Save $ on cell service -- Ting Mobile / Solavei (+ other MVNOs) (1 Viewer)

[heckmanm]

We are hosting an exchange student from Germany. She brought her own phone with her, but has not activated it in the US yet. She has it in "wi-fi" mode so she can call/text while on a wifi network but would like to get on a cellular network as well.

It's an iPhone 5 with SIM slot - I assume it's GSM. Can we just get a SIM card for a US carrier and activate it?

Hulk> I'll try to get some usage info for you to put in the database.

 

[(HULK)]

We are hosting an exchange student from Germany. She brought her own phone with her, but has not activated it in the US yet. She has it in "wi-fi" mode so she can call/text while on a wifi network but would like to get on a cellular network as well.

It's an iPhone 5 with SIM slot - I assume it's GSM. Can we just get a SIM card for a US carrier and activate it?

Hulk> I'll try to get some usage info for you to put in the database.

It should be GSM. It could be unable to hit some frequencies though... I'd see if she has the box it came in still to double check. It may make a distinction that either AT&T or T-Mobile would serve her better based upon her antenea.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Take a look at a Nexus 5

Sweet. Where does one acquire a moderately priced monthly service for this phone?

Take a look at Consumer Cellular. They have plans that will fit well for your low usage pattern. And you can use the unlocked Nexus 5 with them.

As for the Nexus 5 itself... its not quite as good as the Galaxy 5 or HTC One M8, but its close. And its just $349 unlocked, versus over $600+ for the others. It does have some advantages though... it will always get Android updates, and get them first. It has wireless charging (which is awesome, use it on my Nexus 4 and 7 every day). And price. Its an overall great value, which is why I recommend it.

ETA: You should get the Nexus 5 from the Google Play store, in the devices section.

Sweet. That Consumer Cellular site is cool. It appears as though their phone choices are limited, though. So even though that Nexus would cost me more, am I correct in assuming that the Nexus is much better than all their entry level models?

 

[jdoggydogg]

Hey Hulk,

I saw that you wanted to make a living in the cell phone industry some day. To that end, I'd like to pay you a small consulting fee for all your help. How does $20 sound? I can send it via PayPal if that works.

 

[FBG26]

How is T-Mobile by you? There is a $30 plan that has 100 minutes, unlimited texts, and 5 GB of LTE data. Seems like a good fit

Any more info on this? I actually don't need unlimited texts, as I have google voice, but have a few legacy texters causing me around 10-20 texts per month, so it wouldn't hurt. Use about 2 GB per month and have only gone over 100 minutes once since November. I also like the TMobile option to call on Wi-Fi, as my house is a total dead zone. Do those count against your minutes?

TMobile is supposedly 2nd best in the Philadelphia area for data speed/coverage.

My ATT contract expires this month.

Wi-fil calling is not officially supported on the $30 pre-paid plans. I use a third party app for my wifi calling needs.

Still using GroovIP?

Yes, the old version still supports Google Voice. Shhhhh....

Where might one find the old version? I would like to revert back to that. Or at least, can you tell me the version number so I can look for it online?ETA: Nevermind. Looks like it's 1.4.8 and some places still have the APK available. Thanks!

 

[Jaysus]

@ FBG26 I pulled the APK for you

@ Hulk you do not have any pay-as-you-go plans in your DB do you? I'd like to buy a sim with "50 minutes on it" or something like that for emergency use for my daughter.

 

[FBG26]

@ FBG26 I pulled the APK for you

@ Hulk you do not have any pay-as-you-go plans in your DB do you? I'd like to buy a sim with "50 minutes on it" or something like that for emergency use for my daughter.

Saw the PM. Thanks!!! I'll download it when I get home tonight.

 

[heckmanm]

We are hosting an exchange student from Germany. She brought her own phone with her, but has not activated it in the US yet. She has it in "wi-fi" mode so she can call/text while on a wifi network but would like to get on a cellular network as well.

It's an iPhone 5 with SIM slot - I assume it's GSM. Can we just get a SIM card for a US carrier and activate it?

Hulk> I'll try to get some usage info for you to put in the database.

It should be GSM. It could be unable to hit some frequencies though... I'd see if she has the box it came in still to double check. It may make a distinction that either AT&T or T-Mobile would serve her better based upon her antenea.

Cool. I'll check that when I get back to the house and post an update.

Edit: Does it have something to do with this?

 

[(HULK)]

Take a look at a Nexus 5

Sweet. Where does one acquire a moderately priced monthly service for this phone?

Take a look at Consumer Cellular. They have plans that will fit well for your low usage pattern. And you can use the unlocked Nexus 5 with them.

As for the Nexus 5 itself... its not quite as good as the Galaxy 5 or HTC One M8, but its close. And its just $349 unlocked, versus over $600+ for the others. It does have some advantages though... it will always get Android updates, and get them first. It has wireless charging (which is awesome, use it on my Nexus 4 and 7 every day). And price. Its an overall great value, which is why I recommend it.

ETA: You should get the Nexus 5 from the Google Play store, in the devices section.

Sweet. That Consumer Cellular site is cool. It appears as though their phone choices are limited, though. So even though that Nexus would cost me more, am I correct in assuming that the Nexus is much better than all their entry level models?

Yeah, the phones they offer themselves are not good. But you can bring any GSM phone to them... all you need to do is get the SIM card from them.

 

[(HULK)]

Hey Hulk,

I saw that you wanted to make a living in the cell phone industry some day. To that end, I'd like to pay you a small consulting fee for all your help. How does $20 sound? I can send it via PayPal if that works.

Completely unnecessary. All I ask in return is, whenever my site launches... you guys help spread the word to the world at large.

FWIW, Consumer Cellular will pay me $80 for a referral, whenever that day comes...

 

[(HULK)]

@ FBG26 I pulled the APK for you

@ Hulk you do not have any pay-as-you-go plans in your DB do you? I'd like to buy a sim with "50 minutes on it" or something like that for emergency use for my daughter.

Nope. Had to leave some stuff out or it would never get built.

 

[(HULK)]

We are hosting an exchange student from Germany. She brought her own phone with her, but has not activated it in the US yet. She has it in "wi-fi" mode so she can call/text while on a wifi network but would like to get on a cellular network as well.

