Save $ on cell service -- Ting Mobile / Solavei (+ other MVNOs) (3 Viewers)

[rick6668]

Okay, got my phone fixed. Now I think I'm ready to make the jump to Ting. I've never changed cell carriers. I've has Sprint for like 16 years. So, if I switch I assume I can keep my same phone number? Do I cancel with Sprint first or sign up with Ting first? Can they cancel my sprint since they're taking the phone number from Sprint? Thanks for any guidance.

Don't cancel with Sprint first, you'd lose your number.

Call Ting (1-800-TING-FTW) and sign up with them first, let them know you want to port your number.

Exactly, it is easy as can be. Call them, you'll get a real person who knows what they are doing.

Don't forget to use a referral (Mine please as I'm still on Ting!, shameless plug)

Transferring your numbers over will automatically cancel them on for Sprint.

Any questions, ask. I've been on Ting for a while and added/removed phones with ease.

Ok all set up. I did it over the phone so didn't use your link. She said to reply to the e-mail I got from her with the link and she'd make sure we both get credited. I've done that. And you all were right. Got a person on the phone right away and she was very helpful. Hopefully in a few hours I'm off Sprint and on Ting.

Excellent. Now that you have an account, once that phone is switched and working, if you have any others, you can do it directly online.

Let me know if you have any questions? Seriously.

Also, if you're concerned about data usage (or minutes/texts), you can put in some Usage Alerts at whatever level you want to try and curb usage near the end of your billing date.

Be sure to use Wifi as much as possible. Using a small amount of data on the plan is cheap.

Based upon the calculator on their site my average monthly bill will be about $27. I am currenlty paying about $72. If I'm saving about $40/month I will be ecstatic.

Just got my credit! Thanks!

 

[StrikeS2k]

Okay, got my phone fixed. Now I think I'm ready to make the jump to Ting. I've never changed cell carriers. I've has Sprint for like 16 years. So, if I switch I assume I can keep my same phone number? Do I cancel with Sprint first or sign up with Ting first? Can they cancel my sprint since they're taking the phone number from Sprint? Thanks for any guidance.

Don't cancel with Sprint first, you'd lose your number.

Call Ting (1-800-TING-FTW) and sign up with them first, let them know you want to port your number.

Exactly, it is easy as can be. Call them, you'll get a real person who knows what they are doing.

Don't forget to use a referral (Mine please as I'm still on Ting!, shameless plug)

Transferring your numbers over will automatically cancel them on for Sprint.

Any questions, ask. I've been on Ting for a while and added/removed phones with ease.

Ok all set up. I did it over the phone so didn't use your link. She said to reply to the e-mail I got from her with the link and she'd make sure we both get credited. I've done that. And you all were right. Got a person on the phone right away and she was very helpful. Hopefully in a few hours I'm off Sprint and on Ting.

Excellent. Now that you have an account, once that phone is switched and working, if you have any others, you can do it directly online.

Let me know if you have any questions? Seriously.

Also, if you're concerned about data usage (or minutes/texts), you can put in some Usage Alerts at whatever level you want to try and curb usage near the end of your billing date.

Be sure to use Wifi as much as possible. Using a small amount of data on the plan is cheap.

Based upon the calculator on their site my average monthly bill will be about $27. I am currenlty paying about $72. If I'm saving about $40/month I will be ecstatic.

Just got my credit! Thanks!

Yup. Got the confirmation e-mail about half an hour ago. I got a credit too. Thanks to you and everyone else who has helped maintain this thread. It's one of the most useful threads I've read on this board. I never would have had a clue about the types of options that have been discussed here.

 

[rick6668]

Okay, got my phone fixed. Now I think I'm ready to make the jump to Ting. I've never changed cell carriers. I've has Sprint for like 16 years. So, if I switch I assume I can keep my same phone number? Do I cancel with Sprint first or sign up with Ting first? Can they cancel my sprint since they're taking the phone number from Sprint? Thanks for any guidance.

Don't cancel with Sprint first, you'd lose your number.

Call Ting (1-800-TING-FTW) and sign up with them first, let them know you want to port your number.

Exactly, it is easy as can be. Call them, you'll get a real person who knows what they are doing.

Don't forget to use a referral (Mine please as I'm still on Ting!, shameless plug)

Transferring your numbers over will automatically cancel them on for Sprint.

Any questions, ask. I've been on Ting for a while and added/removed phones with ease.

Ok all set up. I did it over the phone so didn't use your link. She said to reply to the e-mail I got from her with the link and she'd make sure we both get credited. I've done that. And you all were right. Got a person on the phone right away and she was very helpful. Hopefully in a few hours I'm off Sprint and on Ting.

Excellent. Now that you have an account, once that phone is switched and working, if you have any others, you can do it directly online.

Let me know if you have any questions? Seriously.

Also, if you're concerned about data usage (or minutes/texts), you can put in some Usage Alerts at whatever level you want to try and curb usage near the end of your billing date.

Be sure to use Wifi as much as possible. Using a small amount of data on the plan is cheap.

Based upon the calculator on their site my average monthly bill will be about $27. I am currenlty paying about $72. If I'm saving about $40/month I will be ecstatic.

Just got my credit! Thanks!

Yup. Got the confirmation e-mail about half an hour ago. I got a credit too. Thanks to you and everyone else who has helped maintain this thread. It's one of the most useful threads I've read on this board. I never would have had a clue about the types of options that have been discussed here.

I knew nothing as well before reading this thread. Big thanks to Hulk!

 

[Slapdash]

After 8 years on Verizon/Alltel, I'm ready to make the switch. I do have an unlimited data plan still and use about 2.5GB to 3GB a month. I think this total is a bit inflated because I have such bad connection at work that it spends a lot of time trying to load anything from Pandora to Youtube. My hunch is that VZN's low 3G speed is a culprit, so I would like to move to AT&T's network ideally. My main area codes are 28202/28205 if that helps. Hoping to buy a Note 4 to use and keep my number. A little lost trying to look around on Google about the best path.

