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

My 2 years with Verizon is coming to a conclusion in September. Bought the iPhone 6 the day it came out and went with Verizon. I'm currently paying $68 a month for 2 GB of data and free texting and all that stuff. I'm curious as to what is out there now. Stay with Verizon? Go back to ATT? Or, is there another option available? I don't see my phone usage changing anytime soon as in data requirements and such. If/When MSFT brings out a new phone, I'd maybe look into buying that phone due to work and business. But, there is no MSFT phone rumors or anything like that. So, what shall I do?
I love Google Fi now that I've used it outside of the U.S.  Used it in 5 different countries (UAE, Tanzania, Egypt, UK, and France) and was able to get service in all of them.  20 cents a minute to call the U.S. when not on wi-fi and data at the standard $10 per GB. 

The only reason not to use use Google Fi to me if you make a living with your phone (need Verizon's top tier coverage) or use a lot of non-wifi data.

 
I love Google Fi now that I've used it outside of the U.S.  Used it in 5 different countries (UAE, Tanzania, Egypt, UK, and France) and was able to get service in all of them.  20 cents a minute to call the U.S. when not on wi-fi and data at the standard $10 per GB. 

The only reason not to use use Google Fi to me if you make a living with your phone (need Verizon's top tier coverage) or use a lot of non-wifi data.
Google Fi means using an Android phone. That is something I'd rather not do since I'm using Apple/MSFT for other things and Google for practically nothing. Apple for home and MSFT for work with some overlap but I'd like to stay with one of these.

 
T-Mo's new plan good for:

-super heavy data users

-Families of 4 or more.  Hell of a deal if you're paying for 8 phones.

 
OK, I feel like I need to do a reset on my phone packages with all these new plans coming out.  Currently I'm paying too much and need to lower this:

My wife and I are on an old Sprint plan, unlimited everything for $149 per month.  I use quite a bit of data between spotify during the day, watching Netflix or Amazon Prime over lunch, use google maps all the time for directions, etc.  Wife use a far amount, not as much as me.

Three kids on a Ting plan.  They work like crazy to stay under the 2GB shared limit, but usually go over.  If they had some sort of unlimited plan, their usage would explode.  

Can't figure out the best plan between the new plans with Sprint and T-mobile.  My biggest question is the limits they are placing on their new plans.  I can't quite figure out if 480p is really that restricting for watching video on my phone.  I have a Note4 and watch Netflix.  Am I really getting a better picture now considering this is a 5 inch screen I'm looking at?

 
OK, I feel like I need to do a reset on my phone packages with all these new plans coming out.  Currently I'm paying too much and need to lower this:

My wife and I are on an old Sprint plan, unlimited everything for $149 per month.  I use quite a bit of data between spotify during the day, watching Netflix or Amazon Prime over lunch, use google maps all the time for directions, etc.  Wife use a far amount, not as much as me.

Three kids on a Ting plan.  They work like crazy to stay under the 2GB shared limit, but usually go over.  If they had some sort of unlimited plan, their usage would explode.  

Can't figure out the best plan between the new plans with Sprint and T-mobile.  My biggest question is the limits they are placing on their new plans.  I can't quite figure out if 480p is really that restricting for watching video on my phone.  I have a Note4 and watch Netflix.  Am I really getting a better picture now considering this is a 5 inch screen I'm looking at?
Honestly, the web videos I watch on my phone (pron) usually look great and I'm on T-Mobile.

As for pricing, it should be close to the same between the two.  Probably cheaper to bring your 3 kids into your plan now and just let everyone have unlimited.

 
Honestly, the web videos I watch on my phone (pron) usually look great and I'm on T-Mobile.

As for pricing, it should be close to the same between the two.  Probably cheaper to bring your 3 kids into your plan now and just let everyone have unlimited.
That's what I'm thinking.  I think the bigger issue while watching videos is actually getting service.  Having a video buffer because my connection is good is far more annoying than watching something less than crystal clear.  Let's face it, if I'm watching something on a five inch screen I am just passing time, not trying to recreate the theater experience.

Thanks for the input. I guess we're all back to Sprint.

 
Okay so just wanting to confirm, I am currently with Verizon but am hoping to move to Straight Talk Wireless' ATT network to avoid data throttling caps on their Verizon service. It appears my iPhone 6 supports both networks. 

