Spouse and I spend $180 / month in smart phones. Cheaper alternative?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How is the coverage in the DC area, or even nationally, with Virgin Mobile, or any of the smaller carriers? Good coverage is the one concern I have leaving Verizon which I've had since 2000.

I have Virgin Mobile. It's on the Sprint network. Coverage is better than when I had T-mobile.

[Anonymous]

For those of you who have gone off-contract, are there any providers that use the Verizon network (so you get reception on Metro?) My contract with AT & T is up and I don't want to re-up with them, but I'm going to be spending a LOT of time on Metro for work and want to be reachable by our babysitter/kids.

[Anonymous]

We have a family plan with two iPhones on AT&T. With data, texting and fees we're paying $158 a month.

My question: Can I use the iPhone on any of the pay-as-you-go plans when my contract is up?

[Anonymous]

We have Boost... 2 smart phones.... unlimited everything... Android.... $55/month each.... pay as you go. Plus, for every 6 months you pay on time, they drop your monthly by $5.... so we'll each end up paying $50, this month!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have a family plan with two iPhones on AT&T. With data, texting and fees we're paying $158 a month.

My question: Can I use the iPhone on any of the pay-as-you-go plans when my contract is up?

I just looked into this and it seems that you can only use iPhone specifically purchased for their network - at lease with Virgin Mobile.

[Anonymous]

Yeah, I know you definitely can't use AT&T phones on Verizon and vice versa. They use different cell phone technologies. Not sure about the other carriers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have a family plan with two iPhones on AT&T. With data, texting and fees we're paying $158 a month.

My question: Can I use the iPhone on any of the pay-as-you-go plans when my contract is up?

Yes, I have an iphone 4 on a pay as you go plan. If the phone uses a sim card, you can go pay as you go.
In some cases, the phone may need to be unlocked.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have a family plan with two iPhones on AT&T. With data, texting and fees we're paying $158 a month.

My question: Can I use the iPhone on any of the pay-as-you-go plans when my contract is up?

I am using my out of contract iphone on straight talk.

[Anonymous]

We pay AT&T $174/month. I grandfathered in unlimited data from my high school plan, DH has the lowest data plan, unlimited texting and 700 minutes, I think.

[Anonymous]

Call verizon and ask about customer loyalty discounts. A secret verizon perk that might be available if you've had them for awhile.

[Anonymous]

Wow I had no idea smart phones were so expensive!

[Anonymous]

Change your usage habits by using the phone for talk only as necessary and switch to a pay as you go plan. $100/year (~ $8/mo).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I pay $26 a month for unlimited data, 300 minutes, unlimited texting. I bought my smartphone refurbished for $50 online. Virgin mobile. You can get unlimited minutes for 50 or 60 bucks a month. Even factoring in the cost of a smartphone up front, it's still cheaper than a traditional phone plan. Also check out Cricket or StraightTalk.

I just worry that if I buy an Iphone on Craigslist or ebay it will be a stolen phone, and I want no part of that.

[Anonymous]

Good God, cell phones and plans are expensive in the U.S. There must be some kind of collusion going on. Also, after 12 years overseas in 5 countries, I am really disappointed at the call quality here. It's like talking on a walkie talkie, if someone talks at the same time as the other person, it all goes to shit. You almost have to say, "over" after you're done speaking. I think its because the calls are transmitted very cheaply over the internet.

It is not like this in other countries. I feel ripped off here. And I especially miss talking on landlines, when you felt as if you were right there with the person.

[Anonymous]

Anybody using Consumer Cellular? Their plans are priced quite reasonable.