Any advice? Thanks.

 

[rick6668]

After 8 years on Verizon/Alltel, I'm ready to make the switch. I do have an unlimited data plan still and use about 2.5GB to 3GB a month. I think this total is a bit inflated because I have such bad connection at work that it spends a lot of time trying to load anything from Pandora to Youtube. My hunch is that VZN's low 3G speed is a culprit, so I would like to move to AT&T's network ideally. My main area codes are 28202/28205 if that helps. Hoping to buy a Note 4 to use and keep my number. A little lost trying to look around on Google about the best path.

Any advice? Thanks.

Don't just give up your Verizon unlimited plan if you have one. You can sell it on ebay.

 

[Slapdash]

After 8 years on Verizon/Alltel, I'm ready to make the switch. I do have an unlimited data plan still and use about 2.5GB to 3GB a month. I think this total is a bit inflated because I have such bad connection at work that it spends a lot of time trying to load anything from Pandora to Youtube. My hunch is that VZN's low 3G speed is a culprit, so I would like to move to AT&T's network ideally. My main area codes are 28202/28205 if that helps. Hoping to buy a Note 4 to use and keep my number. A little lost trying to look around on Google about the best path.

Any advice? Thanks.

Don't just give up your Verizon unlimited plan if you have one. You can sell it on ebay.

How do I do that? Would I have to lose the #?

 

[FBG26]

After 8 years on Verizon/Alltel, I'm ready to make the switch. I do have an unlimited data plan still and use about 2.5GB to 3GB a month. I think this total is a bit inflated because I have such bad connection at work that it spends a lot of time trying to load anything from Pandora to Youtube. My hunch is that VZN's low 3G speed is a culprit, so I would like to move to AT&T's network ideally. My main area codes are 28202/28205 if that helps. Hoping to buy a Note 4 to use and keep my number. A little lost trying to look around on Google about the best path.

Any advice? Thanks.

Don't just give up your Verizon unlimited plan if you have one. You can sell it on ebay.

How do I do that? Would I have to lose the #?

You can keep your number. More info here.

 

[coyote5]

Did Verizon kill their $60 unlimited text/calls 2gb data plan? All I find on their website now is $75 for that. :(

 

[rick6668]

After 8 years on Verizon/Alltel, I'm ready to make the switch. I do have an unlimited data plan still and use about 2.5GB to 3GB a month. I think this total is a bit inflated because I have such bad connection at work that it spends a lot of time trying to load anything from Pandora to Youtube. My hunch is that VZN's low 3G speed is a culprit, so I would like to move to AT&T's network ideally. My main area codes are 28202/28205 if that helps. Hoping to buy a Note 4 to use and keep my number. A little lost trying to look around on Google about the best path.

Any advice? Thanks.

Don't just give up your Verizon unlimited plan if you have one. You can sell it on ebay.

How do I do that? Would I have to lose the #?

You can keep your number. More info here.

 

[pollardsvision]

Did Verizon kill their $60 unlimited text/calls 2gb data plan? All I find on their website now is $75 for that. :(

I never could see it listed on their website before either.

In-store employees were yapping about it happily on iPhone launch day, but other than that, I expect they'd keep it very quiet. I wouldn't be surprised if they've killed it or made it iPhone only by now though.

 

[FBG26]

Did Verizon kill their $60 unlimited text/calls 2gb data plan? All I find on their website now is $75 for that. :(

I never could see it listed on their website before either.

In-store employees were yapping about it happily on iPhone launch day, but other than that, I expect they'd keep it very quiet. I wouldn't be surprised if they've killed it or made it iPhone only by now though.

Looks like its 1GB for $60, or 2GB for $75 normally, or if you use the EDGE program its $45/$60 respectively. Link.

Some people say the Edge program isn't a good deal, and maybe it isn't if you plan on upgrading your phone often. But if you own the phone outright and don't plan on upgrading often, it is probably a good deal.

 

[Slapdash]

Did Verizon kill their $60 unlimited text/calls 2gb data plan? All I find on their website now is $75 for that. :(

I never could see it listed on their website before either.

In-store employees were yapping about it happily on iPhone launch day, but other than that, I expect they'd keep it very quiet. I wouldn't be surprised if they've killed it or made it iPhone only by now though.

Looks like its 1GB for $60, or 2GB for $75 normally, or if you use the EDGE program its $45/$60 respectively. Link.

Some people say the Edge program isn't a good deal, and maybe it isn't if you plan on upgrading your phone often. But if you own the phone outright and don't plan on upgrading often, it is probably a good deal.

Yikes, that is what I pay now for unlimited with a subsidized phone.

 

[(HULK)]

After 8 years on Verizon/Alltel, I'm ready to make the switch. I do have an unlimited data plan still and use about 2.5GB to 3GB a month. I think this total is a bit inflated because I have such bad connection at work that it spends a lot of time trying to load anything from Pandora to Youtube. My hunch is that VZN's low 3G speed is a culprit, so I would like to move to AT&T's network ideally. My main area codes are 28202/28205 if that helps. Hoping to buy a Note 4 to use and keep my number. A little lost trying to look around on Google about the best path.

Any advice? Thanks.

Don't just give up your Verizon unlimited plan if you have one. You can sell it on ebay.

How do I do that? Would I have to lose the #?

You can keep your number. More info here.

Definitely do that.

Then you're probably looking @ Net10 or Straight Talk AT&T version for service. Actually, not probably, definitely. Poor customer service though. Other than that you'll be saving $$$.