My plan is to order the ATT activation kit w/ SIM Card and swap the card in. I am WANTING to try this out for a month and make sure everything works okay before canceling my Verizon service. 

1) Is this as simple as swapping in my new Straight Talk ATT SimCard and activating the phone with them? 
2) If I want to switch back, can I just put my verizon SIM card back in the phone or do I have to call Verizon and do a song and dance? 
3) Just confirming, the ST ATT plan is pretty much ATT caliber service/speed with no data caps, for $55/mo for 10GB, right? 

Thanks in advance guys! 

 

 
Okay so just wanting to confirm, I am currently with Verizon but am hoping to move to Straight Talk Wireless' ATT network to avoid data throttling caps on their Verizon service. It appears my iPhone 6 supports both networks. 

My plan is to order the ATT activation kit w/ SIM Card and swap the card in. I am WANTING to try this out for a month and make sure everything works okay before canceling my Verizon service. 

1) Is this as simple as swapping in my new Straight Talk ATT SimCard and activating the phone with them? 
2) If I want to switch back, can I just put my verizon SIM card back in the phone or do I have to call Verizon and do a song and dance? 
3) Just confirming, the ST ATT plan is pretty much ATT caliber service/speed with no data caps, for $55/mo for 10GB, right? 

Thanks in advance guys!
 
(Hulk) can confirm this, but Verizon and AT&T SIMs aren't interchangeable, different networks. Can't use one phone on the other network and vice-versa.

 
(Hulk) can confirm this, but Verizon and AT&T SIMs aren't interchangeable, different networks. Can't use one phone on the other network and vice-versa.
That's not actually 100% I don't think... there is an iPhone 6 model (mine I believe) that comes unlocked and has both GSM and CDMA radios. If you scroll up, there are some details about it. I currently am having to use a SIM for Verizon service (normally doesn't use SIM). 

Im open to being corrected on this... but I think it's the case. 

 
See the problem with answering questions after not visiting the thread for a bit!!!

Did you solve the dual band question?
No idea.. just going to order the ST GSM Activation kit and fire it up... if it works, great. If not.. I'll go from there. Going to be pretty cool if this is indeed some magic uber-compatible phone.  My Verizon contract ends in a week (finally). 

 
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That's not actually 100% I don't think... there is an iPhone 6 model (mine I believe) that comes unlocked and has both GSM and CDMA radios. If you scroll up, there are some details about it. I currently am having to use a SIM for Verizon service (normally doesn't use SIM). 

Im open to being corrected on this... but I think it's the case. 
It should work.  But a phone can't be active on more than 1 network at a time.  So if you swap sims and activate on ST, that will cancel your Verizon account.

 
It should work.  But a phone can't be active on more than 1 network at a time.  So if you swap sims and activate on ST, that will cancel your Verizon account.
I do not think that is true (it may be for iphones or VZW, but I don't think it is)  I've swapped SIM cards on phones recently with no issue.  In fact, now that I think about it the phone I did it with was a VZW LG G3 that I was messing with a T-Mobile SIM with.

 
I do not think that is true (it may be for iphones or VZW, but I don't think it is)  I've swapped SIM cards on phones recently with no issue.  In fact, now that I think about it the phone I did it with was a VZW LG G3 that I was messing with a T-Mobile SIM with.
Wait, you're correct.  But if he ports his number, then that cancels the Verizon account.

 
(HULK) said:
Wait, you're correct.  But if he ports his number, then that cancels the Verizon account.
Maybe activate a new number on ST, then the next month port VZW number over... since it's month to month it shouldn't be an issue? or would I need another SIM? 

 
Pulled it out of my Lifeproof FrePower case and confirmed it is model A1549 which apparently is a true fully unlocked GSM model which seems to be compatible with damn near every network out there. :thumbup:   Will be looking into Net10 or StraightTalk on ATT towers then, based on your suggestions. Any difference between service from the two? 

Thanks again, guys... you rock.  

Do either Net10 or StraightTalk allow for hotspot use if the phone has the capability? 

EDIT: No tethering/hotspot use on these MVNOs
Personal Hotspot unavailable on StraightTalk (against TOS)
Personal Hotspot unavailable on Net10 Wireless (against TOS)
@(HULK) or anyone that knows, Will this phone work on project Fi?  My only complaint with this plan/service is how crappy the Nexus phones are.

