Cell Phone Plans - Which One do you use and why?

[zinger1457]

I use PP and this is what I do for minimal use. I don't use one of their monthly plans rather I purchase a $10 card to recharge the phone which is good for 120 days. Three of these need to be purchased to cover 1 year. Any left over minutes accumulate as long as you keep recharging and don't let it lapse. If you need a lot of minutes or texts you may need one of the monthly plans.

I looked at PP but to get it to work out the way you use it you only get an average of 25 minutes a month of voice (could be a lot less if you're also using text and data). My cell phone usage is minimal but that would be extreme even for me. Their voice/text/data charges seem to be on the high side for 'pay go' carriers but they do allow longer times between refills than most so do offer a possibility of a very low yearly charge.

 

[Sirka]

We are switching to Republic Wireless.

We are with Republic also. Just upgraded to Moto X and got $100 trade in rebate.
DW's plan is $10/month right now. You can switch 2 times a month. I will do that when traveling.

 

[Lsbcal]

Here is what appears to be a neutral review on Republic: Is Republic Wireless too good to be true? | Mobile - CNET News

For me paying $300 for a phone that is locked to one service provider is a bit to chancy. Worth the risk?

 

[Katsmeow]

The problem with PagePlus is that while they are on the Verizon network, they don't have 4G LTE. Of course, if you don't have a 4G LTE phone or don't want one that isn't an issue. But if you do have one and do want one, then it is an issue. I keep hearing "soon" they will have it.

 

[travelover]

I looked at PP but to get it to work out the way you use it you only get an average of 25 minutes a month of voice (could be a lot less if you're also using text and data). My cell phone usage is minimal but that would be extreme even for me. Their voice/text/data charges seem to be on the high side for 'pay go' carriers but they do allow longer times between refills than most so do offer a possibility of a very low yearly charge.

The 'pay go' plan is for people like me that rarely use voice or text and do any data exchanges via wifi.

 

[W2R]

I pay $76/month for my iPhone with Verizon.

Why? Well, some people might think it is because the only time I have had a call dropped in the last 13 years was when I was in a tunnel under the river in Mobile, Alabama. Others might think it is because I have a grandfathered limitless data plan. Still others might think it is because the nice fellow at the Verizon store down the street, has always been so helpful and treats me like a princess.

But really, the reason why is so that I can shock people on the forum with how much money I throw away on my cell phone charges....

 

[Lsbcal]

The problem with PagePlus is that while they are on the Verizon network, they don't have 4G LTE. Of course, if you don't have a 4G LTE phone or don't want one that isn't an issue. But if you do have one and do want one, then it is an issue. I keep hearing "soon" they will have it.

I'm not sure what the exact benefits of 4G LTE would be for me. Our son likes PagePlus and has used it for a few years. He had Android phones and recently switched to an Iphone 4s.

The reason I want to get a GSM phone (means probably an Android phone) is because that will work in Europe. Although we don't go there very often, it could be handy. Also I really like my Nexus 7 tablet, so I imagine the Android experience on a phone will be OK. The Nexus 5 has a decent size screen for web browsing on the go.

 

[gauss]

Here is what appears to be a neutral review on Republic: Is Republic Wireless too good to be true? | Mobile - CNET News

For me paying $300 for a phone that is locked to one service provider is a bit to chancy. Worth the risk?

+1

I went with Ting instead for data (voice is handled by PagePlus on a feature phone). I spend about $10.50/month for 100MB of data. No contract.

Bought an unlocked refurbed Android phone from Ting also for ~ $80 because I have never had a smartphone until now.

I figured that putting up $80 to evaluate their service would be reasonable given that I could probably resell the unlocked phone on Ebay if it didn't turn out well. It turned out very well. Ting has very good support. See their web site and forums for examples.

For an extra $3/month, I can also get 100 minutes of voice from Ting -- most months I don't use any minutes so I am not charged this extra $3. Ting runs real 3g voice, not VOIP like republic wireless. You can however run VOIP when you have WIFI access if you access to a VOIP provider.

-gauss

 

[scrinch]

I have an IPhone and pay about $75 per month for Verizon pre-pay. It delivers unlimited text and phone plus of data 4GB which is usually much more than I need. It relies on the old 3G network which is generally pretty fast since most seem to have moved over to 4G anyway.

I actually don't use the phone much, preferring texting for simple communications. I use the browser and apps a lot, so if I can find a cheaper solution that satisfies my data needs I would consider it.

