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

[(HULK)]

OK, looking to see if I can get a recomendation. My 13 year old just made the A honor roll finally, and his promised reward was a cell phone. I don't want to add him to the plan my family plan, because he doesn't need a Cadillac plan, or a Cadillac phone. I'm guessing he is looking just to be able to play Clash of Clans and the like away from Wi-Fi, and text his friends. Talking will be minimal. What kind of options/phones am I looking at?

Any GSM phone and the T-Mobile $30 prepaid plan imo. 100 minutes, unlimited texts, 5 GB LTE. Ideal for young boys.

Get him a Moto G or E. LTE Version.

That's the best I'm looking at? Bummer. I can add a line to my Sprint family plan for $30 with contract, but hoping there was a better option.

Probably.

You're under a contract? What are you paying? How many phones and what is each phone's usage (m/t/data)?

 

[Bull Dozier]

OK, looking to see if I can get a recomendation. My 13 year old just made the A honor roll finally, and his promised reward was a cell phone. I don't want to add him to the plan my family plan, because he doesn't need a Cadillac plan, or a Cadillac phone. I'm guessing he is looking just to be able to play Clash of Clans and the like away from Wi-Fi, and text his friends. Talking will be minimal. What kind of options/phones am I looking at?

Any GSM phone and the T-Mobile $30 prepaid plan imo. 100 minutes, unlimited texts, 5 GB LTE. Ideal for young boys.

Get him a Moto G or E. LTE Version.

That's the best I'm looking at? Bummer. I can add a line to my Sprint family plan for $30 with contract, but hoping there was a better option.

Probably.

You're under a contract? What are you paying? How many phones and what is each phone's usage (m/t/data)?

Yes, I'm under a Sprint contract. I'm sure I'm pissing money away, but three of us all signed up at different times so our contracts expire at different times and its never been convenient to look at options. I'm sure we could get out of it and find something more affordable but honestly, I love having unlimited data and never having to worry about an overage.

 

[(HULK)]

OK, looking to see if I can get a recomendation. My 13 year old just made the A honor roll finally, and his promised reward was a cell phone. I don't want to add him to the plan my family plan, because he doesn't need a Cadillac plan, or a Cadillac phone. I'm guessing he is looking just to be able to play Clash of Clans and the like away from Wi-Fi, and text his friends. Talking will be minimal. What kind of options/phones am I looking at?

Any GSM phone and the T-Mobile $30 prepaid plan imo. 100 minutes, unlimited texts, 5 GB LTE. Ideal for young boys.

Get him a Moto G or E. LTE Version.

That's the best I'm looking at? Bummer. I can add a line to my Sprint family plan for $30 with contract, but hoping there was a better option.

Probably.

You're under a contract? What are you paying? How many phones and what is each phone's usage (m/t/data)?

Yes, I'm under a Sprint contract. I'm sure I'm pissing money away, but three of us all signed up at different times so our contracts expire at different times and its never been convenient to look at options. I'm sure we could get out of it and find something more affordable but honestly, I love having unlimited data and never having to worry about an overage.

Look at a bill and see how much data you're actually using. Then reconsider. Unless you like burning cash for sport.

 

[StrikeS2k]

OK, looking to see if I can get a recomendation. My 13 year old just made the A honor roll finally, and his promised reward was a cell phone. I don't want to add him to the plan my family plan, because he doesn't need a Cadillac plan, or a Cadillac phone. I'm guessing he is looking just to be able to play Clash of Clans and the like away from Wi-Fi, and text his friends. Talking will be minimal. What kind of options/phones am I looking at?

Any GSM phone and the T-Mobile $30 prepaid plan imo. 100 minutes, unlimited texts, 5 GB LTE. Ideal for young boys.

Get him a Moto G or E. LTE Version.

That's the best I'm looking at? Bummer. I can add a line to my Sprint family plan for $30 with contract, but hoping there was a better option.

Probably.

You're under a contract? What are you paying? How many phones and what is each phone's usage (m/t/data)?

Yes, I'm under a Sprint contract. I'm sure I'm pissing money away, but three of us all signed up at different times so our contracts expire at different times and its never been convenient to look at options. I'm sure we could get out of it and find something more affordable but honestly, I love having unlimited data and never having to worry about an overage.

Look at a bill and see how much data you're actually using. Then reconsider. Unless you like burning cash for sport.

yup. Ting's website will tell you how much your bill will be with them if you put in your minutes/data usage from your Sprint bills. I've been averaging $17/month since I switched to Ting a few months ago. Literally saving me $50/month.

