Going to change phone plans

[camfused]

We were on Cricket for about 5 years…their unlimited $25/month each for 4 lines. Worked well, but I wanted to switch to the Verizon network (for better coverage) and to reduce costs.

Unlike younger folks, we mostly use our phones to txt and call. Data usage is mostly when we are at home, and on WiFi. I analyzed several months of usage and we averaged about 4GB/month for the 4 of us. So, we just don’t need (or want to pay for) unlimited data.

We are now in a pool plan on USMobile (Verizon). I have it set to 8GB, to be safe, and we have 5 lines (added MIL, who uses 0 data) in the pool. $63.40, taxes included, for all of us.

IMHO, most people don’t need unlimited data, since they probably get on WiFi at their home and w*rk, but of course the cellular carriers aren’t going to tell them that.

 

[sengsational]

IMHO, most people don’t need unlimited data, since they probably get on WiFi at their home and w*rk, but of course the cellular carriers aren’t going to tell them that.

Are there any carriers that are better or worse WRT using WiFi? Republic was effective and effortless for calls, SMS, and data. Dish has SMS only over cell, and sometimes lets you "accidentally" not use WiFi (chew through data without knowing).

How does Google Fi hold up for effective, easy, use of WiFi when available? Any "gotchas"? How about Mint Mobile?

 

[cathy63]

Are there any carriers that are better or worse WRT using WiFi? Republic was effective and effortless for calls, SMS, and data. Dish has SMS only over cell, and sometimes lets you "accidentally" not use WiFi (chew through data without knowing).

How does Google Fi hold up for effective, easy, use of WiFi when available? Any "gotchas"? How about Mint Mobile?

I haven't seen any problems with Google Fi with respect to WiFi usage. It remembers past networks and some trusted public networks and will connect you to the strongest signal it finds. You can receive and send calls, SMS, MMS, RCS on WiFi, and I assume iMessages if you are an iPhone user.

If you are on WiFi and you suddenly have no Internet connection, as happened to us at home the other night when Spectrum went down but our router stayed up, you will get an alert that says Fi has noticed a spike in data usage. I was on a video call at the time and opted to stay on, so I ended up using 380M for the day. DH said he got the same message and turned off his phone. He used 175M that day, so it seems the alert is somewhere around 150M over some short-ish period.

 

[sengsational]

Thanks Cathy. Original Republic had an alert like that, which is helpful. They also had the "noodle" icon filled-in, if WiFi and just an outline if cell, so I got used to looking for that.

 

[Cobra9777]

For us, it's all about data... We use tons of data when traveling in our camper van, sometimes 2-3GB per day. Right now we have DW's phone on Verizon via Visible. Visible has unlimited hotspot (no data caps) for $25/mo. There is some throttling of hotspot (5Mbps) and video streaming (480p), and it's always deprioritized. But so far these limitations have not been too problematic for us when traveling.

My phone is on T-Mobile via Tello. I get 25GB of data for $29/mo. The whole 25GB can be used for unthrottled hotspot and video streaming. Plus the 5G performance on T-Mobile is absolutely amazing. Speed test a few minutes ago was 433/40.

So that's our high-data-usage travel set-up for now. When camping, we use whichever device/network has the best signal. We try to use Visible/Verizon as much as possible since it's truly unlimited. But if throttling is a problem, we switch to Tello/T-Mobile as long as the signal is OK. Not a bad set-up for $54/mo combined.

 

[Lakedog]

Visible has unlimited hotspot (no data caps) for $25/mo.

But that price requires being part of a group plan (or party pay with 3 other people), right? Their site shows $40 for one phone.

 

[MuirWannabe]

Google Fi is worth looking at if you need international coverage. My favorite thing about it is that it just works almost anywhere in the world. We have the flexible plan and pay $10/G for data. They have unlimited plans for domestic and international, but we just don't use enough data to make those worth it, even when traveling. The break even is 4.5G for domestic and 7.2G for international.

Cathy,
I’ve started looking at Google Fi. I do love the international coverage. Thanks for mentioning this.

