(Updated 2021. T-Mobile absorbed Sprint, so no more Sprint MVNOs. Tello is now a T-Mobile MVNO, but is still quite affordable. Ting Mobile has new flexible plans that work well for occasional data users, and you can now choose from either the T-Mobile or Verizon network.)
You can get unlimited talk and unlimited texts for $10 a month or less on every major network. That’s less than my bare landline used to cost. The major networks sell wholesale minutes to lesser-known MVNOs (Mobile Network Virtual Operators), which they in turn sell at a significant discount to individuals. Below are the best options by network below (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) along with an alternative. I sort by network because that usually makes it easier to Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), though every MVNO will have a form where you can check compatibility via identification number (IMEI or MEID). Here are the cheapest plans with unlimited talk & text and 5G/LTE high-speed data.
Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links where available. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may be compensated.
T-Mobile Network – T-Mobile Network Color: Hot Pink
- Unlimited Talk & Text. Tello Mobile also has an unlimited talk, text, and no data for $8 a month. You need to choose a custom plan to find this option. Upgrade to 1 GB of data at only $10 per month. New user promo: Get 50% off their first 3 months.
- Unlimited Talk & Text + Flexible Data. Ting Mobile has an unlimited talk and text for $10 a month plus pay-for-what-you-use data for $5 per GB of high-speed data. This may work best for those that want to always have access to data at a reasonable price, but no data during most months. Ting data can also be shared across multiple lines ($10 per line base). Ting now runs on both the T-Mobile and Verizon networks. For T-Mobile, you should be directed their “X1 SIM card”. New user promo: Bring over your own phone and get a free $25 service credit.
- Higher price, but not MVNO. Alternatively, you can go directly with T-Mobile Connect and get unlimited talk and text with 2 GB data for $15 a month.
Note: I personally use Mint Mobile, which offers unlimited talk, text, and 4 GB data for $15 a month – see my Mint Mobile review for tips and details based on my experiences.
AT&T Network – AT&T Network Color: Blue
- Unlimited Talk & Text. Good2Go Mobile offers unlimited talk and text for $10 a month. Upgrade to 1 GB of data and pay $15 month. Buy the SIM card from Amazon for $5 and get $5 credit included.
- 3 GB LTE data, more expensive. Alternatively, Red Pocket Mobile offers unlimited talk, text, and 3 GB data for $19 a month. After your LTE data runs out, you still get data included at slower 2G data speeds until your month resets. Be sure to choose the AT&T network (GSMA) when you sign up.
Verizon Network – Verizon Network Color: Red
- Unlimited Talk & Text + Flexible Data. Ting Mobile has an unlimited talk and text for $10 a month plus pay-for-what-you-use data for $5 per GB of high-speed data. This may work best for those that want to always have access to data at a reasonable price, but no data during most months. Ting data can also be shared across multiple lines ($10 per line base). Ting now runs on both the T-Mobile and Verizon networks. For Verizon, you should be directed their “V1 SIM card”. New user promo: Bring over your own phone and get a free $25 service credit.
- I previously listed US Mobile, which also advertises unlimited talk and text for $10 a month, but they actually tack on a mandatory $2 month “access fee” on top of the usual taxes and fees. I don’t know of any other provider that does this, as it is basically a secret way to make the price really $12 a month.
- 3 GB LTE data, more expensive. Alternatively, Red Pocket Mobile offers unlimited talk, text, and 3 GB data for $19 a month. After your LTE data runs out, you still get data included at slower 2G data speeds until your month resets. Be sure to choose the Verizon network (CDMA) when you sign up.
(Note: Now that Sprint has finally completed its merger with T-Mobile, some T-Mobile MVNOs can now access Sprint towers and some previous Sprint MVNOs are switching to T-Mobile MVNOs.)
Here are the cheapest plans with unlimited talk & text and 5G/LTE high-speed data.
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Page Plus Cellular is an MVNO using the Verizon network that I’ve been using for the past four years. With light usage, I’ve been paying $30 per year ($10 pay-as-you-go plans that are good for 120 days). It’s time to upgrade my phone, however, and I’m considering leaving them for Republic Wireless.