 

[Hawks64]

So I am looking for a plan that can use an iPhone (will need to buy unless they offer one cheap) for my 11yr old. Minimal voice and texts. In the Chicago area and would prefer the Verizon network...what are my options?

 

[heckmanm]

OK, looking to see if I can get a recomendation. My 13 year old just made the A honor roll finally, and his promised reward was a cell phone. I don't want to add him to the plan my family plan, because he doesn't need a Cadillac plan, or a Cadillac phone. I'm guessing he is looking just to be able to play Clash of Clans and the like away from Wi-Fi, and text his friends. Talking will be minimal. What kind of options/phones am I looking at?

Any GSM phone and the T-Mobile $30 prepaid plan imo. 100 minutes, unlimited texts, 5 GB LTE. Ideal for young boys.

Get him a Moto G or E. LTE Version.

That's the best I'm looking at? Bummer. I can add a line to my Sprint family plan for $30 with contract, but hoping there was a better option.

Probably.

You're under a contract? What are you paying? How many phones and what is each phone's usage (m/t/data)?

Yes, I'm under a Sprint contract. I'm sure I'm pissing money away, but three of us all signed up at different times so our contracts expire at different times and its never been convenient to look at options. I'm sure we could get out of it and find something more affordable but honestly, I love having unlimited data and never having to worry about an overage.

Look at a bill and see how much data you're actually using. Then reconsider. Unless you like burning cash for sport.

yup. Ting's website will tell you how much your bill will be with them if you put in your minutes/data usage from your Sprint bills. I've been averaging $17/month since I switched to Ting a few months ago. Literally saving me $50/month.

They'll also pay 25% of your ETF, I think. And any Ting user (including me!) can give you a referral code that gets you a credit up front.

 

[Bull Dozier]

OK, looking to see if I can get a recomendation. My 13 year old just made the A honor roll finally, and his promised reward was a cell phone. I don't want to add him to the plan my family plan, because he doesn't need a Cadillac plan, or a Cadillac phone. I'm guessing he is looking just to be able to play Clash of Clans and the like away from Wi-Fi, and text his friends. Talking will be minimal. What kind of options/phones am I looking at?

Any GSM phone and the T-Mobile $30 prepaid plan imo. 100 minutes, unlimited texts, 5 GB LTE. Ideal for young boys.

Get him a Moto G or E. LTE Version.

That's the best I'm looking at? Bummer. I can add a line to my Sprint family plan for $30 with contract, but hoping there was a better option.

Probably.

You're under a contract? What are you paying? How many phones and what is each phone's usage (m/t/data)?

Yes, I'm under a Sprint contract. I'm sure I'm pissing money away, but three of us all signed up at different times so our contracts expire at different times and its never been convenient to look at options. I'm sure we could get out of it and find something more affordable but honestly, I love having unlimited data and never having to worry about an overage.

Look at a bill and see how much data you're actually using. Then reconsider. Unless you like burning cash for sport.

yup. Ting's website will tell you how much your bill will be with them if you put in your minutes/data usage from your Sprint bills. I've been averaging $17/month since I switched to Ting a few months ago. Literally saving me $50/month.

Ran the numbers and it doesn't make sense to switch until I get closer to contract termination. Will check back later.

 

[(HULK)]

So I am looking for a plan that can use an iPhone (will need to buy unless they offer one cheap) for my 11yr old. Minimal voice and texts. In the Chicago area and would prefer the Verizon network...what are my options?

Not a lot of cheap Verizon options. Chicago is a major city... you sure the other carriers aren't up to par there? Usually in major cities they're all pretty good.

 

[Hawks64]

So I am looking for a plan that can use an iPhone (will need to buy unless they offer one cheap) for my 11yr old. Minimal voice and texts. In the Chicago area and would prefer the Verizon network...what are my options?

Not a lot of cheap Verizon options. Chicago is a major city... you sure the other carriers aren't up to par there? Usually in major cities they're all pretty good.

I have a work at&t phone and it flat out sucks where I live. Signal is bad and drop calls constantly while my Verizon phone is fine What are some cheap options in this area?

 

[(HULK)]

So I am looking for a plan that can use an iPhone (will need to buy unless they offer one cheap) for my 11yr old. Minimal voice and texts. In the Chicago area and would prefer the Verizon network...what are my options?