I would want the flexible plan as well. Our data usage averages under 4gb per month. Does this plan charge $10 for each GB you use per phone? So if I have 3 phones that each use 4GB in a month then I would pay $40x3=$120 for the data plus the $17 per month for each phone 17x3=$51. So a total of $171 for the month in this example?
Also, are the data charges just applied based on actual usage or do you pre-select the amount of data for your flexible plan?

Sure appreciate the clarification. I’m interested, but hoping I’m misunderstanding the pricing model some.

 

[Cobra9777]

But that price requires being part of a group plan (or party pay with 3 other people), right? Their site shows $40 for one phone.

It's crazy simple to join a group. Took one click on their website. Nobody pays $40.

 

[cathy63]

Cathy,
I’ve started looking at Google Fi. I do love the international coverage. Thanks for mentioning this.

I would want the flexible plan as well. Our data usage averages under 4gb per month. Does this plan charge $10 for each GB you use per phone? So if I have 3 phones that each use 4GB in a month then I would pay $40x3=$120 for the data plus the $17 per month for each phone 17x3=$51. So a total of $171 for the month in this example?
Also, are the data charges just applied based on actual usage or do you pre-select the amount of data for your flexible plan?

Sure appreciate the clarification. I’m interested, but hoping I’m misunderstanding the pricing model some.

Yes, in your example, you'd pay $40x3 for data since you used 12G total. In that case, one of the unlimited plans is a better deal. The billing is for actual usage though, so last month we paid $21.95 for 2.195G of data spread across the 3 of us. It doesn't matter how much each person used, it's all pooled. On the flexible plan, data after 12G is free, but it is throttled unless you agree to pay $10/G for it. We have never gotten anywhere near 12G of data usage, even while traveling, so I don't really know how the phone tells you that's happening.

The base rate is actually $20 for the first line and $15 for each one after, so it would be $50 for 3 lines plus data and taxes. Taxes are charged separately for the service address associated with each phone. When you look at the bill in the Fi app, the plan owner gets the summary page and then there's a separate tab for each user, so you can see how much you're paying per line and how much data each person used. The non-owner users only get their own info.

Another nice point is that you can switch plans right in the app, so if you're about to get on a plane to Europe and you think you'll use a lot of data while there, you could easily switch to the Unlimited Plus plan and have it take effect immediately. When you get home, you can switch back to your preferred plan, but downgrading does take until the start of the next billing cycle.

 

[RetiredAndLovingIt]

IMHO, most people don’t need unlimited data, since they probably get on WiFi at their home and w*rk, but of course the cellular carriers aren’t going to tell them that.

I so agree with you. I'm home most of the time and on my wifi at least 12 hours every day so my 500MB plan sits unused except for when I'm out running round. The only time I would use my data would be if I'm at the doctor or another appointment where I'm stuck in a waiting room doing nothing. My unused portion which is usually about 1/2 of my plan rolls over every month. When I do go on vacation or the internet goes down which has been happening a lot recently with Spectrum, I have over 9 GB from my rollovers banked for when I need it.
I can check my app anytime to see my daily usage and current balance and Tello lets me adjust my plan up or down anytime so I'm good.

 

[GenXguy]

But that price requires being part of a group plan (or party pay with 3 other people), right? Their site shows $40 for one phone.

But that's easy. I mentioned that last night in this thread. I signed up a family member, picked a group, and they have been enjoying their $25 monthly Visible service. I would have gotten it myself, but I have Tello $6/mo plan and have as much data/voice as I need.

 

[MuirWannabe]

Yes, in your example, you'd pay $40x3 for data since you used 12G total. In that case, one of the unlimited plans is a better deal. The billing is for actual usage though, so last month we paid $21.95 for 2.195G of data spread across the 3 of us. It doesn't matter how much each person used, it's all pooled. On the flexible plan, data after 12G is free, but it is throttled unless you agree to pay $10/G for it. We have never gotten anywhere near 12G of data usage, even while traveling, so I don't really know how the phone tells you that's happening.



The base rate is actually $20 for the first line and $15 for each one after, so it would be $50 for 3 lines plus data and taxes. Taxes are charged separately for the service address associated with each phone. When you look at the bill in the Fi app, the plan owner gets the summary page and then there's a separate tab for each user, so you can see how much you're paying per line and how much data each person used. The non-owner users only get their own info.



