No true pay as you go [cellphone plan]
No true pay as you go [cellphone plan]
They all want you to sign up for a monthly plan.
I currently have a Verizon smartphone that I am able to get 365 days of service with Tracfone.
It comes with some minutes, some texts, and some data.
I don' t have to do anything for 1 year. If I run of data I can buy more.
I am having a hard time finding something similar.
Is there a MNVO I have missed?
I currently have a Verizon smartphone that I am able to get 365 days of service with Tracfone.
It comes with some minutes, some texts, and some data.
I don' t have to do anything for 1 year. If I run of data I can buy more.
I am having a hard time finding something similar.
Is there a MNVO I have missed?
Re: No true pay as you go
Why not stay with Tracfone if it serves your needs? Why are you looking for something similar if what you have is okay?
I use a GSM phone with Tracfone that uses the AT&T network. I'm happy. I don't need anything else, it works for me, less then $10 a month on one of the quarterly plans.
I use a GSM phone with Tracfone that uses the AT&T network. I'm happy. I don't need anything else, it works for me, less then $10 a month on one of the quarterly plans.
The closest helping hand is at the end of your own arm.
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Re: No true pay as you go [cellphone plan]
What are your usage patterns/needs? Knowing that might give us more insight and provide guidance.
Re: No true pay as you go [cellphone plan]
There are two providers I'd suggest checking out, Ting and Google. Both are a-la-carte style pricing. It sounds like Ting might be closer to what you're asking for, however you will need to pay a monthly minimum to keep the account active. I think it's around $6-$9.
www.ting.com
fi.google.com
I currently have no relationship with either, but know satisfied customers of both.
www.ting.com
fi.google.com
I currently have no relationship with either, but know satisfied customers of both.
Re: No true pay as you go [cellphone plan]
what about straight talk? we used to have it
Re: No true pay as you go [cellphone plan]
Almost no minutes or texts.runner3081 wrote: ↑Wed Oct 25, 2017 8:39 pm What are your usage patterns/needs? Knowing that might give us more insight and provide guidance.
500 MB data a month.
Ting and StraightTalk do not offer ability to pay 1 year in advance
Re: No true pay as you go [cellphone plan]
If you have comcast, then I suggest xfinity mobile.
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Re: No true pay as you go [cellphone plan]
Red Pocket Mobile. You prepay $60 and get a year's serviceNyc10036 wrote: ↑Wed Oct 25, 2017 9:42 pmAlmost no minutes or texts.runner3081 wrote: ↑Wed Oct 25, 2017 8:39 pm What are your usage patterns/needs? Knowing that might give us more insight and provide guidance.
500 MB data a month.
Ting and StraightTalk do not offer ability to pay 1 year in advance
Basic Plan $60 / year $5 / month Works with virtually every phone in America*
Enjoy Monthly: 100 Mins Talk 100 Text 500 MB LTE Data
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Red-Pocket-1-Y ... SwYSRZknp6
More details here:
http://vi.vipr.ebaydesc.com/ws/eBayISAP ... cureDesc=0
Re: No true pay as you go [cellphone plan]
Tracfone is very flexible with their rollover voice/text/data. I have over 2000 minutes/texts accumulated. I just buy data every month or few months as needed. I've been looking for a decent alternative or backup, but haven't found anything similar. Like you, I use almost no minutes or text and little data every month, but usage spikes to 100's of minutes/text and more data (500mb to 1gb) a few times a year (mainly travel). I could use more data, but don't want to pay more than $20/month during many months that it's not needed. I like the $20/month Cricket plan, which is more than what I need, but need 5 lines for $100 for it to work. For those that need unlimited data, the 4 lines for $100 seems like a good deal. Just need to find the other like minded users.Nyc10036 wrote: ↑Wed Oct 25, 2017 9:42 pmAlmost no minutes or texts.runner3081 wrote: ↑Wed Oct 25, 2017 8:39 pm What are your usage patterns/needs? Knowing that might give us more insight and provide guidance.
500 MB data a month.
Ting and StraightTalk do not offer ability to pay 1 year in advance
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Re: No true pay as you go [cellphone plan]
FreedomPop may be a good option for you. based on you usage needs, their free plan may even be a good fit. They charge a one time $30 activation fee.
Re: No true pay as you go [cellphone plan]
There is Airvoice Wireless pay as you go. They have a $1 a month service fee and charge $0.10/min, $0.10/text, and $0.0666/megabyte. You give them $100 and they give you $120 worth of credit for $365 days. Top up when you need it.