Not a lot of cheap Verizon options. Chicago is a major city... you sure the other carriers aren't up to par there? Usually in major cities they're all pretty good.

I have a work at&t phone and it flat out sucks where I live. Signal is bad and drop calls constantly while my Verizon phone is fine What are some cheap options in this area?

Any of your neighbors on Sprint or T-Mobile. Ask them how their coverage is. The cheapest options are almost always with their MVNOs.

ETA: Ting is a great option for a minimal use phone and has the iPhone. But they're only on Sprint and Tmobile's networks.

 

[Hawks64]

So I am looking for a plan that can use an iPhone (will need to buy unless they offer one cheap) for my 11yr old. Minimal voice and texts. In the Chicago area and would prefer the Verizon network...what are my options?

Not a lot of cheap Verizon options. Chicago is a major city... you sure the other carriers aren't up to par there? Usually in major cities they're all pretty good.

I have a work at&t phone and it flat out sucks where I live. Signal is bad and drop calls constantly while my Verizon phone is fine What are some cheap options in this area?

Any of your neighbors on Sprint or T-Mobile. Ask them how their coverage is. The cheapest options are almost always with their MVNOs.

ETA: Ting is a great option for a minimal use phone and has the iPhone. But they're only on Sprint and Tmobile's networks.

Ok, I might give them a look.

 

[Apple Jack]

Anybody know a quick and painless way to unlock an iPhone 4S tied to an AT&T account that is not mine?

 

[Mr. Ected]

(Hulk) what is your thought on Cricket? I've been happy with Net10 (unlimited/Unlimited/3GB), but am taking a big trip this summer and need to get on something with the ability to HotSpot. I am traveling all over the country so something with good AT&T coverage would be best.

TIA,

 

[(HULK)]

(Hulk) what is your thought on Cricket? I've been happy with Net10 (unlimited/Unlimited/3GB), but am taking a big trip this summer and need to get on something with the ability to HotSpot. I am traveling all over the country so something with good AT&T coverage would be best.

TIA,

Fine, but they cap LTE speed at 8 MBps, which is only okay IMO

 

[Mr. Ected]

(Hulk) what is your thought on Cricket? I've been happy with Net10 (unlimited/Unlimited/3GB), but am taking a big trip this summer and need to get on something with the ability to HotSpot. I am traveling all over the country so something with good AT&T coverage would be best.

TIA,

Fine, but they cap LTE speed at 8 MBps, which is only okay IMO

To quote the commercial, "that's half-fast."

Is there another good mvno that allows Hotspotting, on AT&T, I use 3gb now, but might need to bump up to 5 with Hotspotting and maybe more for my trip this summer. I am paying $45 with auto refill.

 

[(HULK)]

Just hotspot and don't tell them. Hope you don't get caught (you probably won't)

 

[Mr. Ected]

Just hotspot and don't tell them. Hope you don't get caught (you probably won't)

I would if I could, but I can't...

It doesn't show up on my iPhone 5s. I don't have the option on the Settings>Cellular page.

I don't think I want to jailbreak it.

 

[BigJohn]

Best place to sell a Verizon iPhone 5?

 

[None_More_Black]

So I am looking for a plan that can use an iPhone (will need to buy unless they offer one cheap) for my 11yr old. Minimal voice and texts. In the Chicago area and would prefer the Verizon network...what are my options?

Not a lot of cheap Verizon options. Chicago is a major city... you sure the other carriers aren't up to par there? Usually in major cities they're all pretty good.

I have a work at&t phone and it flat out sucks where I live. Signal is bad and drop calls constantly while my Verizon phone is fine What are some cheap options in this area?

Total wireless is a new verizon mvno. Very good prices. No lte though.

 

[(HULK)]

Just hotspot and don't tell them. Hope you don't get caught (you probably won't)

I would if I could, but I can't...

It doesn't show up on my iPhone 5s. I don't have the option on the Settings>Cellular page.

I don't think I want to jailbreak it.

Really? I've always been Android and it's baked in as an option.Given that, I'll take a look at my database tomorrow. It's a bit in need of updating, but I can probably figure something out.

 

[(HULK)]

So I am looking for a plan that can use an iPhone (will need to buy unless they offer one cheap) for my 11yr old. Minimal voice and texts. In the Chicago area and would prefer the Verizon network...what are my options?

Not a lot of cheap Verizon options. Chicago is a major city... you sure the other carriers aren't up to par there? Usually in major cities they're all pretty good.