 

[Slapdash]

After 8 years on Verizon/Alltel, I'm ready to make the switch. I do have an unlimited data plan still and use about 2.5GB to 3GB a month. I think this total is a bit inflated because I have such bad connection at work that it spends a lot of time trying to load anything from Pandora to Youtube. My hunch is that VZN's low 3G speed is a culprit, so I would like to move to AT&T's network ideally. My main area codes are 28202/28205 if that helps. Hoping to buy a Note 4 to use and keep my number. A little lost trying to look around on Google about the best path.

Any advice? Thanks.

Don't just give up your Verizon unlimited plan if you have one. You can sell it on ebay.

How do I do that? Would I have to lose the #?

You can keep your number. More info here.

Definitely do that.

Then you're probably looking @ Net10 or Straight Talk AT&T version for service. Actually, not probably, definitely. Poor customer service though. Other than that you'll be saving $$$.

Thanks, that helps to narrow it down. Biggest concern is figuring out how I'm going to get someone to put screen protectors on. Verizon stores are great with that.

 

[coyote5]

Did Verizon kill their $60 unlimited text/calls 2gb data plan? All I find on their website now is $75 for that. :(

I never could see it listed on their website before either.

In-store employees were yapping about it happily on iPhone launch day, but other than that, I expect they'd keep it very quiet. I wouldn't be surprised if they've killed it or made it iPhone only by now though.

Looks like its 1GB for $60, or 2GB for $75 normally, or if you use the EDGE program its $45/$60 respectively. Link.

Some people say the Edge program isn't a good deal, and maybe it isn't if you plan on upgrading your phone often. But if you own the phone outright and don't plan on upgrading often, it is probably a good deal.

Went through Best Buy and they say they are getting me $45/month for 2GB on EDGE. I'll be calling Verizon to verify that's what I'm really getting.

 

[Slapdash]

After 8 years on Verizon/Alltel, I'm ready to make the switch. I do have an unlimited data plan still and use about 2.5GB to 3GB a month. I think this total is a bit inflated because I have such bad connection at work that it spends a lot of time trying to load anything from Pandora to Youtube. My hunch is that VZN's low 3G speed is a culprit, so I would like to move to AT&T's network ideally. My main area codes are 28202/28205 if that helps. Hoping to buy a Note 4 to use and keep my number. A little lost trying to look around on Google about the best path.

Any advice? Thanks.

Don't just give up your Verizon unlimited plan if you have one. You can sell it on ebay.

How do I do that? Would I have to lose the #?

You can keep your number. More info here.

Definitely do that.

Then you're probably looking @ Net10 or Straight Talk AT&T version for service. Actually, not probably, definitely. Poor customer service though. Other than that you'll be saving $$$.

Thanks, that helps to narrow it down. Biggest concern is figuring out how I'm going to get someone to put screen protectors on. Verizon stores are great with that.

Also, where does one buy unlocked phones? Straight from Samsung?

 

[Jaysus]

Thanks, that helps to narrow it down. Biggest concern is figuring out how I'm going to get someone to put screen protectors on. Verizon stores are great with that.

Best Buy will do it for you.

 

[Jaysus]

@Hulk I think I have asked you this before, but does your DB have a flag on data caps? What can you tell me about

H2O Wireless - are they an ATT MVNO, is the data cap soft or hard?

 

[Slapdash]

Thanks, that helps to narrow it down. Biggest concern is figuring out how I'm going to get someone to put screen protectors on. Verizon stores are great with that.

Best Buy will do it for you.

Their screen protectors and application of them are ####### miserable. Looks awful.

 

[(HULK)]

@Hulk I think I have asked you this before, but does your DB have a flag on data caps? What can you tell me about

H2O Wireless - are they an ATT MVNO, is the data cap soft or hard?

They're AT&T and a soft cap on data (throttle to 2g).

No LTE though, they're on AT&T's HSPA+.

 

[Jaysus]

@Hulk I think I have asked you this before, but does your DB have a flag on data caps? What can you tell me about

H2O Wireless - are they an ATT MVNO, is the data cap soft or hard?

They're AT&T and a soft cap on data (throttle to 2g).

No LTE though, they're on AT&T's HSPA+.

Cool thanks... looking for something for my wife in the $40 range with unlimited minutes (and more than .5GB of data). I sohuld check out Cricket too, I think.

 

[Mr. Ected]

@Hulk I think I have asked you this before, but does your DB have a flag on data caps? What can you tell me about

H2O Wireless - are they an ATT MVNO, is the data cap soft or hard?

They're AT&T and a soft cap on data (throttle to 2g).

No LTE though, they're on AT&T's HSPA+.

Cool thanks... looking for something for my wife in the $40 range with unlimited minutes (and more than .5GB of data). I sohuld check out Cricket too, I think.

Look at Net10 also. Other than hot-spotting issue, I'd be staying (I'm on their AT&T plan).

UNLIMITED* TALK, TEXT, DATA

$50-----------> $45

30 Days------> Auto-Refill

No International Calls

Auto-Refill

Unlimited* Talk / Text/Picture Messaging/Web / Email

and call 411

*Up to 3GB of high-speed data

 

[Jaysus]

@Hulk I think I have asked you this before, but does your DB have a flag on data caps? What can you tell me about

H2O Wireless - are they an ATT MVNO, is the data cap soft or hard?

They're AT&T and a soft cap on data (throttle to 2g).

No LTE though, they're on AT&T's HSPA+.

Cool thanks... looking for something for my wife in the $40 range with unlimited minutes (and more than .5GB of data). I sohuld check out Cricket too, I think.

Look at Net10 also. Other than hot-spotting issue, I'd be staying (I'm on their AT&T plan).