It's an iPhone 5 with SIM slot - I assume it's GSM. Can we just get a SIM card for a US carrier and activate it?

Hulk> I'll try to get some usage info for you to put in the database.

It should be GSM. It could be unable to hit some frequencies though... I'd see if she has the box it came in still to double check. It may make a distinction that either AT&T or T-Mobile would serve her better based upon her antenea.

Cool. I'll check that when I get back to the house and post an update.

Edit: Does it have something to do with this?

Yeah.

So, a US iPhone would have all of the bands for AT&T and T-Mobile in it (although so really old ones only had the full bands for AT&T and partial for T-Mobile). I have no idea which ones a German iPhone has.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Hey Hulk,

I saw that you wanted to make a living in the cell phone industry some day. To that end, I'd like to pay you a small consulting fee for all your help. How does $20 sound? I can send it via PayPal if that works.

Completely unnecessary. All I ask in return is, whenever my site launches... you guys help spread the word to the world at large.

FWIW, Consumer Cellular will pay me $80 for a referral, whenever that day comes...

Consumer Cell will pay you now, or when your site is up an running?

 

[heckmanm]

We are hosting an exchange student from Germany. She brought her own phone with her, but has not activated it in the US yet. She has it in "wi-fi" mode so she can call/text while on a wifi network but would like to get on a cellular network as well.

It's an iPhone 5 with SIM slot - I assume it's GSM. Can we just get a SIM card for a US carrier and activate it?

Hulk> I'll try to get some usage info for you to put in the database.

It should be GSM. It could be unable to hit some frequencies though... I'd see if she has the box it came in still to double check. It may make a distinction that either AT&T or T-Mobile would serve her better based upon her antenea.

Cool. I'll check that when I get back to the house and post an update.

Edit: Does it have something to do with this?

Yeah.

So, a US iPhone would have all of the bands for AT&T and T-Mobile in it (although so really old ones only had the full bands for AT&T and partial for T-Mobile). I have no idea which ones a German iPhone has.

Looks like the 5 has:

1 [SIZE=1em](2100 MHz)[/SIZE] 3 [SIZE=1em](1800 MHz)[/SIZE] 5 [SIZE=1em](850 MHz)[/SIZE][SIZE=1em]And the 5s/5c have:[/SIZE]

1 [SIZE=1em](2100 MHz)[/SIZE] 2 [SIZE=1em](1900 MHz)[/SIZE] 3 [SIZE=1em](1800 MHz)[/SIZE] 5 [SIZE=1em](850 MHz)[/SIZE] 7 [SIZE=1em](2600 MHz)[/SIZE] 8 [SIZE=1em](900 MHz)[/SIZE] 20 [SIZE=1em](800 DD)[/SIZE][SIZE=1em]I'll come back when I know which model she has.[/SIZE]

 

[DartTeamGoalie]

Hi Hulk,

I could really use some help if you don't mind. Here is my situation:

Me: Samsung Galaxy S4 on Verizon plan, with 1 year left. I am willing to pay ETF to move on. I would like to use my S4 with new service. Am I correct that s4 is "unlocked" and I can use anywhere? I have option in my setup to choose GSM, CDMA, or global networks.

Wife: iPhone 4 that she recently trashed. She is eligible for renewal next month. She would like to stay with iPhone (i think she is crazy there). Wife is a big texter. Combined we probably need 200 - 300 voice minutes, 1,000 or more text messages, and 1 gig of data. We use wifi when available.

We are in a rural area, zip 16240, where Verizon is the best network choice. I think if we went with any other plan, it would have to allow roaming voice, text and data.

I really was liking Consumer Cellular until I read a post of yours saying they don't have roaming data. I especially like the extra phone line for $10/month. But with no roaming data, I don't think it will work for our area.

Any suggestions? I appreciate the help and if I end up with a referral opportunity that works it is all yours!

 

[(HULK)]

Hey Hulk,

I saw that you wanted to make a living in the cell phone industry some day. To that end, I'd like to pay you a small consulting fee for all your help. How does $20 sound? I can send it via PayPal if that works.

Completely unnecessary. All I ask in return is, whenever my site launches... you guys help spread the word to the world at large.

FWIW, Consumer Cellular will pay me $80 for a referral, whenever that day comes...

Consumer Cell will pay you now, or when your site is up an running?

When the site is up and running and I'm an affiliate. I plan on establishing as many affiliate relationships as possible to help fund the site and provide an extra income. I will not let it impact my database though... want to keep that as a useful tool that is free for people to use. If the results push someone to an affiliate, great, and if not, at least that user got the right info to help them out.

Consumer Cellular has the highest payout of all of them @ $80 per referred customer. But I need to have the site up and running to get into the program.

 

[(HULK)]

Hi Hulk,

I could really use some help if you don't mind. Here is my situation:

Me: Samsung Galaxy S4 on Verizon plan, with 1 year left. I am willing to pay ETF to move on. I would like to use my S4 with new service. Am I correct that s4 is "unlocked" and I can use anywhere? I have option in my setup to choose GSM, CDMA, or global networks.

Wife: iPhone 4 that she recently trashed. She is eligible for renewal next month. She would like to stay with iPhone (i think she is crazy there). Wife is a big texter. Combined we probably need 200 - 300 voice minutes, 1,000 or more text messages, and 1 gig of data. We use wifi when available.

We are in a rural area, zip 16240, where Verizon is the best network choice. I think if we went with any other plan, it would have to allow roaming voice, text and data.

I really was liking Consumer Cellular until I read a post of yours saying they don't have roaming data. I especially like the extra phone line for $10/month. But with no roaming data, I don't think it will work for our area.

Any suggestions? I appreciate the help and if I end up with a referral opportunity that works it is all yours!

Can you break out your usage by phone? Would make this a little easier and it might make sense to put you on seperate individual plans. Together, the cheapest options for you guys are on Sprint. If you want Verizon's network w/ roaming, Ready Mobile covers you guys for $85. Thats high though, I think we can do better seperately.

Selectel Wireless might work out for you. They do not have roaming at the moment, but word is that they're adding it come September 1st. No idea if it will be free roaming or roaming for a charge. They're using Verizon as well. They've also announced that they'll be adding LTE in the immediate future (currently they only use Verizon's 3G). They've got an individual plan of 1300 minutes, 3000 texts, and 500 MBs of data for $30 a month... so $60 for you both. You might want to call them or make a news filter about them to keep tabs on the changes they're making.