I have a work at&t phone and it flat out sucks where I live. Signal is bad and drop calls constantly while my Verizon phone is fine What are some cheap options in this area?

Total wireless is a new verizon mvno. Very good prices. No lte though.

It's actually just a rebranding of Tracphone.

 

[Mr. Ected]

Just hotspot and don't tell them. Hope you don't get caught (you probably won't)

I would if I could, but I can't...

It doesn't show up on my iPhone 5s. I don't have the option on the Settings>Cellular page.

I don't think I want to jailbreak it.

Really? I've always been Android and it's baked in as an option.Given that, I'll take a look at my database tomorrow. It's a bit in need of updating, but I can probably figure something out.

I need to dig further too. I saw something on their forum where they responded directly to the users.

 

[(HULK)]

Just hotspot and don't tell them. Hope you don't get caught (you probably won't)

I would if I could, but I can't...

It doesn't show up on my iPhone 5s. I don't have the option on the Settings>Cellular page.

I don't think I want to jailbreak it.

Really? I've always been Android and it's baked in as an option.Given that, I'll take a look at my database tomorrow. It's a bit in need of updating, but I can probably figure something out.

I need to dig further too. I saw something on their forum where they responded directly to the users.

Anyway I slice it, I keep coming up with a MASSIVE price increase for you. Like over $100.

Maybe get one of these: http://www.att.com/shop/wireless/devices/hotspots.html

It's $50 a month for 5 GB of data.

 

[Mr. Ected]

Just hotspot and don't tell them. Hope you don't get caught (you probably won't)

I would if I could, but I can't...

It doesn't show up on my iPhone 5s. I don't have the option on the Settings>Cellular page.

I don't think I want to jailbreak it.

Really? I've always been Android and it's baked in as an option.Given that, I'll take a look at my database tomorrow. It's a bit in need of updating, but I can probably figure something out.

I need to dig further too. I saw something on their forum where they responded directly to the users.

Called and they said that they did not support phone-based Hotspotting. The Support agent said this was due to their sale of separate hotspotting devices. Kinda BS how they feel the need to limit my use of data that I paid for on my device.

Feel the need to switch networks.

Been researching and it looks like T-Mobile is limiting the speed of their 'Simply Prepaid' programs to 8Mbps.

 

[(HULK)]

Just hotspot and don't tell them. Hope you don't get caught (you probably won't)

I would if I could, but I can't...

It doesn't show up on my iPhone 5s. I don't have the option on the Settings>Cellular page.

I don't think I want to jailbreak it.

Really? I've always been Android and it's baked in as an option.Given that, I'll take a look at my database tomorrow. It's a bit in need of updating, but I can probably figure something out.

I need to dig further too. I saw something on their forum where they responded directly to the users.

Called and they said that they did not support phone-based Hotspotting. The Support agent said this was due to their sale of separate hotspotting devices. Kinda BS how they feel the need to limit my use of data that I paid for on my device.

Feel the need to switch networks.

Been researching and it looks like T-Mobile is limiting the speed of their 'Simply Prepaid' programs to 8Mbps.

I'm not pleased to see this sneaky trick catching on.

FYI, Solavei has similar price points to the T-Mobile Simply Prepaid, and they do NOT cap LTE speeds. Hotspotting isn't supported, but I've done it a handful of times. Granted, my phone is Android.

 

[Mr. Ected]

I was trying to figure out the prices on Plain old AT&T wireless, BYOP. It is requiring me to enter the IMEI for my phone before getting to the information, and it continuously gives me an error. Trying to deal with their CS is making me want to pull out what little hair I have left!!!! The number on the webpage sends me to a number that is only for customers, and no one has any information.

I am using a unlocked iPhone 5s that I purchased from Apple. I have used it both on T-Mobile and Net10 (AT&T side) so it should work on the main AT&T network, right?

 

[Sand]

Just hotspot and don't tell them. Hope you don't get caught (you probably won't)

I would if I could, but I can't...

It doesn't show up on my iPhone 5s. I don't have the option on the Settings>Cellular page.

I don't think I want to jailbreak it.

Really? I've always been Android and it's baked in as an option.Given that, I'll take a look at my database tomorrow. It's a bit in need of updating, but I can probably figure something out.

I need to dig further too. I saw something on their forum where they responded directly to the users.

Called and they said that they did not support phone-based Hotspotting. The Support agent said this was due to their sale of separate hotspotting devices. Kinda BS how they feel the need to limit my use of data that I paid for on my device.

Feel the need to switch networks.