UNLIMITED* TALK, TEXT, DATA

$50-----------> $45

30 Days------> Auto-Refill

No International Calls

Auto-Refill

Unlimited* Talk / Text/Picture Messaging/Web / Email

and call 411

*Up to 3GB of high-speed data

That is who she is with now... they throttled her well before she hit her limit

 

[Sweet J]

OK, I need some help. The basics:

I live in Washington DC and I have Verizon. Currently two lines (one for my son, one for my wife). I think we pay $20 for 500mb of data (but we may up to 1 or 2 GB if Kid starts using mroe), and $40/each for smartphones for both wife and kid.

We are currently on month-to-month contracts (no contract obligations). Kid's phone got destroyed, and we need to get new one. Considering re-upping with Verizon to get the free upgrade, but want to know if there is something cheaper. Also, I don't currently have a line bc I use my work phone, but I may need to get my own eventually if I change jobs.

Advice?

 

[(HULK)]

OK, I need some help. The basics:

I live in Washington DC and I have Verizon. Currently two lines (one for my son, one for my wife). I think we pay $20 for 500mb of data (but we may up to 1 or 2 GB if Kid starts using mroe), and $40/each for smartphones for both wife and kid.

We are currently on month-to-month contracts (no contract obligations). Kid's phone got destroyed, and we need to get new one. Considering re-upping with Verizon to get the free upgrade, but want to know if there is something cheaper. Also, I don't currently have a line bc I use my work phone, but I may need to get my own eventually if I change jobs.

Advice?

how many minutes and texts do they each use?

 

[chauncey]

Thanks, that helps to narrow it down. Biggest concern is figuring out how I'm going to get someone to put screen protectors on. Verizon stores are great with that.

Best Buy will do it for you.

Their screen protectors and application of them are ####### miserable. Looks awful.

Are screen protectors necessary anymore? I feel like I've read that the gorilla glass 3 or whatever the latest version is scratch resistant. I've been rocking a nexus 4 (so 2 year old glass tech) for a year now without a screen protector and have only caused one tiny scratch. I treat my phone like #### too, no coddling.

 

[(HULK)]

Thanks, that helps to narrow it down. Biggest concern is figuring out how I'm going to get someone to put screen protectors on. Verizon stores are great with that.

Best Buy will do it for you.

Their screen protectors and application of them are ####### miserable. Looks awful.

Are screen protectors necessary anymore? I feel like I've read that the gorilla glass 3 or whatever the latest version is scratch resistant. I've been rocking a nexus 4 (so 2 year old glass tech) for a year now without a screen protector and have only caused one tiny scratch. I treat my phone like #### too, no coddling.

I'm currently rolling with no case, and a ballistic glass screen protector from Tech Armor. Basically, its a piece of glass that goes over your screen. If I drop my phone, the protector shatters, not my screen. I don't really care if I mark up the backside of the phone. Thing was like $15 bucks and they replace it for free if it shatters.

Basically, this is protection without sacrafice imo.

 

[beer 30]

.

 

[Jaysus]

Hi Ron!

 

[Sweet J]

OK, I need some help. The basics:

I live in Washington DC and I have Verizon. Currently two lines (one for my son, one for my wife). I think we pay $20 for 500mb of data (but we may up to 1 or 2 GB if Kid starts using mroe), and $40/each for smartphones for both wife and kid.

We are currently on month-to-month contracts (no contract obligations). Kid's phone got destroyed, and we need to get new one. Considering re-upping with Verizon to get the free upgrade, but want to know if there is something cheaper. Also, I don't currently have a line bc I use my work phone, but I may need to get my own eventually if I change jobs.

Advice?

how many minutes and texts do they each use?

my son probably texts a bunch. My wife not so much. Right now, she uses less than 500MB. Once he gets a smart phone he might use more.

I looked at the Verizon family plan, and it looks like there is a plan for a family of four for $160 (4 lines x $15 per line, plus $100 for 10GB shared). That sounds like a decent deal, as I'm currently paying around $100 or so for two lines ($40 per line plus $20 for .5GB).

 

[(HULK)]

OK, I need some help. The basics:

I live in Washington DC and I have Verizon. Currently two lines (one for my son, one for my wife). I think we pay $20 for 500mb of data (but we may up to 1 or 2 GB if Kid starts using mroe), and $40/each for smartphones for both wife and kid.

We are currently on month-to-month contracts (no contract obligations). Kid's phone got destroyed, and we need to get new one. Considering re-upping with Verizon to get the free upgrade, but want to know if there is something cheaper. Also, I don't currently have a line bc I use my work phone, but I may need to get my own eventually if I change jobs.

Advice?

how many minutes and texts do they each use?

my son probably texts a bunch. My wife not so much. Right now, she uses less than 500MB. Once he gets a smart phone he might use more.

I looked at the Verizon family plan, and it looks like there is a plan for a family of four for $160 (4 lines x $15 per line, plus $100 for 10GB shared). That sounds like a decent deal, as I'm currently paying around $100 or so for two lines ($40 per line plus $20 for .5GB).

What are your feelings on Sprint. Its kinda mediocre around here. My wife and I used them up until we moved into Rock Creek (poor coverage there) and it was fine.

I ask cause Ting is probably your cheapest option and it uses Sprint's coverage.

 

[Sweet J]

OK, I need some help. The basics:

I live in Washington DC and I have Verizon. Currently two lines (one for my son, one for my wife). I think we pay $20 for 500mb of data (but we may up to 1 or 2 GB if Kid starts using mroe), and $40/each for smartphones for both wife and kid.

We are currently on month-to-month contracts (no contract obligations). Kid's phone got destroyed, and we need to get new one. Considering re-upping with Verizon to get the free upgrade, but want to know if there is something cheaper. Also, I don't currently have a line bc I use my work phone, but I may need to get my own eventually if I change jobs.