Yes, Page Plus is a great option for light usage. I also did this $30 per year plan. But then I switched to RingPlus and I love it. It is a free service (after initial $15 deposit). I get 1500 minutes, 1500 texts and 1500MB, which is more than I would ever use. Some might say that 1500MB is not enough, but unless you constantly stream video, you will be just fine doing emails, banking, facebook, twitter and using other apps.
What plan is that on Ring plus?
RingPlus are complete losers – they actually bankrupted and that’s actually a favor to the clients – as I was one of them – PHONE SUPPORT FORGET IT, THEY LEFT MY WIFE without service Multiple times without reason – that was the worst customer care ever.
Luckily for all of us consumers they are gone for good!
Real Mobile now seems like the cheapest solution for Sprint users, but I haven’t pressed the “buy” button yet. $20 gets you a year of service and 400 minutes. You can buy as little as $5 at a time.
FreedomPop gives you 200 minutes a month free on Sprint devices. One catch is that the free service won’t deliver the performance of the paid ones but I assume it must work fine in urban/suburban areas.
And if you feel guilty about paying nothing at all, Tello is available. It’s 3¢/min voice, 1¢/min SMS, 2¢/MB data. A $5 minimum refill is required that doesn’t expire if some phone use occurs within 6 months. And there’s no charge for BYOD (as with FreedomPop).
Page Plus has been a reliable Verizon MVNO, they would have been on this list in the past. However, their Pay As You Go plan (the ones you describe) now only work on older 3G phones. Page Plus sells 2,000 minutes good for 1 year for $80, but again only for 3G phones. Selectel wins out here because their 2,000 minute 3G plan for 1 year costs $75 and they actually have a 4G option for $100 per year.
Not exactly. Page Plus dollars roll-over as long as you add more money. Eventually, if you are light usage user, you wouldn’t have to add the full $80 and you could go to adding only $30 a year.
It is only for 3G though.
Thanks for the clarification.
Jonathan — You’ve done us a public service with this report. I keep a flip phone in the car in case it breaks down or I need to call home. Typical use the past ten years has been about 20 minutes per year. (The car’s never broken down.) Some of these plans are perfect for me. Many thanks. — Steve
Glad you found it useful!
Puretalk is an AT&T MVNO. Amongst their plans: Low usage –> $10/mo. for 300 minutes (texts count as 1/3 of a minute). Higher usage –> $29/mo. for unlimited talk and text and 1GB data. These are also out-the-door prices with all the “junk fees” (taxes, etc.) included.
I agree with Mike — I have been quite satisfied with PureTalk. It’s the best basic deal I’ve found so far. I currently have four PureTalk phones with basic voice & text service — one for each family member — for a total of $25 a month (including the basic Samsung “old-school” flip phones). That’s just over $6 per phone and service plan per month. And they are easy to reach on-line or by phone (and have been very helpful). I haven’t seen a better deal out there.
I couldn’t find the ‘barebones’ prepaid plan on LycaMobile. The least expensive plan available to new subscribers is $19/month for unlimited talk & text and 100MB data.
You don’t need to choose any plan with Lycamobile, it just reverts back to their Pay As You Go structure. You simply load up some funds onto your SIM and make calls as needed and they will charge you on a per minute and per text basis. You balance should never expire as long as you have some sort of activity every 90 days.
Sounds GREAT ! Problem is LycaMobile never heard of this. Read your statement to them, they had no idea what was talking about. Should’nt someone at their 1-866 # have at least heard about “reverts back”, maybe you could convince them, I couldn’t. Be nice to get.
Here’s a link where they talk about PAYG vs. Monthly:
http://www.lycamobile.us/en/pay-as-you-go-v-pay-monthly
Looks under “International Recharge” for the details. Lyca is definitely pushing their monthly plans now, but they do still offer “Pay As You Go” (or “Without Plan”).
I can’t rave enough about project FI – https://fi.google.com
My bill does not go over $40 and I have all the data I need. It is also great for international travel and you get charged the same no matter where you go!
does anyone know about the T-mobile pay as you go plan that says its $3.00 a month for 300 minutes and texts. Is it legit?
