they're always pricey as heck also. Unfortunately, you're data usage is probably going to end up sticking you with an unlimited calls/texts plan which you don't actually need. Please keep in mind these prices do not include your local taxes and fees.
AT&T: Red Pocket Mobile: $59.99 for unlimited calls/texts, 2 GB of data. Roaming is included and free. AT&T's HSPA+21 is included, so expect about 5-6 MBps download speeds. If you don't like them, H20 Wireless has the exact same plan for $60.
T-Mobile: 2 good options here, and it'll really come down to what you want with data speeds. GoSmart Mobile (owned by T-Mo) is the cheapest. $45 for unlimited calls/texts + 5 GB of 3G data (meaning about 1 MBps download speeds). And Solavei, $49 for unlimited calls/texts and 4GB of data at HSPA+42 speeds (about 10-14 MBps download speeds). I use Solavei myself and haven't had any issues. If you're interest in them, PM me, and I can send you a SIM card for them for free (they're usually $9).
NOTE: I would personally recommend going with one of the above for 1 reason... you can get any unlocked GSM phone and use it on any and all of these. If you run into an issue or aren't seeing the coverage you like, you can just swap the SIM card and try another network. If you go with Sprint or Verizon, your phone locks you in and you've lost the ability to jump around. I highly recommend the Nexus 4 as it is still the best bang for your buck for a phone. And it has all 5 radios for both GSM networks
Sprint: Looking at the results... I say skip it. Unless you want a Galaxy S2 as your phone... the offering aren't great and they're all over $50.
Coverage wise, this is what I see:
Oshkosh: Sprint is the strongest, the rest are all pretty good.
Mountain: Verizon and T-Mo are the strongest. AT&T is a clear 3rd and Sprint is dead last. But, this appears to be the sticks, so they might all suck anyways.
Then I have independent and recent data for:
Madison: Verizon is best, AT&T close behind. T-Mobile and Sprint are decent.
Milawaukee: AT&T is best, Verizon is close behind. T-Mobile and Sprint are decent.
My thought is this... you can go with any carrier IF you make sure that your plan includes roaming. So, if you're outside of AT&T's network you can use T-Mobiles, or outside of Sprint's you can use Verizon.
I'll pull up the best plans for you on AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile. I think we did Verizon before, and they're always pricey as heck also. Unfortunately, you're data usage is probably going to end up sticking you with an unlimited calls/texts plan which you don't actually need. Please keep in mind these prices do not include your local taxes and fees.
AT&T: Red Pocket Mobile: $59.99 for unlimited calls/texts, 2 GB of data. Roaming is included and free. AT&T's HSPA+21 is included, so expect about 5-6 MBps download speeds. If you don't like them, H20 Wireless has the exact same plan for $60.
T-Mobile: 2 good options here, and it'll really come down to what you want with data speeds. GoSmart Mobile (owned by T-Mo) is the cheapest. $45 for unlimited calls/texts + 5 GB of 3G data (meaning about 1 MBps download speeds). And Solavei, $49 for unlimited calls/texts and 4GB of data at HSPA+42 speeds (about 10-14 MBps download speeds). I use Solavei myself and haven't had any issues. If you're interest in them, PM me, and I can send you a SIM card for them for free (they're usually $9).
NOTE: I would personally recommend going with one of the above for 1 reason... you can get any unlocked GSM phone and use it on any and all of these. If you run into an issue or aren't seeing the coverage you like, you can just swap the SIM card and try another network. If you go with Sprint or Verizon, your phone locks you in and you've lost the ability to jump around. I highly recommend the Nexus 4 as it is still the best bang for your buck for a phone. And it has all 5 radios for both GSM networks
Sprint: Looking at the results... I say skip it. Unless you want a Galaxy S2 as your phone... the offering aren't great and they're all over $50.
No. 4
Footballguy
Hulk, you ran this analysis for me a while back. My main zip is 54409, but we venture into 54402 frequently. I am considering Page Plus for my oldest son because I apparently can move his Iphone 4 to their network via their online porting application. However, according to Page Plus' coverage map, the 54402 zip has a great deal of voice only and it is all roaming (Wausau, WI). I believe it is because Verizon has no towers in that area and roams on AT&T.
Based on that, how does roaming work with Page Plus? Is there really a per minute fee to roam? Are there plans that include roaming in the monthly fees that I could consider? Trying to avoid a new phone, but may need to consider it to get on an At&t mvno.
Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Based on that, how does roaming work with Page Plus? Is there really a per minute fee to roam? Are there plans that include roaming in the monthly fees that I could consider? Trying to avoid a new phone, but may need to consider it to get on an At&t mvno.
Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.