There’s also google fi which charges $20 a month for unlimited talk and text and $0.01/mb. MintSim has year long plans. Otherwise you’re out of luck for pay once a year and be done with it.
There’s also google fi which charges $20 a month for unlimited talk and text and $0.01/mb. MintSim has year long plans. Otherwise you’re out of luck for pay once a year and be done with it.
Re: No true pay as you go [cellphone plan]
Not true. StraightTalk has 3-month, 6-month, and 1 year extended plans. The 1 year plan is $495 per year and provides 10 GB of high speed data per month (unlimited talk and text). Of course, that seems to be way more data than you need, so this is probably not the best plan for you.Nyc10036 wrote: ↑Wed Oct 25, 2017 9:42 pmTing and StraightTalk do not offer ability to pay 1 year in advancerunner3081 wrote: ↑Wed Oct 25, 2017 8:39 pm What are your usage patterns/needs? Knowing that might give us more insight and provide guidance.
Good luck finding what you need -- there are many confusing choices!
Re: No true pay as you go [cellphone plan]
$495 for 10 GB?!?! Wow. That is is $165 with Tracfone although without the unlimited texts and minutes.Bulldog wrote: ↑Thu Oct 26, 2017 6:45 amNot true. StraightTalk has 3-month, 6-month, and 1 year extended plans. The 1 year plan is $495 per year and provides 10 GB of high speed data per month (unlimited talk and text). Of course, that seems to be way more data than you need, so this is probably not the best plan for you.Nyc10036 wrote: ↑Wed Oct 25, 2017 9:42 pmTing and StraightTalk do not offer ability to pay 1 year in advancerunner3081 wrote: ↑Wed Oct 25, 2017 8:39 pm What are your usage patterns/needs? Knowing that might give us more insight and provide guidance.
Good luck finding what you need -- there are many confusing choices!
Re: No true pay as you go [cellphone plan]
What's wrong with Tracfone? I'll guess: Alaska. Somebody needs to tell Tracfone it's part of the United States.Nyc10036 wrote: ↑Wed Oct 25, 2017 8:23 pm They all want you to sign up for a monthly plan.
I currently have a Verizon smartphone that I am able to get 365 days of service with Tracfone.
It comes with some minutes, some texts, and some data.
I don' t have to do anything for 1 year. If I run of data I can buy more.
I am having a hard time finding something similar.
Is there a MNVO I have missed?
Re: No true pay as you go [cellphone plan]
One true PayGo option is TruSim. Just get one of their sims. It works in multiple countries and the price is dependent on where you are and where/what you are calling. Here in the States, it's something like 9 cents per minute, text, or meg. You prefund your account with however much you want and it doesn't run out so you only re-fund it when you want, not every 30 days or month like most prepaid plans.
The capacity to learn is a gift; The ability to learn is a skill; The willingness to learn is a choice. |
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Re: No true pay as you go [cellphone plan]
If I pay them $100 according to their website it is good for 1000 minutes. Do they still take the $1 month service fee or is it included in the $100?Jags4186 wrote: ↑Thu Oct 26, 2017 6:37 am There is Airvoice Wireless pay as you go. They have a $1 a month service fee and charge $0.10/min, $0.10/text, and $0.0666/megabyte. You give them $100 and they give you $120 worth of credit for $365 days. Top up when you need it.
There’s also google fi which charges $20 a month for unlimited talk and text and $0.01/mb. MintSim has year long plans. Otherwise you’re out of luck for pay once a year and be done with it.
Re: No true pay as you go [cellphone plan]
[/quote]
$495 for 10 GB?!?! Wow. That is is $165 with Tracfone although without the unlimited texts and minutes.
[/quote]
Agreed, but it is in line with StraightTalk's regular $45/month monthly plan.
You may also want to look at this site that collects a lot of info about MVNO plans:
http://www.prepaidphonenews.com/
Good Luck
$495 for 10 GB?!?! Wow. That is is $165 with Tracfone although without the unlimited texts and minutes.
[/quote]
Agreed, but it is in line with StraightTalk's regular $45/month monthly plan.
You may also want to look at this site that collects a lot of info about MVNO plans:
http://www.prepaidphonenews.com/
Good Luck
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Re: No true pay as you go [cellphone plan]
It's better to pay monthly with no contract and with automatic CC for various reasons.
I use Project Fi, which credits unused data toward the following month.
But you need an expensive smartphone for Fi, so not for everyone...
I use Project Fi, which credits unused data toward the following month.