You only get 30 (thirty) total minutes or texts for $3 a month, and if you use less you still get charged $3 a month. That’s 10 cents per minute or text, which is at least double what Lycamobile will charge you (see post).
I realized I made a mistake about the minutes after I sent the comment but I was just wondering if there were any extras they added. The price seemed to good to be true. I just want an emergency phone to take to the gym. I don’t want to have to make sure I use it every so often which I believe you said is required for the lycamobile.
The T-Mobile plans seems legit. 30 minutes or texts for $3 a month. These days those rates are not too good to be true.
den: I am probably a little late on this one. I have been on T-Mobile’s Pay As You Go $3 a month plan for 16 months. Since my eyes aren’t so good I have messaging and text shut off. It’s evident that I’m not going to find anything cheaper. I will say this prepaid accounts are treated like “stepchildren”. We are at the lower end of the ladder. The only thing to do before you may go with T-Mobile DO YOUR RESEARCH! In fact, any time you change carriers do the research. I have the T-Mobile app in my Stylo 3 Plus phone that works. One more thing if you bring your own phone make sure it is compatible with their network. Overall, I think it’s pretty good!
Can anyone confirm whether H2O wireless discontinued theire $10 (90 days) pay as you go plan. I’ve been using it but when I tried to top up today the pull down menu no longer has it listed as an option.
Fiscal responsibility over brand loyalty and flash – a good lesson for grown up Millennials. I am thinking of doing a post of my own on this very subject due to the fact that so much of our time and money is sucked into media content that we don’t necessarily need. Also, I appreciate the fact that you went with major carrier options to show that quality on a budget is still a viable option. Thanks for posting this.
thank you for providing the Verizon options.
We’ve used Selectel for 2 years and both the monthly and yearly plans work great. Highly recommended!
Thanks Jonathan, this is a good article giving the low-cost options for cell phone plans.
There is also another option to consider: Freedompop
Recently I saw they have a promotion for a GSM sim card for $0.99 with free shipping.
They offer a free phone plan with 200 minutes, 500 texts and 200 MB data every month.
Here is the link:
http://www.freedompop.com/offer/sim-voice-f16
Best regards,
Sam
It’s VOIP for the voice mins and the app rarely seems to function well enough to complete a call (S6 Active), almost as if it’s intentional. My service on AT&T network, Google Voice / Hangouts works really well with this. Would not consider this for “emergency” phone service, it’s not 100% reliable. Can be difficult to make a call (even with Hangouts) when you need to.
I’m impressed to find this collection of useful information. My only concerns are two. I want to continue using Verizon’s network, but I’m not impressed with their selection of basic phones. I might buy the Kyocera DuraXV. However, I visit a lake where only the newest Verizon phones can connect to their towers in many parts of the lake. Also, Verizon is rapidly replacing 3G bandwidth with 4G and as a result, my 3G speeds have dropped to almost zero. I want a basic phone, but I must be able to do basic web searches to navigate. Most basic phones have basic web browsing capability. Unfortunately, Verizon’s selection of basic phones leaves me wanting to look elsewhere. We need basic phones that can connect to the latest antenna technology.
Thanks for this.
I found out about TPO mobile 2GB plan that includes unlimited talk, text for $25 but currently $12.50 as they are offering 50% off on 1st month.
My husband has a plan with net10 right now. 200 minutes every 30 days for $18.00. Started out at 300 minutes and then they took 100 minutes away. I am looking for another plan that is around $20.00 per month for talk only. no text or internet. Any suggestions? We live in rural WV and service is sketchy sometimes.
We just moved two T-Mobile phones to the Boom Mobile Pink plan. It was easy and fast. The customer support is top notch. (They are clever, naming their plans after the major network marketing colors: Boom Red, Pink, Yellow or Blue.) Mobile. We are also planning on switching our land line to one of their Boom Boxes. We figure we’ll be saving a little over $86 per month by moving everything to Boom. Living on a fixed income is no fun, but we are glad we found Boom Mobile.
Anyone try to sign up with Selectel recently? I can’t find the $75/year plan on their site and they don’t respond to their chat.
I guess not responding to chat shows you what their customer service is going to be like.