Been researching and it looks like T-Mobile is limiting the speed of their 'Simply Prepaid' programs to 8Mbps.

I'm not pleased to see this sneaky trick catching on.

FYI, Solavei has similar price points to the T-Mobile Simply Prepaid, and they do NOT cap LTE speeds. Hotspotting isn't supported, but I've done it a handful of times. Granted, my phone is Android.

I chuckle when I see these comments. My home DSL runs at 2-3Mbps. Currently living inside a 200MB/month data limit on the phone. 8Mbps is pretty much "we've gone to plaid."

 

[Keerock]

Just hotspot and don't tell them. Hope you don't get caught (you probably won't)

I would if I could, but I can't...

It doesn't show up on my iPhone 5s. I don't have the option on the Settings>Cellular page.

I don't think I want to jailbreak it.

Really? I've always been Android and it's baked in as an option.Given that, I'll take a look at my database tomorrow. It's a bit in need of updating, but I can probably figure something out.

I need to dig further too. I saw something on their forum where they responded directly to the users.

Called and they said that they did not support phone-based Hotspotting. The Support agent said this was due to their sale of separate hotspotting devices. Kinda BS how they feel the need to limit my use of data that I paid for on my device.

Feel the need to switch networks.

Been researching and it looks like T-Mobile is limiting the speed of their 'Simply Prepaid' programs to 8Mbps.

I'm not pleased to see this sneaky trick catching on.

FYI, Solavei has similar price points to the T-Mobile Simply Prepaid, and they do NOT cap LTE speeds. Hotspotting isn't supported, but I've done it a handful of times. Granted, my phone is Android.

I chuckle when I see these comments. My home DSL runs at 2-3Mbps. Currently living inside a 200MB/month data limit on the phone. 8Mbps is pretty much "we've gone to plaid."

JFC... where do you live, Alabama?

 

[Psychopav]

Just hotspot and don't tell them. Hope you don't get caught (you probably won't)

I would if I could, but I can't...

It doesn't show up on my iPhone 5s. I don't have the option on the Settings>Cellular page.

I don't think I want to jailbreak it.

Really? I've always been Android and it's baked in as an option.Given that, I'll take a look at my database tomorrow. It's a bit in need of updating, but I can probably figure something out.

I need to dig further too. I saw something on their forum where they responded directly to the users.

Called and they said that they did not support phone-based Hotspotting. The Support agent said this was due to their sale of separate hotspotting devices. Kinda BS how they feel the need to limit my use of data that I paid for on my device.

Feel the need to switch networks.

Been researching and it looks like T-Mobile is limiting the speed of their 'Simply Prepaid' programs to 8Mbps.

I'm not pleased to see this sneaky trick catching on.FYI, Solavei has similar price points to the T-Mobile Simply Prepaid, and they do NOT cap LTE speeds. Hotspotting isn't supported, but I've done it a handful of times. Granted, my phone is Android.

I chuckle when I see these comments. My home DSL runs at 2-3Mbps. Currently living inside a 200MB/month data limit on the phone. 8Mbps is pretty much "we've gone to plaid."

I bet you love waiting for those pictures of Captain Janeway to render, huh?

Out of curiosity, what do you pay for a month of 2~3 Mbps DSL service?

 

[Sand]

Just hotspot and don't tell them. Hope you don't get caught (you probably won't)

I would if I could, but I can't...

It doesn't show up on my iPhone 5s. I don't have the option on the Settings>Cellular page.

I don't think I want to jailbreak it.

Really? I've always been Android and it's baked in as an option.Given that, I'll take a look at my database tomorrow. It's a bit in need of updating, but I can probably figure something out.

I need to dig further too. I saw something on their forum where they responded directly to the users.

Called and they said that they did not support phone-based Hotspotting. The Support agent said this was due to their sale of separate hotspotting devices. Kinda BS how they feel the need to limit my use of data that I paid for on my device.

Feel the need to switch networks.

Been researching and it looks like T-Mobile is limiting the speed of their 'Simply Prepaid' programs to 8Mbps.

I'm not pleased to see this sneaky trick catching on.FYI, Solavei has similar price points to the T-Mobile Simply Prepaid, and they do NOT cap LTE speeds. Hotspotting isn't supported, but I've done it a handful of times. Granted, my phone is Android.

I chuckle when I see these comments. My home DSL runs at 2-3Mbps. Currently living inside a 200MB/month data limit on the phone. 8Mbps is pretty much "we've gone to plaid."