Advice?

how many minutes and texts do they each use?

my son probably texts a bunch. My wife not so much. Right now, she uses less than 500MB. Once he gets a smart phone he might use more.

I looked at the Verizon family plan, and it looks like there is a plan for a family of four for $160 (4 lines x $15 per line, plus $100 for 10GB shared). That sounds like a decent deal, as I'm currently paying around $100 or so for two lines ($40 per line plus $20 for .5GB).

What are your feelings on Sprint. Its kinda mediocre around here. My wife and I used them up until we moved into Rock Creek (poor coverage there) and it was fine.

I ask cause Ting is probably your cheapest option and it uses Sprint's coverage.

I have no idea about whether or not Sprint works. I live in Alexandria VA. I'm assuming it is populated enough to give good coverage.

Interestingly, I just got an an add for Sprint that seemed to say it charged $100/month for a family of four lines plus 10GB of data. So I called the Sprint number, and the guy quoted me (for just two lines) $100/month, PLUS $30/month per phone for a total of $160/month. For just two lines. I don't get it.

Anyway, I'm not against Sprint, I don't think. Why can't someone just quote me a f^cking price that is not confusing? Why is this so hard?

 

[fourd]

Fourd,

Let us know what you end up doing.

TIA,

H

Not that I didn't know this was going to happen:

Still with Verizon, which I'm fine with as their coverage has been good.

Daughter number 1, who works for Apple, comes home with the 6+.

Within milliseconds we have my wife ordering her 6+ and the others getting the 6. I didn't know what hit me. The only saving grace is being able to sell all of their old phones.

Me, still holding on to my S3.

Thanks for the help.

 

[rick6668]

OK, I need some help. The basics:

I live in Washington DC and I have Verizon. Currently two lines (one for my son, one for my wife). I think we pay $20 for 500mb of data (but we may up to 1 or 2 GB if Kid starts using mroe), and $40/each for smartphones for both wife and kid.

We are currently on month-to-month contracts (no contract obligations). Kid's phone got destroyed, and we need to get new one. Considering re-upping with Verizon to get the free upgrade, but want to know if there is something cheaper. Also, I don't currently have a line bc I use my work phone, but I may need to get my own eventually if I change jobs.

Advice?

how many minutes and texts do they each use?

my son probably texts a bunch. My wife not so much. Right now, she uses less than 500MB. Once he gets a smart phone he might use more.

I looked at the Verizon family plan, and it looks like there is a plan for a family of four for $160 (4 lines x $15 per line, plus $100 for 10GB shared). That sounds like a decent deal, as I'm currently paying around $100 or so for two lines ($40 per line plus $20 for .5GB).

What are your feelings on Sprint. Its kinda mediocre around here. My wife and I used them up until we moved into Rock Creek (poor coverage there) and it was fine.

I ask cause Ting is probably your cheapest option and it uses Sprint's coverage.

I have no idea about whether or not Sprint works. I live in Alexandria VA. I'm assuming it is populated enough to give good coverage.

Interestingly, I just got an an add for Sprint that seemed to say it charged $100/month for a family of four lines plus 10GB of data. So I called the Sprint number, and the guy quoted me (for just two lines) $100/month, PLUS $30/month per phone for a total of $160/month. For just two lines. I don't get it.

Anyway, I'm not against Sprint, I don't think. Why can't someone just quote me a f^cking price that is not confusing? Why is this so hard?

With the amount of usage you show for data, it's likely Ting could be a good choice. Why pay 100/160 a month when you don't need that much data.

I have 5 phones for my family on Ting and it costs $60-$70 a month and no contract. I use wifi whenever available which is free and limit my data usage when I don't. As Hulk said, Ting uses sprint which is why he was asking about your coverage.

 

[Sweet J]

Fourd,

Let us know what you end up doing.

TIA,

H

Not that I didn't know this was going to happen:

Still with Verizon, which I'm fine with as their coverage has been good.

Daughter number 1, who works for Apple, comes home with the 6+.

Within milliseconds we have my wife ordering her 6+ and the others getting the 6. I didn't know what hit me. The only saving grace is being able to sell all of their old phones.

Me, still holding on to my S3.

Thanks for the help.

I'll buy your old phone.

OK, I need some help. The basics:

I live in Washington DC and I have Verizon. Currently two lines (one for my son, one for my wife). I think we pay $20 for 500mb of data (but we may up to 1 or 2 GB if Kid starts using mroe), and $40/each for smartphones for both wife and kid.

We are currently on month-to-month contracts (no contract obligations). Kid's phone got destroyed, and we need to get new one. Considering re-upping with Verizon to get the free upgrade, but want to know if there is something cheaper. Also, I don't currently have a line bc I use my work phone, but I may need to get my own eventually if I change jobs.

Advice?

how many minutes and texts do they each use?

my son probably texts a bunch. My wife not so much. Right now, she uses less than 500MB. Once he gets a smart phone he might use more.

I looked at the Verizon family plan, and it looks like there is a plan for a family of four for $160 (4 lines x $15 per line, plus $100 for 10GB shared). That sounds like a decent deal, as I'm currently paying around $100 or so for two lines ($40 per line plus $20 for .5GB).

What are your feelings on Sprint. Its kinda mediocre around here. My wife and I used them up until we moved into Rock Creek (poor coverage there) and it was fine.

I ask cause Ting is probably your cheapest option and it uses Sprint's coverage.

I have no idea about whether or not Sprint works. I live in Alexandria VA. I'm assuming it is populated enough to give good coverage.

Interestingly, I just got an an add for Sprint that seemed to say it charged $100/month for a family of four lines plus 10GB of data. So I called the Sprint number, and the guy quoted me (for just two lines) $100/month, PLUS $30/month per phone for a total of $160/month. For just two lines. I don't get it.