I can’t vouch for their customer service, but here are some links to the $75 per year plan. I’d recommend calling them up, many of these prepaid shops have poor website design. Their number is in big font on the top right of their main website.
http://www.selectelwireless.com/product/yearly-plan/
http://www.longwireless.com/home/ProductDetail/tabid/82/rvdsfpid/selectel-wireless-75-yearly-plan-285/rvdsfcatid/selectel-wireless-38/Default.aspx
http://myselectelwireless.com/products/selectel-75-yearly-plan
Tracfone is another good MVNO to look at. It accesses several major networks, including Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. If you have a smartphone or you bring your own phone (BYOP) the minutes on the pay as you go and monthly plans triple in every bucket: the minutes, text messages, and data buckets. For instance, I purchased the 400-minute one year card and received 1200 minutes, 1200 text messages, and 1200 MB of data to use for the next year. There are also smartphone and BYOP only plans that don’t triple. You can often find discounts on Tracfone plans through eBay.
how come no one mentions US Mobile? I have been using it for one year both in the suburb and in city of chicago with great speed. 24/7 customer service via chat.
Most month, I spend $11 to get minimum talk, text and 100mb of data.
Maggie, US Mobile is who I’m looking at for my unlocked iPhone5S. I like their “mix and match” plan and you can customize it differently for each line account. For instance, if one family member does nothing but texting, you can select unlimited texting for that account line only and then select the level of each (talk, text, data) for each other family member. It’s great to have the option to configure each account line differently according to how that family member uses their phone. We are all different and it’s about time someone realized it instead of trying to dump us all into a “one size fits all” bucket.
I followed your Links and still could not find the bargainsPlans you are talking about. Wanted to try the “Light Usage – Selectel. $75 a year for a bucket of 2000 minutes and 2000 texts for the entire year” but could not find it anywhere on their website?
Here is the link. I would recommend calling them directly to get the details as their website is not very good.
http://www.selectelwireless.com/product/yearly-plan/
Page Plus Cellular also has an $80 prepaid card with 2,000 minutes that expire in 365 days. However, note that they state “This is a 3G-only plan. You cannot activate a 4G device on this plan.” If you have an older flip phone, this is perfect.
https://www.pagepluscellular.com/plans/
For Pageplus, it doesn’t expire in 365 days. You just have to add more money within 365 days to keep whatever balance that has been unused. It rolls-over.
This is most definitely not my experience with Page Plus, in CA. When I run out of minutes, either talk or text, and have to add onto a plan, I lose whatever minutes are left over and must start a new “month” talk, text or data. I’m not a heavy user at all but I do run out. They charge for 611 customer and checking balance.
Unless they changed their policy, that should never be the case. Are you on a monthly plan and supplementing with the cash cards? That doesn’t apply to what I’m stating. In that case your cash expires in 120 days. “*When used on the Standard pay-as-you-go plan. 120 day expiration when used as a cash balance on a monthly plan.” See: https://www.pagepluscellular.com/plans/
My point above is with regards to phones using only prepaid cash cards (no monthly plan), i.e. $10, $25, $50, $80 refill cards. With the 10,25,50 cards, you need to add another cash card within 120 days or you lose your entire balance. With the 80 card, you need to add within 365 days. I kept an excel spreadsheet for years, showing when I added new money (the old money never disappeared, it always rolled-over permanently as long as I kept adding money before the last cash card’s expiration date).
Hi! I am a non-smart phone user and want to stay that way. I have had the same LG Cosmos phone for years and want to keep it; it’s very durable and would like to keep using it. For years I’ve paid $35/month to Verizon for texting and calling, but no data (my phone can’t do data or internet, it only takes and receives pictures, and I like it that way), but I feel like there MUST be a better plan out there for me that is cheaper. I have higher usage, of course, than the person in this forum who keeps his phone as a backup in his car– this is my everyday phone!- so I need a reliable plan. Not sure of usage, exactly, but I bet I send at least 500 texts per month and use 500 minutes per month. Any suggestions?
PS I have looked at Ting already. My phone is not compatible so I would need to purchase a new basic phone. That seems like the best option I’ve found so far. What else do you recommend?
Red Pocket Mobile. It’s prepaid and you can buy the plan through ebay. Works with the four major carriers. You can bring your own device.