I bet you love waiting for those pictures of Captain Janeway to render, huh?

Out of curiosity, what do you pay for a month of 2~3 Mbps DSL service?

$45 a month, I think, with all the taxes.

 

[(HULK)]

Just hotspot and don't tell them. Hope you don't get caught (you probably won't)

I would if I could, but I can't...

It doesn't show up on my iPhone 5s. I don't have the option on the Settings>Cellular page.

I don't think I want to jailbreak it.

Really? I've always been Android and it's baked in as an option.Given that, I'll take a look at my database tomorrow. It's a bit in need of updating, but I can probably figure something out.

I need to dig further too. I saw something on their forum where they responded directly to the users.

Called and they said that they did not support phone-based Hotspotting. The Support agent said this was due to their sale of separate hotspotting devices. Kinda BS how they feel the need to limit my use of data that I paid for on my device.

Feel the need to switch networks.

Been researching and it looks like T-Mobile is limiting the speed of their 'Simply Prepaid' programs to 8Mbps.

I'm not pleased to see this sneaky trick catching on.FYI, Solavei has similar price points to the T-Mobile Simply Prepaid, and they do NOT cap LTE speeds. Hotspotting isn't supported, but I've done it a handful of times. Granted, my phone is Android.

I chuckle when I see these comments. My home DSL runs at 2-3Mbps. Currently living inside a 200MB/month data limit on the phone. 8Mbps is pretty much "we've gone to plaid."

I bet you love waiting for those pictures of Captain Janeway to render, huh?

Out of curiosity, what do you pay for a month of 2~3 Mbps DSL service?

$45 a month, I think, with all the taxes.

That is ridiculous.

If you want Fios 25 GBps here it's just $39 a month.

 

[Mr. Ected]

Another reason to dislike Net10. I was in an AT&T store today talking about setting up my phone for their service. Couldn't get my IMEI number to register on their website. The guy said AT&T couldn't do a transfer and keep my number.

I was going to get 3G thru AT&T with rollover with Hotspotting for $65. Not great, but passable.

 

[Jaysus]

Another reason to dislike Net10. I was in an AT&T store today talking about setting up my phone for their service. Couldn't get my IMEI number to register on their website. The guy said AT&T couldn't do a transfer and keep my number.

I was going to get 3G thru AT&T with rollover with Hotspotting for $65. Not great, but passable.

Port your number to Google Voice, there a fee for that but at least you won't lose your number.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Hulk - Can you provide a recommendation for Milwaukee - 53202? We are with US Cellular and are coming off contract next month. We have USCellular Moto 4G phones and are ready to ditch them and buy new phones if needed. We are not tech savvy, need something simple and intuitive, and are light users - usually combined 2-3 hours voice, 500 or so texts and 1gb or so data. U.S. cellular is good here, as is Verizon and ATT. We currently spend about $150 per month for two phones and want to bring that way down if we can. TIA!

 

[Mr. Ected]

Another reason to dislike Net10. I was in an AT&T store today talking about setting up my phone for their service. Couldn't get my IMEI number to register on their website. The guy said AT&T couldn't do a transfer and keep my number.

I was going to get 3G thru AT&T with rollover with Hotspotting for $65. Not great, but passable.

Port your number to Google Voice, there a fee for that but at least you won't lose your number.

In talking to another person at AT&T and confirming it with Net10, I just need to call Net10 and have them 'unlock' my number for portability. Shows if you get an unreasonable answer that you don't like thru CS, keep trying to find a person who knows what their doing.

 

[(HULK)]

Hulk - Can you provide a recommendation for Milwaukee - 53202? We are with US Cellular and are coming off contract next month. We have USCellular Moto 4G phones and are ready to ditch them and buy new phones if needed. We are not tech savvy, need something simple and intuitive, and are light users - usually combined 2-3 hours voice, 500 or so texts and 1gb or so data. U.S. cellular is good here, as is Verizon and ATT. We currently spend about $150 per month for two phones and want to bring that way down if we can. TIA!

bump this or PM me on Monday and I will answer. Sorry, not near my computer until then

 

[CletiusMaximus]

When I entered my phone info on the Ting website, I got this message:

Your XT901, Electrify M is compatible with Ting.Assuming your device is unlocked, it can come to Ting today. It will support the following services once it's here.

• Your device must be unlocked in order to activate on Ting. If you're sure it's unlocked then you're good to go! Otherwise, you'll need to speak to your previous carrier in order to get the device unlock code.