Anyway, I'm not against Sprint, I don't think. Why can't someone just quote me a f^cking price that is not confusing? Why is this so hard?

With the amount of usage you show for data, it's likely Ting could be a good choice. Why pay 100/160 a month when you don't need that much data.

I have 5 phones for my family on Ting and it costs $60-$70 a month and no contract. I use wifi whenever available which is free and limit my data usage when I don't. As Hulk said, Ting uses sprint which is why he was asking about your coverage.

wow. where do you guys go about getting your phones, then? I still need to get a phone for my kid to use.

 

[(HULK)]

OK, I need some help. The basics:

I live in Washington DC and I have Verizon. Currently two lines (one for my son, one for my wife). I think we pay $20 for 500mb of data (but we may up to 1 or 2 GB if Kid starts using mroe), and $40/each for smartphones for both wife and kid.

We are currently on month-to-month contracts (no contract obligations). Kid's phone got destroyed, and we need to get new one. Considering re-upping with Verizon to get the free upgrade, but want to know if there is something cheaper. Also, I don't currently have a line bc I use my work phone, but I may need to get my own eventually if I change jobs.

Advice?

how many minutes and texts do they each use?

my son probably texts a bunch. My wife not so much. Right now, she uses less than 500MB. Once he gets a smart phone he might use more.

I looked at the Verizon family plan, and it looks like there is a plan for a family of four for $160 (4 lines x $15 per line, plus $100 for 10GB shared). That sounds like a decent deal, as I'm currently paying around $100 or so for two lines ($40 per line plus $20 for .5GB).

What are your feelings on Sprint. Its kinda mediocre around here. My wife and I used them up until we moved into Rock Creek (poor coverage there) and it was fine.

I ask cause Ting is probably your cheapest option and it uses Sprint's coverage.

I have no idea about whether or not Sprint works. I live in Alexandria VA. I'm assuming it is populated enough to give good coverage.

Interestingly, I just got an an add for Sprint that seemed to say it charged $100/month for a family of four lines plus 10GB of data. So I called the Sprint number, and the guy quoted me (for just two lines) $100/month, PLUS $30/month per phone for a total of $160/month. For just two lines. I don't get it.

Anyway, I'm not against Sprint, I don't think. Why can't someone just quote me a f^cking price that is not confusing? Why is this so hard?

On Ting for 500 minutes, 1000 texts, and 500 MBs its just $38 a month + taxes. Way cheaper if the coverage is acceptible. And phones aren't subsidized.

 

[(HULK)]

For Ting, best bet is to buy phones from them imo. Come already set up.

https://ting.com/shop

 

[Sweet J]

OK, I need some help. The basics:

I live in Washington DC and I have Verizon. Currently two lines (one for my son, one for my wife). I think we pay $20 for 500mb of data (but we may up to 1 or 2 GB if Kid starts using mroe), and $40/each for smartphones for both wife and kid.

We are currently on month-to-month contracts (no contract obligations). Kid's phone got destroyed, and we need to get new one. Considering re-upping with Verizon to get the free upgrade, but want to know if there is something cheaper. Also, I don't currently have a line bc I use my work phone, but I may need to get my own eventually if I change jobs.

Advice?

how many minutes and texts do they each use?

my son probably texts a bunch. My wife not so much. Right now, she uses less than 500MB. Once he gets a smart phone he might use more.

I looked at the Verizon family plan, and it looks like there is a plan for a family of four for $160 (4 lines x $15 per line, plus $100 for 10GB shared). That sounds like a decent deal, as I'm currently paying around $100 or so for two lines ($40 per line plus $20 for .5GB).

What are your feelings on Sprint. Its kinda mediocre around here. My wife and I used them up until we moved into Rock Creek (poor coverage there) and it was fine.

I ask cause Ting is probably your cheapest option and it uses Sprint's coverage.

I have no idea about whether or not Sprint works. I live in Alexandria VA. I'm assuming it is populated enough to give good coverage.

Interestingly, I just got an an add for Sprint that seemed to say it charged $100/month for a family of four lines plus 10GB of data. So I called the Sprint number, and the guy quoted me (for just two lines) $100/month, PLUS $30/month per phone for a total of $160/month. For just two lines. I don't get it.

Anyway, I'm not against Sprint, I don't think. Why can't someone just quote me a f^cking price that is not confusing? Why is this so hard?

On Ting for 500 minutes, 1000 texts, and 500 MBs its just $38 a month + taxes. Way cheaper if the coverage is acceptible. And phones aren't subsidized.

Is that $38/month per phone? So $74 for two lines?

 

[rick6668]

OK, I need some help. The basics:

I live in Washington DC and I have Verizon. Currently two lines (one for my son, one for my wife). I think we pay $20 for 500mb of data (but we may up to 1 or 2 GB if Kid starts using mroe), and $40/each for smartphones for both wife and kid.

We are currently on month-to-month contracts (no contract obligations). Kid's phone got destroyed, and we need to get new one. Considering re-upping with Verizon to get the free upgrade, but want to know if there is something cheaper. Also, I don't currently have a line bc I use my work phone, but I may need to get my own eventually if I change jobs.

Advice?

how many minutes and texts do they each use?

my son probably texts a bunch. My wife not so much. Right now, she uses less than 500MB. Once he gets a smart phone he might use more.

I looked at the Verizon family plan, and it looks like there is a plan for a family of four for $160 (4 lines x $15 per line, plus $100 for 10GB shared). That sounds like a decent deal, as I'm currently paying around $100 or so for two lines ($40 per line plus $20 for .5GB).

What are your feelings on Sprint. Its kinda mediocre around here. My wife and I used them up until we moved into Rock Creek (poor coverage there) and it was fine.

I ask cause Ting is probably your cheapest option and it uses Sprint's coverage.