You can get exactly the same service on the same network from PagePlus for $55/mo or from StraightTalk for $45/mo. Unlimited talk, text, and data on the Verizon network. Bring your own Verizon phone.

 

[Midpack]

I have an IPhone and pay about $75 per month for Verizon pre-pay. It delivers unlimited text and phone plus of data 4GB which is usually much more than I need.

You can get exactly the same service on the same network from PagePlus for $55/mo or from StraightTalk for $45/mo. Unlimited talk, text, and data on the Verizon network. Bring your own Verizon phone.

You might want to check that again. I believe those two plans are 2.5GB data, not 4.0GB...

 

[SteveNU]

Here is what appears to be a neutral review on Republic: Is Republic Wireless too good to be true? | Mobile - CNET News

For me paying $300 for a phone that is locked to one service provider is a bit to chancy. Worth the risk?

What that review fails to note is the availability to roam to the Verizon network also. In six months I will have paid for my phones and then I'll save $135 month with no change in my service quality. In fact our service is probably better here at the house because we are using the WiFi instead of the cellular network which has so so coverage at our house. If it doesn't work out then I sell the phones and move on. Seems like a no brainer to me!

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Early Retirement Forum mobile app

 

[Sirka]

Here is what appears to be a neutral review on Republic: Is Republic Wireless too good to be true? | Mobile - CNET News

For me paying $300 for a phone that is locked to one service provider is a bit to chancy. Worth the risk?

I think so. If you pay $70 a month now, you would recover the cost quickly. YMMV

 

[gauss]

I think so. If you pay $70 a month now, you would recover the cost quickly. YMMV

That assumes that the service works out for you.

My advice would be to check on ebay before committing to make sure that there is a good market for selling the phone in case the service didn't work out for you.

-gauss

 

[Al in Ohio]

I have Verizon. For my family of four plus my MIL the bill for 4 cell phones and one smart phone uns $150-$200 per month, of which my mega crop pays about $135 and my wife's employ pays a monthly per deim of $110. The excess then also pays our high speed Internet too.

These are a few perks that will not be available when we ER.

 

[scrinch]

You might want to check that again. I believe those two plans are 2.5GB data, not 4.0GB...

Good catch. They have been changed since I last looked. StraightTalk is for unlimited data...3G speed for the first 2.5Gb and 2G speed for any over 2.5GB. PagePlus is limited to 2.5GB/mo, all at 3G speed.

 

[tryan]

paying thru the nose for 4 phones via verizon. Look at dropping to T-mobile/Sprint/ATT but none have service at the lake. And I can't go weeks without a phone.

Soo for all those who come to the lake with thier no-service cells ... I have OOMA at no monthly cost (bought BEFORE they added the taxes and 911 fees). Tried vonage for years but noticed "price creep" ... 14.99 became 17.99 became 24.99. ENOUGH ALREADY!

To each his own.

 

[Surfdaddy]

I used to be amazed and used to tell people so when I had Virgin Mobile pay as you go grandfathered plan. Spent about $5 to $10 per month.

Then I was let down by Sprint's terrible coverage (nothing in most of NoDak for instance). Virgin uses Sprint's network.

And now, I've caved and have a smartphone on a different carrier. Paying more, yes, but have to admit is darn near necessary considering everyone "needs" to text me, need email access, etc. I'm converted. I've seen the light. Blah, blah.

I'm not amazed anymore.

I also used Virgin Mobile for a couple of years and didn't like the coverage and slow data speeds. I bought a Nexus 5 unlocked off contract and am now on TMobile plan for $45/month, as I travel internationally at times and now I get free data and texts internationally as well. My Virgin (Sprint) CDMA phone wouldn't work internationally.

The guy at the TMobile store said that TMobile is currently experiencing a 2:1 inflow versus outflow of customers since they changed their plans.

I don't ever plan on having a contract again, or a phone locked to a specific carrier.

 

[ShokWaveRider]

Texts are available on T-Mobile Pay as you go. (Pre-Paid). Only time you need a plan is if you need Data.

We are supposed to be retired now. when working I could not be without data. Today there is nothing that cannot wait till I get within Wi-Fi Range of some place.

 

[Lsbcal]

I also used Virgin Mobile for a couple of years and didn't like the coverage and slow data speeds. I bought a Nexus 5 unlocked off contract and am now on TMobile plan for $45/month, as I travel internationally at times and now I get free data and texts internationally as well. My Virgin (Sprint) CDMA phone wouldn't work internationally.