Another nice point is that you can switch plans right in the app, so if you're about to get on a plane to Europe and you think you'll use a lot of data while there, you could easily switch to the Unlimited Plus plan and have it take effect immediately. When you get home, you can switch back to your preferred plan, but downgrading does take until the start of the next billing cycle.

Just awesome information. Thank you so much!
I’ve got to think about this and run some scenarios to determine what plan might be best for my situation. But it’s definitely an option I’ll consider.

 

[Sunset]

I got the Google Fi for a trip. Took the unlimited plan for $50/mo.

I turn on my phone hotspot so DW can get emails and updates on her phone. We only need 1 phone for regular use when traveling.

 

[VanWinkle]

You are going to have such fun looking at all the amazing bargain prices on cell phone plans!

I have been using Cricket for five years. Since I never travel, I never even noticed the international problems MuirWannabe mentioned. I love Cricket because they never bother me and the charge is exactly $30.00/month, including taxes and fees, for unlimited talk and text and 2 GB data.

The only cell phone carrier I ever had before Cricket was Verizon, which I got back in the 1990's with my very first cell phone and then kept for maybe 20 years or so. They were OK for the time, but now that we have such great bargains available I don't miss Verizon (and their prices!) one little bit.

+1 I've been on Cricket for 5 years @ exactly $30 per month and now we are getting 5 GB for the same price. No hassles and local offices.

 

[sengsational]

I’m looking at this plan right now. It seems good. Actually similar to cricket, but it works globally if you pay for international roaming credits in advance of a trip.
I’m wondering if anyone using Mint Mobile has used their international roaming services? If so, how was it?

I'm investigating and see that they charge $0.20/MB data in a few countries that I've checked (UK, Portugal, Italy). This is 20 times as expensive as a domestic rate, so I don't think they even want to be in the international business. So if you wanted international, you'd have to be careful in how you used it. I can imagine using $100 worth pretty easily (500MB). But you buy it as you need it on the phone app. I wonder, if you buy $20 worth and run out, if you can use their app to buy more with only a cell connection, or if you're left twisting in the wind until you get WiFi to buy more*. To get the $15/mo, you need to buy a year's worth, but you can buy your first 3 months at $15/mo on Amazon.

Not traveling, two phones on Mint, this would be $30/mo for 4GB (which is more than we need when hanging around the house). Google Fi would be $45 ($35/mo, plus maybe $5 to $10 for data).

Does the Mint Mobile $15/mo per phone include tax? Or is that in addition to the $15? Google Fi adds tax to the total, so I'm probably looking at $50/mo for two phones, all-in.

* I confirmed just now with a Mint Rep: If you run out of international roaming credit, the app does NOT have the ability to use international cell data outside of the purchased credits, meaning you'd need to find WiFi to buy more. He said "just don't run out"

 

[MuirWannabe]

I'm investigating and see that they charge $0.20/MB data in a few countries that I've checked (UK, Portugal, Italy). This is 20 times as expensive as a domestic rate, so I don't think they even want to be in the international business. So if you wanted international, you'd have to be careful in how you used it. I can imagine using $100 worth pretty easily (500MB). But you buy it as you need it on the phone app. I wonder, if you buy $20 worth and run out, if you can use their app to buy more with only a cell connection, or if you're left twisting in the wind until you get WiFi to buy more*. To get the $15/mo, you need to buy a year's worth, but you can buy your first 3 months at $15/mo on Amazon.

Not traveling, two phones on Mint, this would be $30/mo for 4GB (which is more than we need when hanging around the house). Google Fi would be $45 ($35/mo, plus maybe $5 to $10 for data).

Does the Mint Mobile $15/mo per phone include tax? Or is that in addition to the $15? Google Fi adds tax to the total, so I'm probably looking at $50/mo for two phones, all-in.