I have no idea about whether or not Sprint works. I live in Alexandria VA. I'm assuming it is populated enough to give good coverage.

Interestingly, I just got an an add for Sprint that seemed to say it charged $100/month for a family of four lines plus 10GB of data. So I called the Sprint number, and the guy quoted me (for just two lines) $100/month, PLUS $30/month per phone for a total of $160/month. For just two lines. I don't get it.

Anyway, I'm not against Sprint, I don't think. Why can't someone just quote me a f^cking price that is not confusing? Why is this so hard?

On Ting for 500 minutes, 1000 texts, and 500 MBs its just $38 a month + taxes. Way cheaper if the coverage is acceptible. And phones aren't subsidized.

Is that $38/month per phone? So $74 for two lines?

No, there is a per phone charge of $6 a month and then all minutes/texts/data is charged based on the total used for all phones.

My bill last month was $65.73 for 5 phones and that includes $9.73 in taxes and fees.

 

[rick6668]

Fourd,

Let us know what you end up doing.

TIA,

H

Not that I didn't know this was going to happen:

Still with Verizon, which I'm fine with as their coverage has been good.

Daughter number 1, who works for Apple, comes home with the 6+.

Within milliseconds we have my wife ordering her 6+ and the others getting the 6. I didn't know what hit me. The only saving grace is being able to sell all of their old phones.

Me, still holding on to my S3.

Thanks for the help.

I'll buy your old phone.

OK, I need some help. The basics:

I live in Washington DC and I have Verizon. Currently two lines (one for my son, one for my wife). I think we pay $20 for 500mb of data (but we may up to 1 or 2 GB if Kid starts using mroe), and $40/each for smartphones for both wife and kid.

We are currently on month-to-month contracts (no contract obligations). Kid's phone got destroyed, and we need to get new one. Considering re-upping with Verizon to get the free upgrade, but want to know if there is something cheaper. Also, I don't currently have a line bc I use my work phone, but I may need to get my own eventually if I change jobs.

Advice?

how many minutes and texts do they each use?

my son probably texts a bunch. My wife not so much. Right now, she uses less than 500MB. Once he gets a smart phone he might use more.

I looked at the Verizon family plan, and it looks like there is a plan for a family of four for $160 (4 lines x $15 per line, plus $100 for 10GB shared). That sounds like a decent deal, as I'm currently paying around $100 or so for two lines ($40 per line plus $20 for .5GB).

What are your feelings on Sprint. Its kinda mediocre around here. My wife and I used them up until we moved into Rock Creek (poor coverage there) and it was fine.

I ask cause Ting is probably your cheapest option and it uses Sprint's coverage.

I have no idea about whether or not Sprint works. I live in Alexandria VA. I'm assuming it is populated enough to give good coverage.

Interestingly, I just got an an add for Sprint that seemed to say it charged $100/month for a family of four lines plus 10GB of data. So I called the Sprint number, and the guy quoted me (for just two lines) $100/month, PLUS $30/month per phone for a total of $160/month. For just two lines. I don't get it.

Anyway, I'm not against Sprint, I don't think. Why can't someone just quote me a f^cking price that is not confusing? Why is this so hard?

With the amount of usage you show for data, it's likely Ting could be a good choice. Why pay 100/160 a month when you don't need that much data.

I have 5 phones for my family on Ting and it costs $60-$70 a month and no contract. I use wifi whenever available which is free and limit my data usage when I don't. As Hulk said, Ting uses sprint which is why he was asking about your coverage.

wow. where do you guys go about getting your phones, then? I still need to get a phone for my kid to use.

I got a few of them directly from Ting, I've bought 3 iphone4's for ~$80-$100 each for my son, wife and myself (on craigslist and Ebay) If you don't need the latest phone, no problem.

They need to be sprint phones. You can easily find an iphone4 on ebay in good shape in this range.

Take a look at their rates here: https://ting.com/rates

 

[Paulymaggs]

Anyone know which other providers do the post-paid thing like Ting does?

Most of them are simply prepaid, or a set amount per month.

Have not seen any that charges incrementally, post-paid like Ting yet....

 

[Hooper31]

Been on Ting (3 phones - me, wife, daughter) for about 1.5 years now. Love love love the lower costs. Only complain was the crappy Samsung S2 phones we purchased. Finally making myself pick up an Iphone 4s this coming week. Just didn't like the Android operating system. Looking forwward to working wtih iOS again. Will update again in a few weeks.

 

[(HULK)]

Been on Ting (3 phones - me, wife, daughter) for about 1.5 years now. Love love love the lower costs. Only complain was the crappy Samsung S2 phones we purchased. Finally making myself pick up an Iphone 4s this coming week. Just didn't like the Android operating system. Looking forwward to working wtih iOS again. Will update again in a few weeks.

Ever sit down and figure out how much money you've saved thus far?

 

[Slapdash]

Been on Ting (3 phones - me, wife, daughter) for about 1.5 years now. Love love love the lower costs. Only complain was the crappy Samsung S2 phones we purchased. Finally making myself pick up an Iphone 4s this coming week. Just didn't like the Android operating system. Looking forwward to working wtih iOS again. Will update again in a few weeks.

You were using a pretty old phone.

 

[ShaHBucks]

I read a few pages of this thread. I'm sure you guys covered these question, so I apologize for not being diligent in finding the answer to my request ahead of time.

I'm interested in moving my girlfriends phone from AT&T to whatever the best option might be. She is in a contract, I believe. What would be the cheapest/best option? Any of the recommended services buying out contracts? Any drawbacks to switching from the big carriers?

Thanks

 

[(HULK)]

I read a few pages of this thread. I'm sure you guys covered these question, so I apologize for not being diligent in finding the answer to my request ahead of time.

