Best deal in a simple cell phone plan

[DrRod]

Greetings,

As my last child reaches the age of 30 I have decided it is time to boot them off of my plan so I can get a simple, individual phone plan -- one without a lot of bells and whistles, and not a lot of data [like, I just want to make phone calls and use a few key aps]. Having looked around a bit, there seems to be a bewildering array of options and a subtle "catch" built in to every one of them. So I'm turning to our community of learned posters to hear what advice they might offer.

Thanks

 

[Rustyiron]

After 34 years of "big carriers" mostly Verizon I'm happy as a clam with Wal Mart's Total Wireless. $25/month unlimited talk/text. Data carries over month to month & they're on verizons towers.
My first phone with them took about 30 minutes to buy and be on my way with a working smartphone for under $100 including the next several months of service "cards". That phone went into the lake, stopped by WM on the way home and was in and out in about 45 minutes, data and phone #transferred ! It was getting to be easier to get an appointment with the Pope than to get help at the verizon store.That 2nd phone (same model) was only $60, low end samsung but does all I need. The guy asked about insurance:laughing: It's a $60 phone!

 

[Diggin It]

TracFone

$10/mo or less.


Tracfone

Click on 'Basic Plans', then scroll to the bottom and look to the right.

 

[Oaktree]

TracFone

$10/mo or less.

Yeah, that's what I do. Just the el-cheapo pre-paid flip phone. All I want it for is emergencies. The $19.99 60 min/90 day card every 3 months is all I need...when I get one I'll find a promo code online that gives extra minutes (not that I really need them, but...)

My first phone with them took about 30 minutes to buy and be on my way with a working smartphone for under $100 including the next several months of service "cards". That phone went into the lake, stopped by WM on the way home and was in and out in about 45 minutes, data and phone #transferred ! It was getting to be easier to get an appointment with the Pope than to get help at the verizon store.That 2nd phone (same model) was only $60, low end samsung but does all I need. The guy asked about insurance:laughing: It's a $60 phone!

I knew WM sold cellphones, but didn't know they provided any customer service with regard to them. I just figured you had to do all that setup, etc. on your own from home.
Maybe it depends on the store? Hard to even find a clerk in the electronics section, let alone one who seems like they'd know how to set up a phone account.

 

[Diggin It]

Yeah, that's what I do. Just the el-cheapo pre-paid flip phone.

I've got a smater'n'me phone gizmo that does emails, browsing, messaging and all that rot. I never even come close to my limits and have more rolled over now than I'll ever be able to use.

 

[nybirdman]

TracFone for us;purchase phone and $130/year.We have smart phones that cost about $100 ea.Had ours for ten years or so.I hope things don't change;Verizon just bought them out.

 

[MarkF48]

TracFone for us;purchase phone and $130/year.We have smart phones that cost about $100 ea.Had ours for ten years or so.I hope things don't change;Verizon just bought them out.

I did not know of the Verizon acquisition. Both my wife and I have Tracfone's at about $106 a year each with taxes and fees. I don't want to see anything changed. The Tracfone's we have actually have a number linked to Verizon which has pretty good coverage where we are.

 

[Locoweed]

https://ting.com/

They also have great support!

 

[newbury]

Greetings,

As my last child reaches the age of 30 I have decided it is time to boot them off of my plan so I can get a simple, individual phone plan -- one without a lot of bells and whistles, and not a lot of data [like, I just want to make phone calls and use a few key aps]. Having looked around a bit, there seems to be a bewildering array of options and a subtle "catch" built in to every one of them. So I'm turning to our community of learned posters to hear what advice they might offer.

Thanks

You need to make sure your phone works where you will be using it and your apps are compatible, especially if you go Android. Also will you be taking pictures?
I went with Consumer Cellular (CC).

Excellent personal service, they all speak English (they are based in Oregon and Arizona).
I've dealt extensively with Verizon (my wife and kids are on that) and directly with AT&T (for my Mobley), CC's support is definitely 2 cuts above.
They work with an AT&T sim or a T-Mobile sim or you can go Iphone..
The first time I set up years ago I had a T-Mobile sim, but poor signal. Swapped out to AT&T fine.
$15/month for 250 talk minutes (I average about 40) and $4.75 for 500Mb of data (I usually use < 100). They seem to be forgiving for the occasional late payment.
As far as app compatibility be sure to check it out.
I fly a DJI drone and the FLY app is not compatible with 2 of my Android devices, but luckily is with my phone.

My phone usage is about 70% taking pictures, 20% streaming movies hooked to separate WiFi, 5% flying, the rest notetaking, shopping and the rare usually short phone call.

 

[TractorGuy]

You need to ask locals what the best service is if you don't already know. If you are currently satisfied with your service provider look into their pre paid offerings They all have a discount for auto pay. Unlike a normal contract phone the prepaid phones will have a fixed monthly charge that only adds on your state sales tax. At least that's the way it works in FL.

I have an AT&T prepaid that runs me a little over $32 per month. Wife's Verizon prepaid is just under $40. Both plans are unlimited talk, text, and long distance. Neither phone runs out of data. We keep them connected to the wifi at home.

We are both using cheap Motorola phones. They have been more reliable than any of our previous Samsung phones. I have a MotoE4 and she has a MotoE5. Both have a simple rubber case. She had a E4 that she took the case off of and it broke when she dropped it. Until that happened I was convinced you couldn't break them like the Samsung. The screen on a Samsung will break if you look at it wrong.

The Motorola Moto E4 cost me $40 at Walmart. We paid $60 direct from Verizon for the E5 the wife has.