Unfortunately that is about the best you can do for anything with Verizon coverage. They charge their MVNOs more for accessing their network than the others, and it comes through in the bottom line. You still can do cheaper via the MVNOs than Verizon themselves. And they're just starting to allow their MVNOs to use their LTE network, so it is getting to be a better option.

 

[heckmanm]

OK, iPhone 5 model A1429 GSM. Supports 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz bands.

Zip code: 46777 and 46804

Usage - I don't know, teenager. Probably unlimited text, maybe 500 minutes, and let's say 1GB data.

TIA!

 

[(HULK)]

OK, iPhone 5 model A1429 GSM. Supports 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz bands.

Zip code: 46777 and 46804

Usage - I don't know, teenager. Probably unlimited text, maybe 500 minutes, and let's say 1GB data.

TIA!

Okay, here are the current bands in the US:

ATT:

GSM: 850, 1900 (shutting down in 2017)

HSPA+: 850, 1900

LTE: 700, 1700, 1900, 2300

T-Mobile:

GSM: 850 (roaming though), 1900 (fully deployed)

HSPA+: 850 (roaming though), 1700 (fully deployed), 1900 (still rolling out nationwide), 2100 (fully deployed)

LTE: 700 (just rolling out now), 1700 (almost done rolling out), 1900 (fully deployed), 2100 (almost done rolling out)

Looks like both the 850 and 1900 bands her current phone can use. But she'd miss anything in the 700, 1700, 2100, and 2300. So, her coverage might be more spotty than most. It really is an "it depends" situation. I'd try whichever one is a best fit first and if the coverage isn't hacking it, switch to the other service. Thats the beauty of prepaid, you can do that without too much pain.

Cheapest that fits is Lycamobile. Their $35 plan is unlimited talk/text + 1 GB of LTE data. They use T-Mobile's network (but unfortunately do not roam on AT&T's network).

Cheapest AT&T based fit is either Straight Talk or Net10. Straight Talk is unlimited calls/texts + 3GB of LTE for $45. Net10 is unlimited calls/texts + 2.5GB of LTE for $50 (but a $5 discount for signing up for autopay w/ a credit card brings it down to $45). The main difference between them is that there is no roaming whatsoever on Straight Talk, and Net10 has free voice and text roaming. They're owned by the same parent company fwiw.

 

[FBG26]

Dumb question. It's also purely an academic question. If I switched networks, I'd buy a new phone and sell my old one.

If I have a smart phone with a CDMA\LTE carrier, can I use the same phone on a GSM\LTE carrier? I know that CDMA and GSM are obviously different and non-compatible, but if I only care about using the LTE radio would it still work (assuming both carriers use the same LTE bands)?

IIRC, most carriers still send the voice over the CDMA/GSM radios so I wouldn't be able to make calls if switching from one to the other. However, in theory, couldn't I have data over the LTE radio using the same phone?

 

[jdoggydogg]

As for the Nexus 5 itself... its not quite as good as the Galaxy 5 or HTC One M8, but its close. And its just $349 unlocked, versus over $600+ for the others. It does have some advantages though... it will always get Android updates, and get them first. It has wireless charging (which is awesome, use it on my Nexus 4 and 7 every day). And price. Its an overall great value, which is why I recommend it.

Wait...so it's inductive charging, right? I assume the unit has to be placed on a charging dock?

 

[(HULK)]

As for the Nexus 5 itself... its not quite as good as the Galaxy 5 or HTC One M8, but its close. And its just $349 unlocked, versus over $600+ for the others. It does have some advantages though... it will always get Android updates, and get them first. It has wireless charging (which is awesome, use it on my Nexus 4 and 7 every day). And price. Its an overall great value, which is why I recommend it.

Wait...so it's inductive charging, right? I assume the unit has to be placed on a charging dock?

Yup. Qi standard. I picked one up on Amazon for like $20. Well worth it.

 

[(HULK)]

Dumb question. It's also purely an academic question. If I switched networks, I'd buy a new phone and sell my old one.

If I have a smart phone with a CDMA\LTE carrier, can I use the same phone on a GSM\LTE carrier? I know that CDMA and GSM are obviously different and non-compatible, but if I only care about using the LTE radio would it still work (assuming both carriers use the same LTE bands)?

IIRC, most carriers still send the voice over the CDMA/GSM radios so I wouldn't be able to make calls if switching from one to the other. However, in theory, couldn't I have data over the LTE radio using the same phone?

I think you still need to be able to stick a SIM card in, but I'm not an expert on this.

 

[DartTeamGoalie]

Hi Hulk,

I could really use some help if you don't mind. Here is my situation:

Me: Samsung Galaxy S4 on Verizon plan, with 1 year left. I am willing to pay ETF to move on. I would like to use my S4 with new service. Am I correct that s4 is "unlocked" and I can use anywhere? I have option in my setup to choose GSM, CDMA, or global networks.

Wife: iPhone 4 that she recently trashed. She is eligible for renewal next month. She would like to stay with iPhone (i think she is crazy there). Wife is a big texter. Combined we probably need 200 - 300 voice minutes, 1,000 or more text messages, and 1 gig of data. We use wifi when available.

We are in a rural area, zip 16240, where Verizon is the best network choice. I think if we went with any other plan, it would have to allow roaming voice, text and data.

I really was liking Consumer Cellular until I read a post of yours saying they don't have roaming data. I especially like the extra phone line for $10/month. But with no roaming data, I don't think it will work for our area.

Any suggestions? I appreciate the help and if I end up with a referral opportunity that works it is all yours!

Can you break out your usage by phone? Would make this a little easier and it might make sense to put you on seperate individual plans. Together, the cheapest options for you guys are on Sprint. If you want Verizon's network w/ roaming, Ready Mobile covers you guys for $85. Thats high though, I think we can do better seperately.