I'm interested in moving my girlfriends phone from AT&T to whatever the best option might be. She is in a contract, I believe. What would be the cheapest/best option? Any of the recommended services buying out contracts? Any drawbacks to switching from the big carriers?

Thanks

1) Cheapest/Best option depends ENTIRELY on how she uses her phone. There is no universal answer. How many minutes does she talk a month? How many texts does she send? How many MB of data does she use? Answer these questions and I can begin finding the best fit for her.

2) T-Mobile will pay off the Early Termination Fee in FULL if you switch to them. Ting will pay 25% of the ETF. Don't think there are any others offering this at the moment. How long has she been in her current contract? The ETF gets smaller the longer that amount of time is.

3) There isn't a store you can go to w/ these MVNOs. Thats really the only overall drawback. Service can be the same or altered. Customer service can be worse, but its also way better with some. It just really depends.

 

[ShaHBucks]

I read a few pages of this thread. I'm sure you guys covered these question, so I apologize for not being diligent in finding the answer to my request ahead of time.

I'm interested in moving my girlfriends phone from AT&T to whatever the best option might be. She is in a contract, I believe. What would be the cheapest/best option? Any of the recommended services buying out contracts? Any drawbacks to switching from the big carriers?

Thanks

1) Cheapest/Best option depends ENTIRELY on how she uses her phone. There is no universal answer. How many minutes does she talk a month? How many texts does she send? How many MB of data does she use? Answer these questions and I can begin finding the best fit for her.

2) T-Mobile will pay off the Early Termination Fee in FULL if you switch to them. Ting will pay 25% of the ETF. Don't think there are any others offering this at the moment. How long has she been in her current contract? The ETF gets smaller the longer that amount of time is.

3) There isn't a store you can go to w/ these MVNOs. Thats really the only overall drawback. Service can be the same or altered. Customer service can be worse, but its also way better with some. It just really depends.

I just checked her past usage. On the high end she's using 3-4k messages, 0.3 gb of data (she's willing not to even get a data plan), and 2.5-3.5k talk. A real school girl.. I'm sure I can get her to use the phone less, but if she wouldn't have to alter her current usage much that would be great.

She just started a 2-year contract. About 5-6 months into it.

 

[the moops]

3500 talk minutes a month. jesus. that is more than twice as much as I talk in a year.

 

[(HULK)]

I read a few pages of this thread. I'm sure you guys covered these question, so I apologize for not being diligent in finding the answer to my request ahead of time.

I'm interested in moving my girlfriends phone from AT&T to whatever the best option might be. She is in a contract, I believe. What would be the cheapest/best option? Any of the recommended services buying out contracts? Any drawbacks to switching from the big carriers?

Thanks

1) Cheapest/Best option depends ENTIRELY on how she uses her phone. There is no universal answer. How many minutes does she talk a month? How many texts does she send? How many MB of data does she use? Answer these questions and I can begin finding the best fit for her.

2) T-Mobile will pay off the Early Termination Fee in FULL if you switch to them. Ting will pay 25% of the ETF. Don't think there are any others offering this at the moment. How long has she been in her current contract? The ETF gets smaller the longer that amount of time is.

3) There isn't a store you can go to w/ these MVNOs. Thats really the only overall drawback. Service can be the same or altered. Customer service can be worse, but its also way better with some. It just really depends.

I just checked her past usage. On the high end she's using 3-4k messages, 0.3 gb of data (she's willing not to even get a data plan), and 2.5-3.5k talk. A real school girl.. I'm sure I can get her to use the phone less, but if she wouldn't have to alter her current usage much that would be great.

She just started a 2-year contract. About 5-6 months into it.

What is she currently paying?

Being 5-6 months in her current contract = high ETF, probably around $300.

So, I'd say switching to T-Mobile would be best as they'd pay that off.

Plan wise, for her she doesn't need to force herself to change her habits, she just needs unlimited calls and texts, and just a smidge of data. They have a Simple Starter plan with unlimited calls/texts and 500 MB of data for just $40 a month. Seems like that'd be the best fit for her.

 

[ShaHBucks]

I read a few pages of this thread. I'm sure you guys covered these question, so I apologize for not being diligent in finding the answer to my request ahead of time.

I'm interested in moving my girlfriends phone from AT&T to whatever the best option might be. She is in a contract, I believe. What would be the cheapest/best option? Any of the recommended services buying out contracts? Any drawbacks to switching from the big carriers?

Thanks

1) Cheapest/Best option depends ENTIRELY on how she uses her phone. There is no universal answer. How many minutes does she talk a month? How many texts does she send? How many MB of data does she use? Answer these questions and I can begin finding the best fit for her.

2) T-Mobile will pay off the Early Termination Fee in FULL if you switch to them. Ting will pay 25% of the ETF. Don't think there are any others offering this at the moment. How long has she been in her current contract? The ETF gets smaller the longer that amount of time is.

3) There isn't a store you can go to w/ these MVNOs. Thats really the only overall drawback. Service can be the same or altered. Customer service can be worse, but its also way better with some. It just really depends.

I just checked her past usage. On the high end she's using 3-4k messages, 0.3 gb of data (she's willing not to even get a data plan), and 2.5-3.5k talk. A real school girl.. I'm sure I can get her to use the phone less, but if she wouldn't have to alter her current usage much that would be great.

She just started a 2-year contract. About 5-6 months into it.

What is she currently paying?

Being 5-6 months in her current contract = high ETF, probably around $300.

So, I'd say switching to T-Mobile would be best as they'd pay that off.

Plan wise, for her she doesn't need to force herself to change her habits, she just needs unlimited calls and texts, and just a smidge of data. They have a Simple Starter plan with unlimited calls/texts and 500 MB of data for just $40 a month. Seems like that'd be the best fit for her.

75$/month after fees I believe.

I'll check that out now. Thanks a lot!