But you need an expensive smartphone for Fi, so not for everyone...
Attempted new signature...
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Re: No true pay as you go [cellphone plan]
We are very happy with Republic Wireless, it is however billed monthly, but it ranks very high in consumer reports for prepaid cell service
https://republicwireless.com/
https://republicwireless.com/
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Re: No true pay as you go [cellphone plan] - try MintSim.com
I have had MintSIm.com for about 10 months - I prepaid for one year. For 10GB LTE data, unlimited talk and text, $300 per year (equivalent to $25 per month). For 2GB LTE data, unlimited talk and text, $180 per year ($15 per month equivalent). Uses T-Mobile network. The T-Mobile network is good in the Tampa area where we live.
Re: No true pay as you go [cellphone plan]
I have had Tracfone for several years now and it seems to have decent coverage and price wise it is very competitive. I travel from Cape Cod to Florida each winter and coverage is no problem other than being in remote mountain areas. Last January I upgraded to a reconditioned Iphone 7 and I signed up for the one year minutes, text and data plan. For the most part I am very happy with it. Only drawback is when you have to call them. I keep my fingers crossed in hopes that I get someone who can speak clear English. That Southeast Asian English dialect is not always easy to understand.
Fond memories are the best investment
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Re: No true pay as you go [cellphone plan]
With cricket (I assume others too) you can buy a bunch of refill cards and upload them all at once. You wouldn't have to worry about paying as long as you have enough credit loaded. It is minimum $30 for 1GB/month. You can sometimes find discounts on the cards.
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Re: No true pay as you go [cellphone plan]
Nyc10036 wrote: ↑Wed Oct 25, 2017 9:42 pmAlmost no minutes or texts.runner3081 wrote: ↑Wed Oct 25, 2017 8:39 pm What are your usage patterns/needs? Knowing that might give us more insight and provide guidance.
500 MB data a month.
Ting and StraightTalk do not offer ability to pay 1 year in advance
I bought one year from MintSim.
Re: No true pay as you go [cellphone plan]
They take the $1 a month but they give you $120 in credit for $100. So you get $108 net credit for $100 spend.Nyc10036 wrote: ↑Thu Oct 26, 2017 7:03 amIf I pay them $100 according to their website it is good for 1000 minutes. Do they still take the $1 month service fee or is it included in the $100?Jags4186 wrote: ↑Thu Oct 26, 2017 6:37 am There is Airvoice Wireless pay as you go. They have a $1 a month service fee and charge $0.10/min, $0.10/text, and $0.0666/megabyte. You give them $100 and they give you $120 worth of credit for $365 days. Top up when you need it.
There’s also google fi which charges $20 a month for unlimited talk and text and $0.01/mb. MintSim has year long plans. Otherwise you’re out of luck for pay once a year and be done with it.
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Re: No true pay as you go [cellphone plan]
I wanted a pay-go cell phone because I use it very rarely for calls and texts. In early 2015, I got a Tracfone for $20 and I put 240 minutes on for about 11 cents per minute once every 6-9 months. The minutes come with contract time but once in a while I use the contract time up too fast so I have to buy it by itself, without minutes. Still, it comes out to $5-$7 per month. Now if I could stop all the annoying junk calls and texts I get on the cell phone which slowly erode my minutes.
Re: No true pay as you go [cellphone plan]
I was doing pretty well with PagePlus. They use Verizon's phones and network, I use about 1gb data a month so their $30 a month plan is fine for me. I use mostly wifi and don't watch movies and such on my phone.
Re: No true pay as you go [cellphone plan]
Unless there is something special about your Verizon phone or something you haven't mentioned that isn't working with Tracfone, go to QVC and treat yourself to a new Tracfone SamsungGalaxy J3 for $99.75 with 1 year, 1500 minutes/texts and 1.5 GB data and buy 5-1GB cards at Tracfone for $50 and you are set for a year for $160-ish with taxes/shipping. Or get the Tracfone Galaxy Sky for $109.96 - same deal but 1350mins/texts/1.35GB, $170-ish.
Re: No true pay as you go [cellphone plan]
tello.com
I know it works on the Sprint network; not sure if it supports others.
I know it works on the Sprint network; not sure if it supports others.
Re: No true pay as you go [cellphone plan]
Thank you for all the suggestions.
Since I am not in a hurry, I will wait for a deal on HSN especially if a VISA checkout deal happens.
I had forgotten about Tello but Sprint is only 3G not 4G LTE where I live.