1000/minutes 1000/texts 1 GB/Data per month
$199 paid upfront for one year (=$16.59 per month)
Type this number into the ebay search box to find it: 131593551826
or
500/minutes 500/texts 100 MB/Data per month
$99 paid upfront for one year (=$8.25 per month)
Type this number into the ebay search box to find it: 132043269270
After investigating several options, I decided to buy a new tracfone through QVC. It came with a one year service plan. That meant the phone was basically free, after considering what a one year service plans costs. Tracfone customer service can be spotty. But I’ve been with them several years now and, when you consider costs, I still think it is worthwhile. One word of advice, be sure to buy a phone with more memory than you think you will need. I have found that 8 GB is not enough for me. I kept running up against storage problems. This time I bought a Galaxy Sky with 16 GB. So far I don’t have storage problems.
After I originally left a comment I appear to have
clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now evdry time a comment is
added I recieve four emails with the exact same comment. There has to be a means
you are able to remove me from that service? Thanks!
Every e-mail will have an unsubscribe link at the bottom.
any flip/basic phones I could purchase from a retail location and activate under pageplus or slecttel. Ideally, I’m looking for a Verizon pay as you go, but ATT carriers work for me too. It seems like the only way to purchase a device under pay as you go through a retail is by going with Tracfone ?
Thanks
I would check out puretalkusa, they run off ATT and have several options and if your a senior they have even a 5 buck a month plan and I think senior starts at 55yrs cant remember for sure, Got hubby on that plan as he likes a flip phone, I been meaning to go that route too they have both 3G and 4 G lite I believe.
RingPlus is dead. Where can I get a Lycamobile sim for cash?
My trak phone recharges now, but offers no phone or cell service. Lacking a working device and seeing how much $$ every plan wants, I think I’ll start carrying $1s and asking others to make my calls for me. Probably don’t use it more than 6 calls a month, most of those about a minute. And my last two trak phones just have not lasted. Die without warning. and “Dead Trak Phones aren’t much fun….When you’ve got one yer almost done….De–ad trak phones aren’t much fun.” (—Thanks Weird Al)
I am currently with almost no service. By almost I mean that I went and got a pay as you go with T-mobile for $3 a month. I did not read too well into detail but noticed that i am getting 30 min/text no data for 30 days. I thought it was a good deal but not enough text that i need. I prefer the T-mobile network as i get good coverage. I dont use much about 300 texts a month a rarely use phone unless making needed calls for making appts and ordering out. I use Wi-fi most of the time. I am stuck at looking for better deals. I have looked into Ting, Tello, LycaMobile US, and Freedompop.
If anyone can help me out in choosing one that will be great.
Pix Wireless is only CDMA as of this post date.
Hey My Money Blog team,
Would you bee interested in reviewing https://BestCellular.com (a Quad-Carrier American MVNO that uses Every Tower from Every Major Carrier in America)?
I started to use Mint about 8 months ago. It has been pretty good. It is nice not to have to worry about minutes since is an unlimited plan and I use it as my work phone. $16.58 a month at of this moment but you have to pay all at front. They also have an offer were you can get 3 months for $11.67 a month. That’s with 2GB of data.
Hello. I’m a little confused. Where would we but the devices, then would we get SIM cards from these various plans, without having to buy a new phone?
You can bring your existing phone over if it is compatible, or you can buy a new/used phone from anywhere (Swappa, eBay, Amazon, etc).
Jonathan,
This site is great! I only have one question. Since this was written 26 October 2016, what changes should I be aware of now, 31 December 2017?
I am considering using a Boom Mobile plan for my brother’s first mobile phone. I’ve used Verizon for years and am quite happy with them.
Ting is another good option for low-usage customers; my mom uses Ting (Sprint and ATT mono). I was on Harbor (T-Mo mvno) for about 3 years – was $30 for 2gb data, unlimited Talk n Text. Recently migrated to another T-Mo mvno, Teltik…$20/month for 2gb and unlimited Talk n Text. Satisfied.
Steve, if you like T-Mobile, try MintSim. If you prepay 1 year, you get unlimited talk/text/data (where 1st 2GB is high speed LTE).