Selectel Wireless might work out for you. They do not have roaming at the moment, but word is that they're adding it come September 1st. No idea if it will be free roaming or roaming for a charge. They're using Verizon as well. They've also announced that they'll be adding LTE in the immediate future (currently they only use Verizon's 3G). They've got an individual plan of 1300 minutes, 3000 texts, and 500 MBs of data for $30 a month... so $60 for you both. You might want to call them or make a news filter about them to keep tabs on the changes they're making.

Unfortunately that is about the best you can do for anything with Verizon coverage. They charge their MVNOs more for accessing their network than the others, and it comes through in the bottom line. You still can do cheaper via the MVNOs than Verizon themselves. And they're just starting to allow their MVNOs to use their LTE network, so it is getting to be a better option.

Well my top-of-my-head estimates were way off. Here are monthly averages broken out using last six months:

Data:

1.23G Combined

.778 Wife

.461 Me

Messages:

5,530 combined

3,986 Wife

1,544 Me

Voice:

467 combined

360 wife

108 me

Thanks for your help Hulk! I hope you can monetize this and make some big money!

 

[(HULK)]

Hi Hulk,

I could really use some help if you don't mind. Here is my situation:

Me: Samsung Galaxy S4 on Verizon plan, with 1 year left. I am willing to pay ETF to move on. I would like to use my S4 with new service. Am I correct that s4 is "unlocked" and I can use anywhere? I have option in my setup to choose GSM, CDMA, or global networks.

Wife: iPhone 4 that she recently trashed. She is eligible for renewal next month. She would like to stay with iPhone (i think she is crazy there). Wife is a big texter. Combined we probably need 200 - 300 voice minutes, 1,000 or more text messages, and 1 gig of data. We use wifi when available.

We are in a rural area, zip 16240, where Verizon is the best network choice. I think if we went with any other plan, it would have to allow roaming voice, text and data.

I really was liking Consumer Cellular until I read a post of yours saying they don't have roaming data. I especially like the extra phone line for $10/month. But with no roaming data, I don't think it will work for our area.

Any suggestions? I appreciate the help and if I end up with a referral opportunity that works it is all yours!

Can you break out your usage by phone? Would make this a little easier and it might make sense to put you on seperate individual plans. Together, the cheapest options for you guys are on Sprint. If you want Verizon's network w/ roaming, Ready Mobile covers you guys for $85. Thats high though, I think we can do better seperately.

Selectel Wireless might work out for you. They do not have roaming at the moment, but word is that they're adding it come September 1st. No idea if it will be free roaming or roaming for a charge. They're using Verizon as well. They've also announced that they'll be adding LTE in the immediate future (currently they only use Verizon's 3G). They've got an individual plan of 1300 minutes, 3000 texts, and 500 MBs of data for $30 a month... so $60 for you both. You might want to call them or make a news filter about them to keep tabs on the changes they're making.

Unfortunately that is about the best you can do for anything with Verizon coverage. They charge their MVNOs more for accessing their network than the others, and it comes through in the bottom line. You still can do cheaper via the MVNOs than Verizon themselves. And they're just starting to allow their MVNOs to use their LTE network, so it is getting to be a better option.

Well my top-of-my-head estimates were way off. Here are monthly averages broken out using last six months:

Data:

1.23G Combined

.778 Wife

.461 Me

Messages:

5,530 combined

3,986 Wife

1,544 Me

Voice:

467 combined

360 wife

108 me

Thanks for your help Hulk! I hope you can monetize this and make some big money!

Welp, for all of that together w/ Verizon coverage, the cheapest you'll manage is Verizon on contract for $130 a month.

However, if we split you up, we can do better. You can go on the Selectel Wireless plan above for just $30 a month.

Your wife can go to Page Plus Cellular. They've got an unlimited talk/text + 1 GB of data plan for $39.95.

Just a note, but both Selectel and Page Plus do not have access to Verizon's LTE yet... but they should before September is over if what I'm hearing is correct.

So, for you, the question boils down to $130 a month + discounted phones ($199 a piece) VS 69.95 a month and buying your phones outright. The monthly cost over 2 years... the difference would be ~ $1840 minus the cost of phones (say $600 each) = $640 in savings. So, it would be cheaper to go prepaid. Even more cheaper if you can break the iPhone habit and get perfectly decent phones like the Nexus 5 or Moto X or G in the future. And WAY cheaper if you just keep your existing phones.

 

[DartTeamGoalie]

Thanks Hulk. Do you have any experience with Page Plus? I am seeing some pretty bad reviews online. What about Selectel?

 

[(HULK)]

Thanks Hulk. Do you have any experience with Page Plus? I am seeing some pretty bad reviews online. What about Selectel?

I have no first hand experience with either. I have heard of a Page Plus reseller named Kitty Wireless that has very good customer support though. Look them up if you're thinking of going w/ Page Plus.

 

[pollardsvision]

From the cheap android thread, any discount plans that run on the Verizon or T-Mobile network (only networks that seem to get good service around here)?

Only need it for one phone at the moment, but would be looking to add other devices (not necessarily to use extra voice minutes, as my wife as a severe speech disorder).

Right now, using Verizon. Low minutes, unlimited text, and 2GB date running me $100 after all the fees just for the one phone. Contract's been up for a few months now.

 

[(HULK)]

From the cheap android thread, any discount plans that run on the Verizon or T-Mobile network (only networks that seem to get good service around here)?

Only need it for one phone at the moment, but would be looking to add other devices (not necessarily to use extra voice minutes, as my wife as a severe speech disorder).

Right now, using Verizon. Low minutes, unlimited text, and 2GB date running me $100 after all the fees just for the one phone. Contract's been up for a few months now.

Oof. There are PLENTY of options at this level. Can you quantify how low your minutes are? Less than 100? If so, there is a T-Mobile prepaid plan with 100 minutes, unlimited texts, and 5 GB of LTE data for just $30.

If you quantify your minutes, I'll run it through my database w/ these filters.

 

[pollardsvision]

From the cheap android thread, any discount plans that run on the Verizon or T-Mobile network (only networks that seem to get good service around here)?

Only need it for one phone at the moment, but would be looking to add other devices (not necessarily to use extra voice minutes, as my wife as a severe speech disorder).

Right now, using Verizon. Low minutes, unlimited text, and 2GB date running me $100 after all the fees just for the one phone. Contract's been up for a few months now.