Since I am not in a hurry, I will wait for a deal on HSN especially if a VISA checkout deal happens.
I had forgotten about Tello but Sprint is only 3G not 4G LTE where I live.
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Re: No true pay as you go [cellphone plan]
I'm not positive, but I think T-Mobile prepaid (just to confuse you, it's a separate website from their main website) still has a true pre-paid, pay as you go option.
I think the way it works (I'm grandfathered into an older, slightly more flexible plan, so I can't confirm), is you activate the plan, then buy a refill card (in increments up to $100) to put value on your account. Each month, they deduct $3 from the credit on your account. The first 30 minutes or texts each month are included, then they start deducting $0.10 for each minute or text for the rest of the month.
So if you're a low volume user who doesn't need data, that's an option. You can get data via daily or weekly passes, but it's a poor value: $10 for 1 GB, but it expires after only 7 days.
I think the way it works (I'm grandfathered into an older, slightly more flexible plan, so I can't confirm), is you activate the plan, then buy a refill card (in increments up to $100) to put value on your account. Each month, they deduct $3 from the credit on your account. The first 30 minutes or texts each month are included, then they start deducting $0.10 for each minute or text for the rest of the month.
So if you're a low volume user who doesn't need data, that's an option. You can get data via daily or weekly passes, but it's a poor value: $10 for 1 GB, but it expires after only 7 days.
Re: No true pay as you go [cellphone plan]
I am looking at an unlocked Moto G Plus (5th Generation) to use with Tracfone. Amazon has a good deal if you are ok with Prime ads, otherwise Costco might be a source. Anyway, $185 for 2-32, $240 for 4-64. price with Prime ads. I am not a big user yet, so not sure how much I need the 4-64.
Re: No true pay as you go [cellphone plan]
Does anyone know a GSM equivalent of Tello.com? for low usage users, $0/month and true reasonable PAYG. lycamobile PAYG used to support data, but not anymore.
truSim burns too fast @9c/mb
Thanks!
truSim burns too fast @9c/mb
Thanks!
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Re: No true pay as you go [cellphone plan]
Thanks for this! I have been dragging my feet for my son. This is perfect.UncleBen wrote: ↑Thu Oct 26, 2017 9:51 am Unless there is something special about your Verizon phone or something you haven't mentioned that isn't working with Tracfone, go to QVC and treat yourself to a new Tracfone SamsungGalaxy J3 for $99.75 with 1 year, 1500 minutes/texts and 1.5 GB data and buy 5-1GB cards at Tracfone for $50 and you are set for a year for $160-ish with taxes/shipping. Or get the Tracfone Galaxy Sky for $109.96 - same deal but 1350mins/texts/1.35GB, $170-ish.
Re: No true pay as you go [cellphone plan]
Pay phones absolutely nailed the pay as you go concept in their day.
The closest helping hand is at the end of your own arm.
Re: No true pay as you go [cellphone plan]
I bought one of these and just returned it this morning. It is very uncomfortable. It feels cold (I got the "gold" one maybe the other color(s) are different.) Also the charger is hard to plug into the phone, It felt like I had to jam it in. I'm not sure how long it would last with that going on.
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Re: No true pay as you go [cellphone plan]
Now I'm trying to envision a mobile phone with a coin slot.
Or perhaps a MVNO who might sell you an iPhone with the Apple credit card reader permanently attached, so you have to swipe twice for every call - once with your finger to unlock the phone, and once with your credit card.
Re: No true pay as you go [cellphone plan]
Has Tracfone's customer service gotten any better. About 8 years ago I had a couple hundred minutes stolen from my account. I tried for weeks trying to get them to reimburse my minutes. They agreed that they could tell they were stolen, but wouldn't do anything about it. It was by far the worst customer service experience I've ever experienced - anywhere.
Re: No true pay as you go [cellphone plan]
Thanks for sharing your experience. Son had a plug problem with an older Moto.mouses wrote: ↑Fri Oct 27, 2017 6:31 pmI bought one of these and just returned it this morning. It is very uncomfortable. It feels cold (I got the "gold" one maybe the other color(s) are different.) Also the charger is hard to plug into the phone, It felt like I had to jam it in. I'm not sure how long it would last with that going on.
Re: No true pay as you go [cellphone plan]
mouses wrote: I bought one of these and just returned it this morning. It is very uncomfortable. It feels cold (I got the "gold" one maybe the other color(s) are different.) Also the charger is hard to plug into the phone, It felt like I had to jam it in. I'm not sure how long it would last with that going on.