 
Maybe activate a new number on ST, then the next month port VZW number over... since it's month to month it shouldn't be an issue? or would I need another SIM? 
I think you would need another SIM... not sure though.  That is something you will need cust service help with, and customer service help is probably the #1 trade off when moving to most MVNOs. 

You could always port the VZW number to Google Voice in a month to both end service with VZW and to be able to keep the number should you decide to ever switch to a different MVNO. 

 
GL w/ Straight Talk customer service... hope you speak Tegalo...

Pretty sure no iPhone works with Fi.  Unless they've changed their modus operandi recently.

 
don't know where else to put this and since @(HULK) seems pretty knowledgeable on phone things....  why the hell am i getting, nearly daily, phone calls from totally random numbers that don't ring? they just pop up on my caller id.  

i'm sitting here when the time stamp shows the call came through.  this some sort of deal whereby my phone is a proxy?

 
don't know where else to put this and since @(HULK) seems pretty knowledgeable on phone things....  why the hell am i getting, nearly daily, phone calls from totally random numbers that don't ring? they just pop up on my caller id.  

i'm sitting here when the time stamp shows the call came through.  this some sort of deal whereby my phone is a proxy?
No clue.  I have an app that can block #s.  It's a little intrusive though as it pops up on all calls.  Maybe get it temporarily.  It's called sync.me

 
My 2 years with Verizon is coming to a conclusion in September. Bought the iPhone 6 the day it came out and went with Verizon. I'm currently paying $68 a month for 2 GB of data and free texting and all that stuff. I'm curious as to what is out there now. Stay with Verizon? Go back to ATT? Or, is there another option available? I don't see my phone usage changing anytime soon as in data requirements and such.
This is where I'm at.  What did you end up doing?

Anybody have any suggestions?  I would like to stay with Apple stuff, btw.

 
This is where I'm at.  What did you end up doing?

Anybody have any suggestions?  I would like to stay with Apple stuff, btw.




 
Tmobile and Sprint are the cheapest major carriers out there. Single unlimited plans are around $50/month but Tmobile BYOD with no contract. Sprint is doing i7 promo with a 2 yr. VZW is more expensive but they'll toss in the i7 for nothing with a 2-yr. ATT is less expensive than VZW and is doing a promotion with i7s too. 

Check coverage in your area and also see what your device is worth in trade-in. I'm ending a 2 yr with VZW next month and looking. My gf is looking for a i7 while I'm considering something less than $350 in the android realm. I'm leaning Tmobile but Sprint might be good with the $0 i7 for her.

 
For one person with limited data use, it is probably the best choice.  I have three kids on a shared plan, and the data limits is the suck.  Will be going back to a Sprint family plan.
I have two kids and wife on this plan. Still saves a ton over Verizon. I am a bit of a tight wad on data usage, the three of them hover around 2gb total monthly. 

 
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I have two kids and wife on this plan. Still saves a ton over Verizon. I am a bit of a tight wad on data usage, the three of them hover around 2gb total monthly. 
YMMV obviously.  My kids struggle to stay under the 2gb basic cap, but usually go over.  Based on their usage, their bill is generally around $70 a month for three lines.  For $90, I can get them unlimited everything.  Life is too short to analyze my kids phone usage that much to save $20 a month.

 
YMMV obviously.  My kids struggle to stay under the 2gb basic cap, but usually go over.  Based on their usage, their bill is generally around $70 a month for three lines.  For $90, I can get them unlimited everything.  Life is too short to analyze my kids phone usage that much to save $20 a month.
I don't analyze, just tell them what I would like to see on the bill. Anywhere between 2-3 GB is fine with me.

I hate the phones. Probably the "get off my lawn" in me, but they are on them so often. We work on limiting, but when we do not it is a battle.

Plus I hate all the big boys - Verizon, At&t, Sprint, T-mobile - all bastards.

 
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I don't analyze, just tell them what I would like to see on the bill. Anywhere between 2-3 GB is fine with me.

I hate the phones. Probably the "get off my lawn" in me, but they are on them so often. We work on limiting, but when we do not it is a battle.

Plus I hate all the big boys - Verizon, At&t, Sprint, T-mobile - all bastards.
The 19 year old pays for her own portion of the bill.  That really handcuffs her.  She should be able to use her phone for GPS while driving someplace new, and whatever else, but she constricted by the iPhone's phantom data usage.