Oof. There are PLENTY of options at this level. Can you quantify how low your minutes are? Less than 100? If so, there is a T-Mobile prepaid plan with 100 minutes, unlimited texts, and 5 GB of LTE data for just $30.If you quantify your minutes, I'll run it through my database w/ these filters.

Last month I used 176 minutes. Current plan does have unlimited minute apparently (I forgot), but I'd say I could get by with a 300 minute limit.

That T-Mobile plan sounds awesome. I could figure out a way to come close most months, but I doubt I could pull of a 100 min. limit.

Dumb question, but when people talk about prepaid plans, do they essentially just mean the same as a typical plan, but no contract and you buy your phone at full price from wherever you get it?

 

[(HULK)]

From the cheap android thread, any discount plans that run on the Verizon or T-Mobile network (only networks that seem to get good service around here)?

Only need it for one phone at the moment, but would be looking to add other devices (not necessarily to use extra voice minutes, as my wife as a severe speech disorder).

Right now, using Verizon. Low minutes, unlimited text, and 2GB date running me $100 after all the fees just for the one phone. Contract's been up for a few months now.

Oof. There are PLENTY of options at this level. Can you quantify how low your minutes are? Less than 100? If so, there is a T-Mobile prepaid plan with 100 minutes, unlimited texts, and 5 GB of LTE data for just $30.If you quantify your minutes, I'll run it through my database w/ these filters.

Last month I used 176 minutes. Current plan does have unlimited minute apparently (I forgot), but I'd say I could get by with a 300 minute limit.

That T-Mobile plan sounds awesome. I could figure out a way to come close most months, but I doubt I could pull of a 100 min. limit.

Dumb question, but when people talk about prepaid plans, do they essentially just mean the same as a typical plan, but no contract and you buy your phone at full price from wherever you get it?

If you go over on that T-Mo plan, its just $0.10 a minute, so if you can typically keep it down, it might work.

As for a 300 minutes, unlimited texts, and 2GB of data on either Verizon or T-Mobile:

Bright Spot Mobile comes in at the cheapest... $35 for 300 minutes, unlimited texts, and 3 GB of data. No LTE though, but T-Mo's HSPA+42 is still plenty fast (what I have and I average a speed of about 12MBs per second downloads. They include free voice and text roaming too.

ETA:

Prepaid just means you pay at the begining of the month instead of the end (which is postpaid). People often use the term incorrectly though. There are the main carriers (Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, & T-Mobile) and then there are about 50 or so MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) that essentially purchase access to the networks of one of the big 4 and then resell it to customers. For whatever reason, the MVNOs are almost always less expensive for the customer, and they're selling the same thing as the big guys.

Anyways, most MVNOs have no contracts, although not all. And not all of the big guys have contracts anymore (T-Mobile doesn't at all). If you're in a no contract situation, you need to buy your own phone at full price. This is a benefit to you though, because while a contract subsidy may allow you to buy an iPhone for $400 less than full price, 99 times out of a 100 the contract ends up costing you much more than if you had gone out and bought it on your own and found a no contract plan.

 

[pollardsvision]

From the cheap android thread, any discount plans that run on the Verizon or T-Mobile network (only networks that seem to get good service around here)?

Only need it for one phone at the moment, but would be looking to add other devices (not necessarily to use extra voice minutes, as my wife as a severe speech disorder).

Right now, using Verizon. Low minutes, unlimited text, and 2GB date running me $100 after all the fees just for the one phone. Contract's been up for a few months now.

Oof. There are PLENTY of options at this level. Can you quantify how low your minutes are? Less than 100? If so, there is a T-Mobile prepaid plan with 100 minutes, unlimited texts, and 5 GB of LTE data for just $30.If you quantify your minutes, I'll run it through my database w/ these filters.

Last month I used 176 minutes. Current plan does have unlimited minute apparently (I forgot), but I'd say I could get by with a 300 minute limit.

That T-Mobile plan sounds awesome. I could figure out a way to come close most months, but I doubt I could pull of a 100 min. limit.

Dumb question, but when people talk about prepaid plans, do they essentially just mean the same as a typical plan, but no contract and you buy your phone at full price from wherever you get it?

If you go over on that T-Mo plan, its just $0.10 a minute, so if you can typically keep it down, it might work.As for a 300 minutes, unlimited texts, and 2GB of data on either Verizon or T-Mobile:

Bright Spot Mobile comes in at the cheapest... $35 for 300 minutes, unlimited texts, and 3 GB of data. No LTE though, but T-Mo's HSPA+42 is still plenty fast (what I have and I average a speed of about 12MBs per second downloads. They include free voice and text roaming too.

ETA:

Prepaid just means you pay at the begining of the month instead of the end (which is postpaid). People often use the term incorrectly though. There are the main carriers (Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, & T-Mobile) and then there are about 50 or so MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) that essentially purchase access to the networks of one of the big 4 and then resell it to customers. For whatever reason, the MVNOs are almost always less expensive for the customer, and they're selling the same thing as the big guys.

Anyways, most MVNOs have no contracts, although not all. And not all of the big guys have contracts anymore (T-Mobile doesn't at all). If you're in a no contract situation, you need to buy your own phone at full price. This is a benefit to you though, because while a contract subsidy may allow you to buy an iPhone for $400 less than full price, 99 times out of a 100 the contract ends up costing you much more than if you had gone out and bought it on your own and found a no contract plan.

Wow, Hulk you are the man. Thanks.

It sounds like either the T-Mo plan or the Bright Spot would both work well.

Is Bright Spot exclusive to Target?

Is that specific T-Mo deal exclusive to Wal-Mart?

So, is the HSPA just T-Mo's version of Verizon's LTE network (if network is the right word?)? Performs about the same for web and listening to podcats/TuneIn Radio?

For either of these plans, do they charge a stupid amount of money to add devices to the plan, like Verizon? Verizon wants to charge me $40-50 extra per device a month just add a device and use the same voice/text/data.

That sort of thing go out the window with prepaid and/or MVNO plans?

Another dumb question....would any T-Mobile marked phone work with Bright Spot?

At the moment, I think I'll got with the Moto G that everybody was talking about in Dentist's thread if I can verify it works well with Squre. I assume it's the GSM models that work for T-Mobile?