* I confirmed just now with a Mint Rep: If you run out of international roaming credit, the app does NOT have the ability to use international cell data outside of the purchased credits, meaning you'd need to find WiFi to buy more. He said "just don't run out"

Yea, that seems kind of a hassle to use international. And definitely could get expensive. I had wondered the same thing about if you run out of purchased international credits on the go. Thanks for answering that.
Based on these findings, I’m leaning towards Google Fi. Just trying to figure out how much more it’ll cost me.
One other advantage of Google Fi if I’m understanding it correctly. It can use towers from multiple providers (ATT, Verizon, T-Mobile) based on which has the best signal. It’s not locked in to one providers towers. That seems pretty nice. Hope I’m understanding that correctly.

 

[Cobra9777]

...One other advantage of Google Fi if I’m understanding it correctly. It can use towers from multiple providers (ATT, Verizon, T-Mobile) based on which has the best signal. It’s not locked in to one providers towers. That seems pretty nice. Hope I’m understanding that correctly.

No. They only use T-Mobile and US Cellular. Plus a bunch of public WiFi. US Cellular only has towers in a couple regions of the US. So that doesn't really add much unless you live in one of those areas. And the automatic network switching only works with certain phones. Otherwise you get T-Mobile only.

I don't really understand the appeal of Google Fi. Seems very pricey compared to other options, with all the usual data caps, plus limitations on hotspot and video streaming.

IME, there are better options for international travel, like buying a local SIM. Nowadays you can buy an e-SIM online before you even depart the US. It'll work as soon as your plane lands.

 

[Gotadimple]

One other advantage of Google Fi if I’m understanding it correctly. It can use towers from multiple providers (ATT, Verizon, T-Mobile) based on which has the best signal. It’s not locked in to one providers towers. That seems pretty nice. Hope I’m understanding that correctly.

Actually, Google Fi is an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) and they lease cell service from T-Mobile. What makes them work so well for International is that T-Mobile has service in over 200 countries AND their system automatically switches you to the local T-Mobile cell tower when it detects you are in the neighborhood. But to use Google Fi you must have a GSM phone that is compatible with the T-Mobile network.

Hope that helps. I switched to them from US Mobile because I needed a small amount of data when travelling overseas and it easier than swapping Sims. I love US Mobile (T-Mobile/Verizon networks) but they didn't offer international on phones using Sims.

 

[MuirWannabe]

Thanks Cobra & Rita for correcting me. The ease of international use is what has me considering Google Fi

 

[Cobra9777]

...The ease of international use is what has me considering Google Fi

It's my understanding that international data on Google Fi is throttled to 256Kbps, which is extremely slow for many tasks. Texts are free, but calls are still 20 cents per minute. Suit yourself, but I prefer to buy local SIMs that don't have any of these limitations and are very affordable. It can be quite convenient with e-SIMs.

I could see the convenience of Google Fi if you were going to travel through a whole bunch of countries over a period of 3 or 4 weeks. But even then, I'd just buy it for that one trip. Then cancel and go back to a more reasonably-priced domestic option. The Google Fi "Flexible" plan is $30 for 1GB of usage. There are dozens of 1GB plans out there for $10-12, like US Mobile.

If you travel extensively internationally, then I could definitely see the benefit and convenience. But it's a very pricey option when you're not traveling.

 

[cathy63]

It's my understanding that international data on Google Fi is throttled to 256Kbps, which is extremely slow for many tasks.

This is not correct. I have used Google Fi in about 20 countries and have always had high speed data. In Europe, Canada and Mexico it's as good as at home. A couple of places in the Caribbean service was more spotty, but in major cities on the islands or on a cruise ship in port it's fine. I don't check speeds everywhere, but I did in all the Scandinavian countries and Canada.

Texts are free, but calls are still 20 cents per minute.

Calls are free on wifi. I've never actually used my phone for calls while traveling except once in Canada though. I really rely on it for navigation, Internet access and things like e-tickets, so the cost of a call is a non-issue for me. I do like that our elderly mothers and other family can reach us if they need to without having to remember that we have a different number this week and you have to dial 011 first and so on. That peace of mind alone makes it worth the price for me, even though I hope we never need to use it.

Suit yourself, but I prefer to buy local SIMs that don't have any of these limitations and are very affordable. It can be quite convenient with e-SIMs.