My 14 year old uses the most data, mainly snap chat.  I told him yesterday he needs to severely limit it until we get switched over.

The 13 year old hardly uses data.

I don't like the phones either, but it is the way kids communicate these days.  My 14 year old would sit at home all day doing nothing if you let him.  I want him to be social and get involved while in high school.  Restricting him from the way most people his age communicate would hurt that goal.

 
Just switched from AT&T to Verizon.  I have an IPhone 6, ported my # to Verizon, had to wait 2 business days for AT&T to unlock my phone (I thought it was unlocked since my contract was completed, but you have to request AT&T to unlock the phone, even if you are no longer under contract).  Anyway, I have an individual plan, unlimited talk/message, 2GB data, but get 1 additional GB for setting up autopay.   Really no different than my AT&T plan, but my monthly bill went from $70 to $45.

The guy at my local AT&T store told me that my IPhone 6 would not work on Verizon, glad I didn't listen to him.

 
Just switched from AT&T to Verizon.  I have an IPhone 6, ported my # to Verizon, had to wait 2 business days for AT&T to unlock my phone (I thought it was unlocked since my contract was completed, but you have to request AT&T to unlock the phone, even if you are no longer under contract).  Anyway, I have an individual plan, unlimited talk/message, 2GB data, but get 1 additional GB for setting up autopay.   Really no different than my AT&T plan, but my monthly bill went from $70 to $45.

The guy at my local AT&T store told me that my IPhone 6 would not work on Verizon, glad I didn't listen to him.




 
Are you doing the VZW prepaid then?

 
This is where I'm at.  What did you end up doing?

Anybody have any suggestions?  I would like to stay with Apple stuff, btw.
I haven't done anything yet. My first day off is this Friday at which time I may have this on my mind to go get done. I have no idea how this Ting works  but anything to save money is great with me.

 
just went over the weekend to scout new phone plans. We're currently with VZW and spending $160/month for our 6 GB plan. The gf is an Apple loyalist while I am a free thinking Androider. She wants to upgrade to iPhone 7s with 128 GB while I'm not especially committed to any android device. I've been rolling with a Motorola Droid Turbo and mostly very happy with it. 

- ATT has an unlimited plan essentially which throttles down to 3G speeds after our 6 GB plan for $60/month. Monthly line charges add another $40 to the plan. Device costs on top of that. 

- TMobile is about $50/month unlimited everything per line. Device costs not included.

- Sprint is offering that 6 GB plan we had with VZW for half the cost at $40. Monthly line charges are $40 combined. iPhone 7 would be like $30/month for a year before upgrade eligible. They're also doing a promo for a free Samsung S7 (non exploding Note).

The math seems to favor Sprint here and I think we'll pull the trigger this week on it. Anyone have experience with Sprint lately?

 
just went over the weekend to scout new phone plans. We're currently with VZW and spending $160/month for our 6 GB plan. The gf is an Apple loyalist while I am a free thinking Androider. She wants to upgrade to iPhone 7s with 128 GB while I'm not especially committed to any android device. I've been rolling with a Motorola Droid Turbo and mostly very happy with it. 

- ATT has an unlimited plan essentially which throttles down to 3G speeds after our 6 GB plan for $60/month. Monthly line charges add another $40 to the plan. Device costs on top of that. 

- TMobile is about $50/month unlimited everything per line. Device costs not included.

- Sprint is offering that 6 GB plan we had with VZW for half the cost at $40. Monthly line charges are $40 combined. iPhone 7 would be like $30/month for a year before upgrade eligible. They're also doing a promo for a free Samsung S7 (non exploding Note).

The math seems to favor Sprint here and I think we'll pull the trigger this week on it. Anyone have experience with Sprint lately?
If you are in Metro Chicago area, Sprint is good and I never had any problems.  When travelling to Wisconsin or Michigan, service drops off pretty bad once outside of a major-ish town.

 
:shrug:  we have 4 lines for $120

.... but we also have T-Mobile coverage :oldunsure:  




 
you must have a grandfathered plan. their current plan options are $140 for 4 lines, which is great with an unlimited. i'm just not going to need unlimited. 8 gb plan shared is just fine and we'd save a bundle. 

 

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