I just bought one as well (the 2 GB RAM model from Costco).BL wrote: Thanks for sharing your experience. Son had a plug problem with an older Moto.
It feels cold because the back is made of metal, which conducts heat better than plastic. This ceased to be an issue as soon as I put it in a plastic protective case (which I would do regardless).
The charger plug in was a little stiff at first, but after 10 or so uses it just feels nicely snug.
I don't have enough experience with it to give an informed overall opinion, but so far so good.
Re: No true pay as you go [cellphone plan]
Thanks for sharing. Any short-comings with the 2 GB?Chip wrote: ↑Sat Oct 28, 2017 3:46 ammouses wrote: I bought one of these and just returned it this morning. It is very uncomfortable. It feels cold (I got the "gold" one maybe the other color(s) are different.) Also the charger is hard to plug into the phone, It felt like I had to jam it in. I'm not sure how long it would last with that going on.I just bought one as well (the 2 GB RAM model from Costco).BL wrote: Thanks for sharing your experience. Son had a plug problem with an older Moto.
It feels cold because the back is made of metal, which conducts heat better than plastic. This ceased to be an issue as soon as I put it in a plastic protective case (which I would do regardless).
The charger plug in was a little stiff at first, but after 10 or so uses it just feels nicely snug.
I don't have enough experience with it to give an informed overall opinion, but so far so good.
Re: No true pay as you go [cellphone plan]
I'd echo the suggestion that you take a look at Freedompop based on your needs.
They are offering the LTE Sim for 99 cents right now, works on ATT or Tmobile (depending on signal strength). Free plan offers 200 minutes, 200 texts and 200mb which you can boost to 700mb per month using the "friends" option (Google it for more info).
They also have a global sim offering the same free amounts on 3g but is usable globally. I'm writing this in Venice airport, completing a European trip in which I used my global sim in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy. Really can't complain for $0!
They are offering the LTE Sim for 99 cents right now, works on ATT or Tmobile (depending on signal strength). Free plan offers 200 minutes, 200 texts and 200mb which you can boost to 700mb per month using the "friends" option (Google it for more info).
They also have a global sim offering the same free amounts on 3g but is usable globally. I'm writing this in Venice airport, completing a European trip in which I used my global sim in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy. Really can't complain for $0!
Re: No true pay as you go [cellphone plan]
None so far, but my usage is pretty light and I haven't had it that long. Plus I'm pretty good at closing apps after use.
Eyeballing the memory listing in Settings it looks like Android system stuff uses roughly 1 GB, though I don't know if that's important.
Though I don't know this, I would be surprised if it doesn't have a "swap file" sort of setup like Windows if apps demand more RAM than is available.
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Re: No true pay as you go [cellphone plan]
Just found out about MintSIM. Not pay-as-you-go but cheaper than the rest because they sell blocks of 3 to 12 months at a time. Uses the T-Mobile network. Website answers all the questions I had about it.
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Re: No true pay as you go [cellphone plan]
I have had MintSim for around 4 months. My Father also has it. Works as expected.randomizer wrote: ↑Sun Oct 29, 2017 2:55 pm Just found out about MintSIM. Not pay-as-you-go but cheaper than the rest because they sell blocks of 3 to 12 months at a time. Uses the T-Mobile network. Website answers all the questions I had about it.
Re: No true pay as you go [cellphone plan]
miketheboglehead:
FreedomPop may be a good option for you. based on you usage needs, their free plan may even be a good fit. They charge a one time $30 activation fee.
====================
but offers no data options. As a result I'm used to using the phone with no data when away from WiFi. I rarely make calls, and seldom text.
The $0 FreedomPop option sounds too good to be true, so I'm wondering how hard it is to stay on the free plan. Do you have to decline upgrades to
one of the paid plans frequently? Their web site lists two versions of the free plan, both have 200 minutes of talk time, but then they differ on
200/500 texts, and 200/500MB. Also, there only seems to be a $30 activation fee associated with their free phone offer.
FreedomPop may be a good option for you. based on you usage needs, their free plan may even be a good fit. They charge a one time $30 activation fee.
====================
I checked out FreedomPop, and their options look very interesting. I'm currently on an old legacy T-Mobile prepaid plan that is quite affordablemageedge wrote: ↑Sat Oct 28, 2017 9:26 am I'd echo the suggestion that you take a look at Freedompop based on your needs.
They are offering the LTE Sim for 99 cents right now, works on ATT or Tmobile (depending on signal strength). Free plan offers 200 minutes, 200 texts and 200mb which you can boost to 700mb per month using the "friends" option (Google it for more info).