Your XT901, Electrify M will require a Ting SIM card to activate. If you already have your Ting SIM card you can jump straight to activation. Otherwise...

I'm sure my phone is not unlocked. My contract with US Cellular expires next month. What are the odds US Cellular will give me the "device unlock code"? I'm assuming they won't, right? Assuming we have to buy new phones, is there any value to these 2 year old Electrify M phones, or are they junk?

 

[Jaysus]

When I entered my phone info on the Ting website, I got this message:

Your XT901, Electrify M is compatible with Ting.Assuming your device is unlocked, it can come to Ting today. It will support the following services once it's here.

• Your device must be unlocked in order to activate on Ting. If you're sure it's unlocked then you're good to go! Otherwise, you'll need to speak to your previous carrier in order to get the device unlock code.

Your XT901, Electrify M will require a Ting SIM card to activate. If you already have your Ting SIM card you can jump straight to activation. Otherwise...

I'm sure my phone is not unlocked. My contract with US Cellular expires next month. What are the odds US Cellular will give me the "device unlock code"? I'm assuming they won't, right? Assuming we have to buy new phones, is there any value to these 2 year old Electrify M phones, or are they junk?

Two year contract? They will probably give it to you.... maybe feed them a story about how you need it unlocked for international travel??

 

[heckmanm]

When I entered my phone info on the Ting website, I got this message:

Your XT901, Electrify M is compatible with Ting.Assuming your device is unlocked, it can come to Ting today. It will support the following services once it's here.

• Your device must be unlocked in order to activate on Ting. If you're sure it's unlocked then you're good to go! Otherwise, you'll need to speak to your previous carrier in order to get the device unlock code.

Your XT901, Electrify M will require a Ting SIM card to activate. If you already have your Ting SIM card you can jump straight to activation. Otherwise...

I'm sure my phone is not unlocked. My contract with US Cellular expires next month. What are the odds US Cellular will give me the "device unlock code"? I'm assuming they won't, right? Assuming we have to buy new phones, is there any value to these 2 year old Electrify M phones, or are they junk?

Legalese

For devices capable of being unlocked are there any eligibility requirements that need to be satisfied before a device may be unlocked?Yes. Postpaid customers seeking to unlock a device must satisfy all of these requirements;

• Completed the contractual obligations for the account to which the device was assigned such as by expiration of the term of the service agreement or payment of any applicable early termination fee or payment of the device under any financing contract. Devices for which the customer paid the retail price without a contractual term commitment can be unlocked at any time.
• Current customers must not have any past due balance and former customers must have no outstanding account balances or prior write offs.

Ting will pay a portion of your ETF, I believe.

 

[Bucks]

Hey Hulk or any other Ting user's out there. Did any of you recently get an email about $50 referral's and $100 credit for new customer sign-up? If so please PM me for my email to send me referral link for that promotion. I have three phones on Red Pockets GSM-Tmobile data only plan that just went out of service. Without notice they shut down their t-mobile MVNO service. I was getting by using a Data Only Plan with Hangouts for voice and text for just $15/month total for 3 phones. Looks like that party is over.

With Ting now offering t-mobile GSM I think that is the best alternative for the time being.

 

[Mr.Pack]

Hey Hulk or any other Ting user's out there. Did any of you recently get an email about $50 referral's and $100 credit for new customer sign-up? If so please PM me for my email to send me referral link for that promotion. I have three phones on Red Pockets GSM-Tmobile data only plan that just went out of service. Without notice they shut down their t-mobile MVNO service. I was getting by using a Data Only Plan with Hangouts for voice and text for just $15/month total for 3 phones. Looks like that party is over.

With Ting now offering t-mobile GSM I think that is the best alternative for the time being.

PM Sent

 

[simsarge]

 

[Mr. Ected]

Not sure if this has been asked before, but my folks are looking into Consumer Cellular. I am pretty sure it's AT&T based, but is this a good service?

The other question, not as important, is do they allow Hotspot/Tethering? I was with Net10 and they blocked it. Caused me to leave.

Thanks Hulk!

 

[(HULK)]

Not sure if this has been asked before, but my folks are looking into Consumer Cellular. I am pretty sure it's AT&T based, but is this a good service?

The other question, not as important, is do they allow Hotspot/Tethering? I was with Net10 and they blocked it. Caused me to leave.

Thanks Hulk!

Consumer Cellular has a great reputation. It is indeed AT&T based. If the plans fit for your folks, go for it. Awesome customer service.