 

[(HULK)]

From the cheap android thread, any discount plans that run on the Verizon or T-Mobile network (only networks that seem to get good service around here)?

Only need it for one phone at the moment, but would be looking to add other devices (not necessarily to use extra voice minutes, as my wife as a severe speech disorder).

Right now, using Verizon. Low minutes, unlimited text, and 2GB date running me $100 after all the fees just for the one phone. Contract's been up for a few months now.

Oof. There are PLENTY of options at this level. Can you quantify how low your minutes are? Less than 100? If so, there is a T-Mobile prepaid plan with 100 minutes, unlimited texts, and 5 GB of LTE data for just $30.If you quantify your minutes, I'll run it through my database w/ these filters.

Last month I used 176 minutes. Current plan does have unlimited minute apparently (I forgot), but I'd say I could get by with a 300 minute limit.

That T-Mobile plan sounds awesome. I could figure out a way to come close most months, but I doubt I could pull of a 100 min. limit.

Dumb question, but when people talk about prepaid plans, do they essentially just mean the same as a typical plan, but no contract and you buy your phone at full price from wherever you get it?

If you go over on that T-Mo plan, its just $0.10 a minute, so if you can typically keep it down, it might work.As for a 300 minutes, unlimited texts, and 2GB of data on either Verizon or T-Mobile:

Bright Spot Mobile comes in at the cheapest... $35 for 300 minutes, unlimited texts, and 3 GB of data. No LTE though, but T-Mo's HSPA+42 is still plenty fast (what I have and I average a speed of about 12MBs per second downloads. They include free voice and text roaming too.

ETA:

Prepaid just means you pay at the begining of the month instead of the end (which is postpaid). People often use the term incorrectly though. There are the main carriers (Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, & T-Mobile) and then there are about 50 or so MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) that essentially purchase access to the networks of one of the big 4 and then resell it to customers. For whatever reason, the MVNOs are almost always less expensive for the customer, and they're selling the same thing as the big guys.

Anyways, most MVNOs have no contracts, although not all. And not all of the big guys have contracts anymore (T-Mobile doesn't at all). If you're in a no contract situation, you need to buy your own phone at full price. This is a benefit to you though, because while a contract subsidy may allow you to buy an iPhone for $400 less than full price, 99 times out of a 100 the contract ends up costing you much more than if you had gone out and bought it on your own and found a no contract plan.

Wow, Hulk you are the man. Thanks.

It sounds like either the T-Mo plan or the Bright Spot would both work well.

Is Bright Spot exclusive to Target?

Is that specific T-Mo deal exclusive to Wal-Mart?

So, is the HSPA just T-Mo's version of Verizon's LTE network (if network is the right word?)? Performs about the same for web and listening to podcats/TuneIn Radio?

For either of these plans, do they charge a stupid amount of money to add devices to the plan, like Verizon? Verizon wants to charge me $40-50 extra per device a month just add a device and use the same voice/text/data.

That sort of thing go out the window with prepaid and/or MVNO plans?

Another dumb question....would any T-Mobile marked phone work with Bright Spot?

Okay:

1) You're welcome

2) Brightspot is a deal via Target. Pretty sure you can order a SIM card from them online as well. Also, I think you get some sort of discount/free credit w/ Target that accumilates over time.

3) You don't need to go to Walmart. You can order via this site: http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/prepaid-plans (some hoops to jump through though, Jaysus can help as he's done it)

4) HSPA+ and LTE are different. T-Mobile has both. LTE is included on the T-Mobile prepaid plan but not on the HSPA+ plan. Both work well, but LTE is about twice as fast. Both crush the Verizon 3G speeds you may be used to.

5) These are individual plans, there is no adding devices. That isn't my area of expertise either. I know you can do just straight up device plans via T-Mobile and a few other places. If I ever find the time, I'll be looking into this more.

6) The phone wouldn't have to be marked T-Mobile. You just need a GSM phone. A phone marked AT&T would work as well. Or numerous ones that are unlocked and unbranded. I'd recommend the Nexus 5 via Google Play. Its just $349 and it performs like a $600 phone.

 

[derek19]

Anyone here use Net10? I have my own device and need to transfer my current number. Did you have any difficulties doing this? How is the service?

TIA

 

[Mr. Ected]

Anyone here use Net10? I have my own device and need to transfer my current number. Did you have any difficulties doing this? How is the service?

TIA

Switched a couple months ago to the AT&T version. Had trouble with T-Mobile before that. Been very happy. This month, I am a little high on my data, so all you need to do is start your next month as needed. Not a big deal since I have unlimited calls/text.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Hey Hulk,

I went to the T-Mobile store to check out that Nexus 5. That is one beautiful GUI.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Hulk,

I am trying to nail down this data question. The T-Mobile sales said something, and I was wondering if you think this is accurate: I told him I don't watch a ton of movies, and he said that one 2 hour HD movie on Netflix is 2GB of data. One movie. Is this accurate? I am wondering if I am making a mistake by attempting to go cheap on data.

 

[pollardsvision]

From the cheap android thread, any discount plans that run on the Verizon or T-Mobile network (only networks that seem to get good service around here)?

Only need it for one phone at the moment, but would be looking to add other devices (not necessarily to use extra voice minutes, as my wife as a severe speech disorder).

Right now, using Verizon. Low minutes, unlimited text, and 2GB date running me $100 after all the fees just for the one phone. Contract's been up for a few months now.

Oof. There are PLENTY of options at this level. Can you quantify how low your minutes are? Less than 100? If so, there is a T-Mobile prepaid plan with 100 minutes, unlimited texts, and 5 GB of LTE data for just $30.If you quantify your minutes, I'll run it through my database w/ these filters.

Last month I used 176 minutes. Current plan does have unlimited minute apparently (I forgot), but I'd say I could get by with a 300 minute limit.

That T-Mobile plan sounds awesome. I could figure out a way to come close most months, but I doubt I could pull of a 100 min. limit.

Dumb question, but when people talk about prepaid plans, do they essentially just mean the same as a typical plan, but no contract and you buy your phone at full price from wherever you get it?