I could see the convenience of Google Fi if you were going to travel through a whole bunch of countries over a period of 3 or 4 weeks. But even then, I'd just buy it for that one trip. Then cancel and go back to a more reasonably-priced domestic option. The Google Fi "Flexible" plan is $30 for 1GB of usage. There are dozens of 1GB plans out there for $10-12, like US Mobile.

If you travel extensively internationally, then I could definitely see the benefit and convenience. But it's a very pricy option when you're not traveling.

Porting your number back and forth for a month seems like a lot of trouble. I agree that if you're looking for the absolute cheapest possible way to make a phone call overseas, then Google Fi is not the answer. Personally I'm willing to pay a bit more for the convenience and value I get from it and in the larger scheme of things, the extra expense is just not that much -- it's a fraction of what we pay for things like home Internet service, streaming apps, etc.

 

[MuirWannabe]

It's my understanding that international data on Google Fi is throttled to 256Kbps, which is extremely slow for many tasks. Texts are free, but calls are still 20 cents per minute. Suit yourself, but I prefer to buy local SIMs that don't have any of these limitations and are very affordable. It can be quite convenient with e-SIMs.

I could see the convenience of Google Fi if you were going to travel through a whole bunch of countries over a period of 3 or 4 weeks. But even then, I'd just buy it for that one trip. Then cancel and go back to a more reasonably-priced domestic option. The Google Fi "Flexible" plan is $30 for 1GB of usage. There are dozens of 1GB plans out there for $10-12, like US Mobile.

If you travel extensively internationally, then I could definitely see the benefit and convenience. But it's a very pricey option when you're not traveling.

It’s definitely more expensive which is my current issue I’m deciding about. But I do love the international coverage although I wouldn’t define my international travel as extensive. The hassle, and my lack of knowledge, has me not in favor of your e-sim approach.

 

[W2R]

+1 I've been on Cricket for 5 years @ exactly $30 per month and now we are getting 5 GB for the same price. No hassles and local offices.

Exactly! I might be getting 5 GB too, by now; I didn't ask for it but who knows. I am 74 and like some older people, I really mostly use my phone for phone calls. I hardly ever use data, although it's nice to know I have it in case I need it unexpectedly for some reason. I like having a local office available in case I need anything, too.

And mostly I like that they don't demand my attention, don't call me unexpectedly, and charge exactly $30.00 to the cent every month and no more. Plus my cell phone reception is amazing. Great sound quality, no dropped calls yet.

 

[Cobra9777]

This is not correct. I have used Google Fi in about 20 countries and have always had high speed data...

You're right. Evidently, my understanding was a very old datapoint from when Google Fi first launched. Back then, international data was capped at 2G speeds.

...Calls are free on wifi...

Sure. But that's not much of a benefit. You can make free international calls on any number of apps if you have WiFi. The point is about mobile service. But I agree, voice calls are generally not the main reason I need cellular service internationally. And 20 cents per minute is certainly not the end of the world. It just adds to an already-pricey service.

...Porting your number back and forth for a month seems like a lot of trouble...

Porting is not really a hassle at all these days. A couple of clicks. I've ported my number 3 times this year as we've been trying out new services for our van travels. But if I was going to use Google Fi for a month-long international trip, I'd just get a new number on Fi and keep my low-cost domestic service and number. More likely, I'd just get a local e-SIM.

Anyway, you obviously see value in Google Fi and that's great. I struggle with it.

 

[OldShooter]

I am as guilty as most, but it strikes me funny that we are talking about international travel costing a few hundred $ or more per day, then obsessing about the amazingly tiny costs of these cell phone plans.

FWIW, we have Fi and are happy with it. Buying local SIMs may save a few bucks but they cost time as well. I figure our time is worth $50-100/hour when we are traveling. Also, you're not on the air in a new country until you have that SIM. A few years ago we were stalled inside the quarantine area in Vienna trying to track down a missing bag. With Fi I was able to call the person meeting us and coordinate. Had I been planning to buy a local SIM card that call would not have been possible. On that trip we visited four or five countries, not all EU, so SIMs would have been problematic for that reason too.