MintSim uses T-mobile network.
US Mobile is the best for using your cell phone for talking only, I joined with US Mobile about a year ago and will not join AARP again because they say Consumer Cellular is the best and pay 15.00 for 250 minutes and I pay 10.26 for 1,000 minutes.
If US Mobile has the same nationwide access as AT&T then I may switch from Consumer Cellular as well. I have been using Consumer Cellular strictly for voice communications (~600min/month) and pay $19/month (AARP member) for a grand total of $23.90/month which includes unlimited talk, 300 texts and 30MB of data. I occasionally text and never use data. Still cheap compared to the $67/month I paid AT&T for 1500 minutes/month albeit with rollover minutes. I’ll be looking into US Mobile.
I like to spend a lot of time in areas that are not so populated. I have been having issues with my trac phone service, no reception in areas where other people do. I’m guessing it’s my carrier and so I’m thinking of changing but would like some input on who has the best coverage for the least amount of money.
Thanks 🙂
I have https://myrealmobile.com/ for my mom. $5 CDMA addon for a year of year at $0.05 per minute.
kind of use it when you’re out of the house.
The initial activation and add on is a bit more($20???), I forgot what it was. sprint service for the CDMA
Looks like Lycamobile is now 12 cents/sms.
https://www.lycamobile.us/en/rates/
Thanks, I’ll correct the original post: 5 cents/min talk, 12 cents/text SMS.
Extremely helpful! After reading your article I was able to find a cheap plan and if I hadn’t read your article I would not have known anything about how to find a cheap plan and would have ended up with an expensive plan from one of the big companies.
Thank you so much for an extremely helpful and extremely wonderful article!
i have my own older phone unlocked and just want the cheapest talk and text unlimited. Tried us mobile but couldnt get a signal in my home at all. I dont have a smart phone nor want one and think a talk and text plan should be cheap.
Alex, I’m w/ you. I owned a flip phone since AirTouch. And to this day periodically remind the Executive Team at Verizon that there a lot of people who don’t want smart phones, but a cheat and reliable flip phone. No worries about OS being corrupt or constant software updates, Did I mention the cost of insurance for smart phones that can be $200.
us mobile has talk and text unlimited for 10$ a month
The whole page is confusing to me probably because I’m a senior. I have a very modest monthly income. I’ve been thinking about a phone just for calls or some text in the states. I don’t know anyone in Mongolia etc.
What hoops do you have to jump through and what do these companies want to know about you ?
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Thanks but which link does it show that for? That would help me out.
Freeupmobile actually has a free monthly plan – 250 minutes and text a month
hello,
Where do you guys buy equipment? I’m talking about a flip phone, where would you buy one for Red Pocket or other solid carriers? Preferred Verizon network. Thank you
Some stores sell cheap flip phones for TrackFone. I bought my Grandfather one of the more rugged phones off Ebay. They are a lot more expensive.
I’ve used the pay as you go model for years. Initially it was a flip phone (talk & text) with Tracfone. 3 months for $20. T-mobile provided the actual service. I traded out for a BYOD smartphone. Since my usage is job and travel related, it can vary quit a bit. Still it’s half the cost of the usual plans and I get great coverage (AT&T now). It might require a bit of tech savvy and some patience when starting the phone, but I don’t find having to renew every 3 months any more inconvenient than monthly bills. Buying less time during slow periods and more for high usage has been a benefit. If I overestimate, unused time rolls over. The only real downside for me has been when having technical difficulties, I have to figure it out on my own or with phone/on line assistance from TracFone. There is no store to run to for help.
Tello now has a minimum top up of $20
Per FAQ: “Lycamobile automatically deactivates SIM cards if not used to make a call or send a text for more than 60 days.” Seems like you need to update your info. BTW: Seems like what you suggest isn’t actually a plan so do you just order the sim, pay the $10, use at least once every 60 days and you’re good to go with keeping the number forever and just topping up as needed?
Didn’t Lycamobile Pay As You Go Discontinue last year?
https://www.lycamobile.us/en/plan-changes-update/
“March 20, 2019
Customer having activate Plan:
When current plan expires, service will be suspended regardless of any account balance. For continuous service, purchase a new plan or enable auto-recharge at Lycamobile.us.