Not sure on the hotspotting, I'm a bit rusty and don't have my DB handy at my new workplace. I think it is prohibited, but I"m just making an educated guess.

 

[Keerock]

Not sure if this has been asked before, but my folks are looking into Consumer Cellular. I am pretty sure it's AT&T based, but is this a good service?

The other question, not as important, is do they allow Hotspot/Tethering? I was with Net10 and they blocked it. Caused me to leave.

Thanks Hulk!

Consumer Cellular has a great reputation. It is indeed AT&T based. If the plans fit for your folks, go for it. Awesome customer service.

Not sure on the hotspotting, I'm a bit rusty and don't have my DB handy at my new workplace. I think it is prohibited, but I"m just making an educated guess.

I (well, HULK) turned my parents on to Consumer Cellular and they were/are extremely happy with the service (and savings). Not a chance in hell they even know what hotspotting means (my step-mom would probably say she passed that change years ago).. so I can't help you there.

 

[Mr. Ected]

Not sure if this has been asked before, but my folks are looking into Consumer Cellular. I am pretty sure it's AT&T based, but is this a good service?

The other question, not as important, is do they allow Hotspot/Tethering? I was with Net10 and they blocked it. Caused me to leave.

Thanks Hulk!

Consumer Cellular has a great reputation. It is indeed AT&T based. If the plans fit for your folks, go for it. Awesome customer service.

Not sure on the hotspotting, I'm a bit rusty and don't have my DB handy at my new workplace. I think it is prohibited, but I"m just making an educated guess.

I (well, HULK) turned my parents on to Consumer Cellular and they were/are extremely happy with the service (and savings). Not a chance in hell they even know what hotspotting means (my step-mom would probably say she passed that change years ago).. so I can't help you there.

My dad didn't know what it was, but when I explained it to him (small words ), he was interested for use with his iPad that doesn't have internet.

 

[heckmanm]

We've got the kids on Ting, but I'm considering Consumer Cellular for my phone. AT&T coverage is much better around here than Sprint.

Just to confirm - if I buy a GSM phone on eBay, it really doesn't matter if it was originally an AT&T or T-Mobile phone, as long as it's unlocked, right? I'd get a new SIM card from Consumer Cellular.

 

[(HULK)]

We've got the kids on Ting, but I'm considering Consumer Cellular for my phone. AT&T coverage is much better around here than Sprint.

Just to confirm - if I buy a GSM phone on eBay, it really doesn't matter if it was originally an AT&T or T-Mobile phone, as long as it's unlocked, right? I'd get a new SIM card from Consumer Cellular.

Depends on the phone. T-Mobile and AT&T use some different bands... you'd have to specifically look at what bands the radio picks up and what AT&T uses in your region.

If the phone is a recent model, it probably has all the bands covered. Older, not so much.

 

[heckmanm]

We've got the kids on Ting, but I'm considering Consumer Cellular for my phone. AT&T coverage is much better around here than Sprint.

Just to confirm - if I buy a GSM phone on eBay, it really doesn't matter if it was originally an AT&T or T-Mobile phone, as long as it's unlocked, right? I'd get a new SIM card from Consumer Cellular.

Depends on the phone. T-Mobile and AT&T use some different bands... you'd have to specifically look at what bands the radio picks up and what AT&T uses in your region.

If the phone is a recent model, it probably has all the bands covered. Older, not so much.

Good to know, thanks. I've got a Sprint iPhone 4s that I'm looking to hand off to my son, and look for a newer model (probably 5s) for myself.

 

[MindCrime]

I've jumped in and out of this thread over its lifespan, as I knew eventually I would want a cheap plan for my son once he got to the age of needing cell service. Unfortunately, I need a summary because 57 pages is a bit too much to scan through.

Wife and are are ATT. Son has my old iPhone 4s (ATT model). Currently it has no cell service, uses it as a glorified iPod on wifi, which also allows him to send iMessages and FaceTime via wifi.

I want to add cell service at a minimum. Not much, just enough for emergency calls from after school activities, etc. Would be cool if he could use the phone to make calls via wifi at home as well, but a google voice number can do that already, just hoping to not have to have 2 different numbers for him. Text and data aren't a major concern, but limited number of both wouldn't hurt.

Good ATT service in my area, but most carriers are represented well here in Orlando.

Suggestions on who I should look at to bring the iPhone 4s over to, and would it be cheaper than adding him to a family plan??

Thanks for any thoughts.