They also have a global sim offering the same free amounts on 3g but is usable globally. I'm writing this in Venice airport, completing a European trip in which I used my global sim in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy. Really can't complain for $0!
but offers no data options. As a result I'm used to using the phone with no data when away from WiFi. I rarely make calls, and seldom text.
The $0 FreedomPop option sounds too good to be true, so I'm wondering how hard it is to stay on the free plan. Do you have to decline upgrades to
one of the paid plans frequently? Their web site lists two versions of the free plan, both have 200 minutes of talk time, but then they differ on
200/500 texts, and 200/500MB. Also, there only seems to be a $30 activation fee associated with their free phone offer.
Re: No true pay as you go [cellphone plan]
Take a look at Truphone, which utilizes both the ATT and T-Mobile networks. I bought a Truphone sim in 2014 for $30 (with $30 in credit), and I haven't spent another cent and still have $25 remaining!
Your balance never expires. I heard something about a fee if you don't use it at least once every ~4 months, so I do make a quick call a few times per year.
Calls are 9 cents/minute in the US for outgoing. Texts are 9 cents per text outgoing. Data is 9 cents/MB. Incoming calls and texts are always free.
It also works in many different countries, though the rates in some countries are very expensive.
They also have amazing customer service! (no wait times, UK based, very competent and generous). They're sending me a new sim for free via priority mail because the old sim isn't the right size for my new phone (I just said I needed a smaller sim and would have been happy to pay for it). And I got a nice follow-up email from the person you helped me that contained a USPS tracking number. I need to give these people some more money.
https://www.truphone.com/us/consumer/sim/
Your balance never expires. I heard something about a fee if you don't use it at least once every ~4 months, so I do make a quick call a few times per year.
Calls are 9 cents/minute in the US for outgoing. Texts are 9 cents per text outgoing. Data is 9 cents/MB. Incoming calls and texts are always free.
It also works in many different countries, though the rates in some countries are very expensive.
They also have amazing customer service! (no wait times, UK based, very competent and generous). They're sending me a new sim for free via priority mail because the old sim isn't the right size for my new phone (I just said I needed a smaller sim and would have been happy to pay for it). And I got a nice follow-up email from the person you helped me that contained a USPS tracking number. I need to give these people some more money.
https://www.truphone.com/us/consumer/sim/
Re: No true pay as you go [cellphone plan]
You are correct -1 option is for sim only (200mb data free base), the other is purchasing a phone from Freedompop (500mb free base) - sim has no activation fee. I have been using FP since January and have had no issues keeping on the free plan.starboard wrote: ↑Mon Oct 30, 2017 8:20 pm miketheboglehead:
FreedomPop may be a good option for you. based on you usage needs, their free plan may even be a good fit. They charge a one time $30 activation fee.
====================
I checked out FreedomPop, and their options look very interesting. I'm currently on an old legacy T-Mobile prepaid plan that is quite affordablemageedge wrote: ↑Sat Oct 28, 2017 9:26 am I'd echo the suggestion that you take a look at Freedompop based on your needs.
They are offering the LTE Sim for 99 cents right now, works on ATT or Tmobile (depending on signal strength). Free plan offers 200 minutes, 200 texts and 200mb which you can boost to 700mb per month using the "friends" option (Google it for more info).
They also have a global sim offering the same free amounts on 3g but is usable globally. I'm writing this in Venice airport, completing a European trip in which I used my global sim in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy. Really can't complain for $0!
but offers no data options. As a result I'm used to using the phone with no data when away from WiFi. I rarely make calls, and seldom text.
The $0 FreedomPop option sounds too good to be true, so I'm wondering how hard it is to stay on the free plan. Do you have to decline upgrades to
one of the paid plans frequently? Their web site lists two versions of the free plan, both have 200 minutes of talk time, but then they differ on
200/500 texts, and 200/500MB. Also, there only seems to be a $30 activation fee associated with their free phone offer.
When you purchase the sim (or phone) it will come with one of their monthly pay plans. You need to go through an online process to downgrade to the free plan. In addition to the base data you can add "friends" which gives you an additional 500mb of data a month. You can Google both these actions to explain the required process, it is pretty straightforward. I have 2 of the 4g sims which give me 1.4gb of data a month together with the free minutes/texts (which I rarely use).
I assume the free option is their loss leader to hook folk onto paid plans. How long it'll be around who knows? But, as long as it is there, it's meeting my cell phone needs at $0.