If you go over on that T-Mo plan, its just $0.10 a minute, so if you can typically keep it down, it might work.As for a 300 minutes, unlimited texts, and 2GB of data on either Verizon or T-Mobile:

Bright Spot Mobile comes in at the cheapest... $35 for 300 minutes, unlimited texts, and 3 GB of data. No LTE though, but T-Mo's HSPA+42 is still plenty fast (what I have and I average a speed of about 12MBs per second downloads. They include free voice and text roaming too.

ETA:

Prepaid just means you pay at the begining of the month instead of the end (which is postpaid). People often use the term incorrectly though. There are the main carriers (Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, & T-Mobile) and then there are about 50 or so MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) that essentially purchase access to the networks of one of the big 4 and then resell it to customers. For whatever reason, the MVNOs are almost always less expensive for the customer, and they're selling the same thing as the big guys.

Anyways, most MVNOs have no contracts, although not all. And not all of the big guys have contracts anymore (T-Mobile doesn't at all). If you're in a no contract situation, you need to buy your own phone at full price. This is a benefit to you though, because while a contract subsidy may allow you to buy an iPhone for $400 less than full price, 99 times out of a 100 the contract ends up costing you much more than if you had gone out and bought it on your own and found a no contract plan.

Wow, Hulk you are the man. Thanks.

It sounds like either the T-Mo plan or the Bright Spot would both work well.

Is Bright Spot exclusive to Target?

Is that specific T-Mo deal exclusive to Wal-Mart?

So, is the HSPA just T-Mo's version of Verizon's LTE network (if network is the right word?)? Performs about the same for web and listening to podcats/TuneIn Radio?

For either of these plans, do they charge a stupid amount of money to add devices to the plan, like Verizon? Verizon wants to charge me $40-50 extra per device a month just add a device and use the same voice/text/data.

That sort of thing go out the window with prepaid and/or MVNO plans?

Another dumb question....would any T-Mobile marked phone work with Bright Spot?

Okay:1) You're welcome

2) Brightspot is a deal via Target. Pretty sure you can order a SIM card from them online as well. Also, I think you get some sort of discount/free credit w/ Target that accumilates over time.

3) You don't need to go to Walmart. You can order via this site: http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/prepaid-plans (some hoops to jump through though, Jaysus can help as he's done it)

4) HSPA+ and LTE are different. T-Mobile has both. LTE is included on the T-Mobile prepaid plan but not on the HSPA+ plan. Both work well, but LTE is about twice as fast. Both crush the Verizon 3G speeds you may be used to.

5) These are individual plans, there is no adding devices. That isn't my area of expertise either. I know you can do just straight up device plans via T-Mobile and a few other places. If I ever find the time, I'll be looking into this more.

6) The phone wouldn't have to be marked T-Mobile. You just need a GSM phone. A phone marked AT&T would work as well. Or numerous ones that are unlocked and unbranded. I'd recommend the Nexus 5 via Google Play. Its just $349 and it performs like a $600 phone.

That sounds like a great phone, but I'm looking to find something for $200 or less. Don't care about much in the way of features. I've been using a POS Pantech for 2 years. It's got so much pre-loaded garbage on it that even with only a dozen apps, and not a single downloaded song or video, I'm constantly having memory issues.

My only requirements are to cut my phone bill in half, not have those memory issues, and get something that will work with Square (or a different mobile reader if need be).

Are there other options in that range that might be better than the Moto G and will work with T-Mobile? (In fact, the battery literally falls out of that Pantech about once a week, so a non-removable battery sounds awesome)

 

[pollardsvision]

Hulk, do you know anything about Selectel? Or other MVNO's on Verizon's network? Page Plus?

Verizon pretty much rules this area. Switching to T-Mobile is an option, but even on their own coverage map, they don't even pretend to have service in some places I go around here. Not a deal breaker, but a Verizon knock-off would be preferred.

It might be worth the extra $20 a month over some of the T-Mobile plans if I'm still cutting my bill in half.

 

[(HULK)]

Hulk,

I am trying to nail down this data question. The T-Mobile sales said something, and I was wondering if you think this is accurate: I told him I don't watch a ton of movies, and he said that one 2 hour HD movie on Netflix is 2GB of data. One movie. Is this accurate? I am wondering if I am making a mistake by attempting to go cheap on data.

Don't steam movies over cellular. Just over Wi-Fi. Who watches movies on their phone anyways? This is such a sales pitch IMO.

 

[(HULK)]

From the cheap android thread, any discount plans that run on the Verizon or T-Mobile network (only networks that seem to get good service around here)?

Only need it for one phone at the moment, but would be looking to add other devices (not necessarily to use extra voice minutes, as my wife as a severe speech disorder).

Right now, using Verizon. Low minutes, unlimited text, and 2GB date running me $100 after all the fees just for the one phone. Contract's been up for a few months now.

Oof. There are PLENTY of options at this level. Can you quantify how low your minutes are? Less than 100? If so, there is a T-Mobile prepaid plan with 100 minutes, unlimited texts, and 5 GB of LTE data for just $30.If you quantify your minutes, I'll run it through my database w/ these filters.

Last month I used 176 minutes. Current plan does have unlimited minute apparently (I forgot), but I'd say I could get by with a 300 minute limit.That T-Mobile plan sounds awesome. I could figure out a way to come close most months, but I doubt I could pull of a 100 min. limit.

Dumb question, but when people talk about prepaid plans, do they essentially just mean the same as a typical plan, but no contract and you buy your phone at full price from wherever you get it?

If you go over on that T-Mo plan, its just $0.10 a minute, so if you can typically keep it down, it might work.As for a 300 minutes, unlimited texts, and 2GB of data on either Verizon or T-Mobile:

Bright Spot Mobile comes in at the cheapest... $35 for 300 minutes, unlimited texts, and 3 GB of data. No LTE though, but T-Mo's HSPA+42 is still plenty fast (what I have and I average a speed of about 12MBs per second downloads. They include free voice and text roaming too.

ETA:

Prepaid just means you pay at the begining of the month instead of the end (which is postpaid). People often use the term incorrectly though. There are the main carriers (Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, & T-Mobile) and then there are about 50 or so MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) that essentially purchase access to the networks of one of the big 4 and then resell it to customers. For whatever reason, the MVNOs are almost always less expensive for the customer, and they're selling the same thing as the big guys.