We are discontinuing Pay-As-You-Go Services. You are services will be suspended regardless of any remaining balance. For continues service purchase a plan.
SIM and assigned number expire after 60 days of non-use.(pervious expiry was 90days)”
We’ve been doing the FreedomPop 1 year sims for a while now.
The last round was on sale for $40/year and has 1GB of data per month. So far, no problems since the RedPocket takeover, either.
Leveraging Google Voice makes it easy to jump to different plans by keeping your main number registered at Gvoice and then just forwarding on to the new SIM. Pretty great!
Jonathan,
Thank you for this comprehensive list. Which one do you personally use, if you’re ok to share? How has your call and reception quality been?
Thank you
I am personally on my second year of Mint Mobile. The reception quality has been great for me, except for a few instances at large stadium events (not sure how much difference it made, although suppose it won’t happen again for a while).
Thank you, Jonathan. I live in Salem, OR, and used VZ so far. LG Revere 3, a 3G device. Me and my mom, we are & were paying $67 for 2 lines. VZ techs tell me that 3G is discontinued this year. VZ is dismounting 3G towers in PDX. This fact and the fact I have headaches from the newer 4G (not even talking about 5G) phones. I’d purchased Safe and Sound Pro II from Safe Living Technologies slt.co (no association with them), had them ship to Oregon. I went today to test the demo phones (even flip phones) at VZ, T and TMUS stores. My 3G emits 10,000 uw/m2 (spikes up to 10,000, average 2,000), the newer 4G is at 1,000,000 uw/m2, averaging 300,000,000. Not even talking 5G. I’m active”shopping” and even considering giving up these “devices. “…luxury..necessity and going with ham radio. (you need $15 for a license for life) Just a heads up for you. Yes, the towers are increasing in numbers, but at least the constant transmitter wouldn’t be on me.
By the way, the next class will start on Monday, August 3, and costs $20. Register for the class here. He is a good instructor.
https://www.kb6nu.com/next-tech-class/
One more question, Jonathan. How come you chose Mint over T-Mobile prepaid? They are both $15/mo. It seems T-Mobile pre-paid could be better becuase it is in-house.
Thank you
At $15/mo, Mint offers 3 GB data while Tmo offers 2 GB. At $25/mo, Mint offers 12 GB while Tmo offers 5 GB. Good to see the prepaid rates dropping though, would be more interested to see a Verizon rate that low, as I don’t think the difference between Tmo and Mint mobile (Tmo MVNO) will be very significant.
Thank you
Red Pocket has a bug on their plans. Buying a Apple SE phone, 6 month plan with 3GB LTE data, is free. Only pay for the phone. 3 month, 12 month , and 24 month all have monthly fees.
We have the Red Pocket no data plan for my daughter’s phone (it is an emergency phone). It only costs $10 per month. The service was so good that I put my wife on the 5GB plan. Great coverage.
Brad, are you talking about 500 Talk & 500 Text, which are limited plans, not unlimited talk?
Has anyone heard of https://www.ecomobile.com/plans/prepaidplans/ run on Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon towers ($15/mo) or Wing https://www.wingalpha.com/plans ($12 for talk/text or $15 for smartphone) run on Sprint towers ?
By the way, if someone is looking for a locked phone w/o interner or other distractions., I came across “Kosher” phones. https://koshercell.org/home/
By the way, Wng on Verizon for $20 https://koshercell.org/Wing-Verizon-SIM-Card-$20-unlimited-Talk-and-Text-p227473559
I am on the Ting old plan ($3/menu item). I ordered the new $10+$5/GB plan and it requires a new SIM that they send right away, but your plan does not change over to the new one until your existing billing cycle runs out, so plan accordingly.
My wife is on an ATT prepaid plan and they have a $300 annual option that gives 8GB per month but it is only for NEW accounts despite all of the commercials out there about existing customers getting same plans as new ones…. We tried all of the web paths, tried in person in store and phone support but nobody could find a way to get it for existing customers…..sigh….
Jonathan, how come you went with Mint over Tello?
I’m pretty sure I found Mint first, and the price difference has never been enough to make me want to change.