Cheap Phone

[WickedKitchen]

Help guys and ladies. I need to get a cell phone.

I don't want a monthly payment so I'm thinking of one of those Trac-phones or a Net-10 thing but I'm not sure where to look. I was at a big box store today and saw them but I didn't pull the trigger yet. From what I see they all require you to buy a card that not only has minutes on it, but it limits the service days. Are there any that avoid that?

My wife has Verizon but I'd rather not have a contract. Most of my calls go to her anyhow so it's mobile to mobile. I like to text but have no use for a camera or web services or any other new fangled stuff. I just want to be able to make calls and maybe a few texts.

Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[sgreger1]

I'm not sure about where you live, but here they have something called "Metro PCS". It's $45 for unlimited everything (minutes, texs, internet, free 411) and that's a flat rate. Just $45 every month. It's service area covers all of the northern CA bay area, and mos tof California, but it also works in many other states. Not sure if it works in yours but you may want to check it out. No contract no fees.

[Bigblue1]

check out these guys WK. http://www.mycricket.com/learn

[lxskllr]

Net10 is the way to go if you use it a fair amount, but not tons. If you seldom use a phone, Virgin is better, and if a phone is for emergency use only, Verizon is best.

Net10 - 10¢ per minute, 5¢ text. Minutes carry over. Buy a 300 minute($30) card or above. That gets you 2 months service. The 200 minute card only lasts 1 month, so it costs more if you don't use 150 minutes per month.

Virgin - 20¢ per minute phone, and 18¢ per text if I remember right. Expensive, but if you don't use the phone much, $20 will last you 3 months.

Verizon - Super high rates if you use it, but you only pay on the days you use it. Good for an emergency only phone, but not for daily use.

All the companies have pay as you go unlimited plans. They cost more than I'd want to spend on a cell, but if you're cool with $40-$50 per month, they aren't bad.

I've used Net10 and Virgin. The phone service has been fine with both of them. Net10's website is a little low budget, and Virgin's is hip urban shit for the kiddies. Net10's web experience can be glitchy, but Virgin's is rage inducing with all the stupid crap. I like and use Net10. Pro tip, get a Google Voice number, and use that instead of the prepaid number. That way you can ditch the phone whenever you want, but keep the same number for a new phone. It has some other nice features also.

[devilock76]

Boost mobile looks like a good deal to me. They are basically pay as you go sprint service.

To disclaimer I have no experience with pay as you go phones personally.

Ken

[LincolnSnuff]

T-Mobile now has a no-contract option where you pay full price for a phone, but your monthly rate is typically $20-$30 cheaper than the contract option depending on what plan you choose (you can cancel anytime). It seems you would need the most basic plan and phone for your needs so you could potentially get by for about $20 per month but with consistent service and without the hassle of reloading minutes.

I considered this option even when the phone was $400 as it saves money in the long run to go no-contract if you can front the price of the phone.

[sgreger1]

T-Mobile now has a no-contract option where you pay full price for a phone, but your monthly rate is typically $20-$30 cheaper than the contract option depending on what plan you choose (you can cancel anytime). It seems you would need the most basic plan and phone for your needs so you could potentially get by for about $20 per month but with consistent service and without the hassle of reloading minutes.

I considered this option even when the phone was $400 as it saves money in the long run to go no-contract if you can front the price of the phone.

This is how I was with metro. Our AT&T bill was like $300 a month, so we paid $250 for a phone (full price), and in return we got unlimited everything for $45 a month. Definately cost savings.

Oddly enough, since I bought my iPhone, the bill has been cheaper than the $45 a month. Odd how AT&T works.

[precious007]

I do have a bill with my mobile phone...
I bought an Iphone that came with an offer that I couldn't miss but still now I have to pay 20 euros monthly for another 1 year and a half...

Don't recommend getting hooked on a monthly bill if you've got dozens already ...
Damn they're annoying ;-)
I wish I could be floating in dollars then I wouln't even bother about the bills ;-)

[snusgetter]

I've had a Tracfone for better than 10 years. I buy the yearly plan for around $100, plus I have the double minutes lifetime plan (one-time purchase). The yearly 400 minute card is actually 800 with the double minutes and I usually find a bonus minutes code online good for 250 minutes.

=1050 minutes ... if I decide to become a jabberwocky I can always get extra minutes to supplement. All minutes carry over; right now I have close to 3000 units/minutes (50 hours).

I originally got the phone for emergencies (like ordering pizza on the way home) and reception is always good.

One of the best deals I ever got!!

[precious007]

I've had a Tracfone for better than 10 years. I buy the yearly plan for around $100, plus I have the double minutes lifetime plan (one-time purchase). The yearly 400 minute card is actually 800 with the double minutes and I usually find a bonus minutes code online good for 250 minutes.

=1050 minutes ... if I decide to become a jabberwocky I can always get extra minutes to supplement. All minutes carry over; right now I have close to 3000 units/minutes (50 hours).

I originally got the phone for emergencies (like ordering pizza on the way home) and reception is always good.

One of the best deals I ever got!!

You've said you don't have a cell phone :P

[snusgetter]

You've said you don't have a cell phone :P

Yes I did say that 'cause I don't give out the number except to select friends and family members.

If a number pops up that I'm not familiar with, I just ignore the call. Just like my landline has an answering machine; people who don't identify themselves are ignored. No telemarketers and no BS calls ... and I don't have to pay an extra fee to the telecoms.

I learned a long time ago that I didn't need/want the aggravation and won't pay extra for the so-called advantages. I can then spend my $$ in other ways.

So in essence, I guess you can say I don't have a cell phone!!

[devilock76]

Might I also suggest looking into Google Voice. If you are near Wifi all the time it can definitely supplant a cell phone in many ways if you have a mobile wifi device.

Ken

[Old Frothingslosh]

I can vouch for what snusgetter said. Tracfone works.

[Premium Parrots]

The Military officers under Hitlers command used Sprint. With a two year contract.


just sayin

[Roo]

Don't listen to PP, the last time telephone technology got him excited was with the Magic Jack. $19.99 a year! Magic Jack.