Anyways, most MVNOs have no contracts, although not all. And not all of the big guys have contracts anymore (T-Mobile doesn't at all). If you're in a no contract situation, you need to buy your own phone at full price. This is a benefit to you though, because while a contract subsidy may allow you to buy an iPhone for $400 less than full price, 99 times out of a 100 the contract ends up costing you much more than if you had gone out and bought it on your own and found a no contract plan.

Wow, Hulk you are the man. Thanks.It sounds like either the T-Mo plan or the Bright Spot would both work well.

Is Bright Spot exclusive to Target?

Is that specific T-Mo deal exclusive to Wal-Mart?

So, is the HSPA just T-Mo's version of Verizon's LTE network (if network is the right word?)? Performs about the same for web and listening to podcats/TuneIn Radio?

For either of these plans, do they charge a stupid amount of money to add devices to the plan, like Verizon? Verizon wants to charge me $40-50 extra per device a month just add a device and use the same voice/text/data.

That sort of thing go out the window with prepaid and/or MVNO plans?

Another dumb question....would any T-Mobile marked phone work with Bright Spot?

Okay:1) You're welcome

2) Brightspot is a deal via Target. Pretty sure you can order a SIM card from them online as well. Also, I think you get some sort of discount/free credit w/ Target that accumilates over time.

3) You don't need to go to Walmart. You can order via this site: http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/prepaid-plans (some hoops to jump through though, Jaysus can help as he's done it)

4) HSPA+ and LTE are different. T-Mobile has both. LTE is included on the T-Mobile prepaid plan but not on the HSPA+ plan. Both work well, but LTE is about twice as fast. Both crush the Verizon 3G speeds you may be used to.

5) These are individual plans, there is no adding devices. That isn't my area of expertise either. I know you can do just straight up device plans via T-Mobile and a few other places. If I ever find the time, I'll be looking into this more.

6) The phone wouldn't have to be marked T-Mobile. You just need a GSM phone. A phone marked AT&T would work as well. Or numerous ones that are unlocked and unbranded. I'd recommend the Nexus 5 via Google Play. Its just $349 and it performs like a $600 phone.

That sounds like a great phone, but I'm looking to find something for $200 or less. Don't care about much in the way of features. I've been using a POS Pantech for 2 years. It's got so much pre-loaded garbage on it that even with only a dozen apps, and not a single downloaded song or video, I'm constantly having memory issues.My only requirements are to cut my phone bill in half, not have those memory issues, and get something that will work with Square (or a different mobile reader if need be).

Are there other options in that range that might be better than the Moto G and will work with T-Mobile? (In fact, the battery literally falls out of that Pantech about once a week, so a non-removable battery sounds awesome)

Moto G LTE all the way then. Strongly endorse

 

[(HULK)]

Hulk, do you know anything about Selectel? Or other MVNO's on Verizon's network? Page Plus?

Verizon pretty much rules this area. Switching to T-Mobile is an option, but even on their own coverage map, they don't even pretend to have service in some places I go around here. Not a deal breaker, but a Verizon knock-off would be preferred.

It might be worth the extra $20 a month over some of the T-Mobile plans if I'm still cutting my bill in half.

Nofirsthandknowledgeunfortunately. Both are cheaper than Verizon though, and both should be getting LTE next month.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Hulk,

I am trying to nail down this data question. The T-Mobile sales said something, and I was wondering if you think this is accurate: I told him I don't watch a ton of movies, and he said that one 2 hour HD movie on Netflix is 2GB of data. One movie. Is this accurate? I am wondering if I am making a mistake by attempting to go cheap on data.

Don't steam movies over cellular. Just over Wi-Fi. Who watches movies on their phone anyways? This is such a sales pitch IMO.

I agree. Good advice.

 

[pollardsvision]

Alright Hulk, still trying to get this figured out. A few more questions.

Are CDMA phones generally more of a pain in the ### to get working on a new network than GSM?

Verizon service is just so good here, and the customers of other networks always say "works some places, not others". I've been with Verizon for so long that I'd really forgotten that you could be in town and somehow not get cell service.

I'll deal with it, if it's my only route for cutting my phone bill in half though.

It's hard to tell, but it appears from the coverage maps that the AT&T network might be my best other option (not T-Mobile as I originally thought)

Say, I want to go with Page Plus or Selectel, how big of a pain in the ### am I looking at getting the number ported and the phone working on the network? Say with an unlocked Moto G?

Is it true that PP won't transfer my currently active Verizon marked phone?

 

[Apple Jack]

Well, Spot Mobile is folding up shop. Any others in Northern Virginia unlimited everything for $40?

 

[jdoggydogg]

Hulk,

I bought the Nexus 5 and a plan at Consumer Cellular last night. Is It difficult to hook the Nexus up to a new network?

 

[(HULK)]

Alright Hulk, still trying to get this figured out. A few more questions.

Are CDMA phones generally more of a pain in the ### to get working on a new network than GSM?

Verizon service is just so good here, and the customers of other networks always say "works some places, not others". I've been with Verizon for so long that I'd really forgotten that you could be in town and somehow not get cell service.

I'll deal with it, if it's my only route for cutting my phone bill in half though.

It's hard to tell, but it appears from the coverage maps that the AT&T network might be my best other option (not T-Mobile as I originally thought)

Say, I want to go with Page Plus or Selectel, how big of a pain in the ### am I looking at getting the number ported and the phone working on the network? Say with an unlocked Moto G?

Is it true that PP won't transfer my currently active Verizon marked phone?

Call page plus, I can't answer this as well as they can.

 

[(HULK)]

Well, Spot Mobile is folding up shop. Any others in Northern Virginia unlimited everything for $40?

um, they didn't have unlimited exactly, they throttled after your data cap.How much data are you using?

 

[(HULK)]

Hulk,

I bought the Nexus 5 and a plan at Consumer Cellular last night. Is It difficult to hook the Nexus up to a new network?

no, it's easy. But don't be afraid to call them. Consumer Reports constantly rates them #1 overall for customer service, so give that a try.

 

[Apple Jack]

Well, Spot Mobile is folding up shop. Any others in Northern Virginia unlimited everything for $40?

um, they didn't have unlimited exactly, they throttled after your data cap.How much data are you using?

I'm not worried about speed. I don't use much at all. I'm almost always in proximity to wi-fi.