The guy at the TMobile store said that TMobile is currently experiencing a 2:1 inflow versus outflow of customers since they changed their plans.

I don't ever plan on having a contract again, or a phone locked to a specific carrier.

This is just what I was thinking of doing.

Did you buy the Nexus 5 through TMobil or Google or ... ?

 

[Mulligan]

I am stuck with a $30 virgin mobile monthly text/phone plan with internet so slow on the phone I have maybe used it twice in 4 years (no landline). I would not mind having a smart phone and paying extra, but I am at the point in my life where my eye sight is great just beyond arms length or having bright sunlight available. So I only have my readers on in the house and I already have the iPad available. So until my eyesight deteriorates a little more there is no use for a smart phone because I couldn't read anything on it as I never carry my readers out in public.

 

[Chuckanut]

Straight Talk. I bought their ATT sim card, and pay about $42 a month plus taxes for unlimited minutes, text, and data. But, data speeds are 3G not LTE, and after 2.5 Gigs a month, they are throttled to 2G speeds. (Note: I have never come near using 2.5 gigs in a month, but then I don't stream video on my phone, download thousands of songs, etc.)

Customer Service long a sore point with them has been better. I recently called when I lost my data service after updating the OS. Rather than keeping me on hold, they called me back in less than an hour and connected me with a fellow who walked my through the necessary phone changes to get my data back. My only gripe is that they should have had this information on their website since the problem had been well known for months. That would have saved them money and me some aggravation.

 

[oldtrig]

Page Plus is what I use. $12 per month and I pre-pay at radio shack. 250 minutes and texts. I have always got text and minutes left over as I am not a phone person but I have one in case I ever need it. I just use voice text if I need to use that option for someone who will not answer the phone. The 10 meg data is useless and I never use it. Have a hard enough time seeing things on my 24 inch computer monitor.

 

[tfudtuckerpucker]

Lycamobile. I put $10 in the 2 cents per minute plan, and have used around $5 in the past 6 months. I only use the cell phone when I'm away from home (I have the free Obihai VOIP service). I am learning from the frugal wizards on this board, so it's a good fit for me. DW uses Pageplus for $30/mon, since she's a heavier user. Oops, I mean she uses her phone more.

 

[samclem]

We are switching to Republic Wireless. You buy the phone, a Moto X, nice phone for $300 and then you have a choice of 4 plans. My phone is $10/month unlimited calling and text and my wife is on the $25/month plan which is unlimited everything. They use WiFi if available then Sprint and then Verizon if Sprint network is not available. We've been testing them for the past few weeks and the service is exactly the same as our $150/month Verizon plan!

This Republic Wireless concept looks great for my needs. You have to use their phone, but the phone and service get great reviews. They have a 30 day "try it free" offer, and you can also upgrade/downgrade among their various plans easily as often as you want. I'll probably start with the $10/mo plan you are on and use the "native" phone number that comes with their phone, then if I really like the service and get good Sprint connections where I usually travel I'll switch my existing number to them. If I get hooked on the smartphone and convinced of the need/value of "web access everywhere" I'll upgrade to the $25/mo plan that offers data via the cell network (when there's no wifi). Seems like a good way to dip my toe in the digital milieu of the 21st century.
Thanks for bringing this option up, I hadn't heard of Republic before.

 

[ERD50]

This Republic Wireless concept looks great for my needs. You have to use their phone, but the phone and service get great reviews. They have a 30 day "try it free" offer, and you can also upgrade/downgrade among their various plans easily as often as you want. ...
Thanks for bringing this option up, I hadn't heard of Republic before.

Yes, I'm also looking into this for a friend, and might switch at some point (less likely though, the T-Mobile Gold plan with optional $2-$3/day data when you need it works for us).

But a note on that 'as often as you want' comment. They say you can switch 2x a month, but that includes switching to and from. So let's say the first week of the billing month you decide you need data while you are out and about, so you switch to the $25 plan for a few days, then switch back. Then the 3rd week of the month you find you have a need for data - but you are stuck as you already used your two switches.

So if you want to use data, probably best to just leave it at the $25 rate until the near end of the billing cycle, unless you can be certain of your needs.

I can understand they don't want people switching in/out every few days, but a lot of people are bringing this issue up on their forums. I think it would make more sense for them to charge a 'transaction fee' of a buck or two for switches past the first one/two per billing cycle. It's not good to get 'locked out'.

-ERD50