I've been with one of the major cell phone companies for a LOT of years. In reviewing our bill, we only use like 5 GB per month data but have to pay for unlimited usage - they don't offer an option. We could cut our monthly cell bill in half with one of the newer companies. We would need to find different insurance coverage, however. Have any of you switched to one of the low cost companies? What is your experience?
Cell Phone Options
- Thread starter CycloneBob
- Start date
People buy insurance?
I use AT&T prepaid. Great coverage. If you buy a year at a time ($240) it comes to $20/mo. 16GB/mo before it gets throttled.
I buy unlocked pixel phones. Still on a 6a I bought 3 years ago that's working fine.
I buy unlocked pixel phones. Still on a 6a I bought 3 years ago that's working fine.
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We switched from Verizon to T-Mobile and saved a ton. We pay around 130 a month for 3 phones, a kids watch and an iPad (5 lines) and got all new devices when we switched. I We added a couple lines when we switched but I want to say the same type of setup through Verizon was 200 plus. We've got unlimited data and 50GB of hotspot per device.
I've also heard good things about Google Fi if your an android user and Mint mobile.
I've also heard good things about Google Fi if your an android user and Mint mobile.
Just make sure you look at what network they use and make sure you have decent service coverage wherever you are. I think T-Mobile's network has surpassed Verizon since the 5G transition. T Mobile just bought US Cellular and took on all those towers as well.
Who buys insurance for their phone? Over 25 yrs now haven't ever needed it for anything weird.
I use Google Fi and we have 3 lines and it's $80 per month for unlimited data(data does slow down after 30GB). I have been on Fi the longest and I moved my wife from Verizon to Fi a few months ago and there has been no issues that we have noticed.
Unlimited, Flexible & Group Phone Plans & Rates - Google Fi Wireless
Discover Google Fi Wireless phone plans that work best for you and your family including unlimited data, group, flexible, international and more.
fi.google.com
I believe you can even use iPhones with Fi but they have a compatibility page where you can check if it will work.
Yep, put a case & screen protector on & you're usually good to go. Most phones are at least water resistant these days, which was probably the biggest cause of claims in the old days.
I use Google Fi and we have 3 lines and it's $80 per month for unlimited data(data does slow down after 30GB). I have been on Fi the longest and I moved my wife from Verizon to Fi a few months ago and there has been no issues that we have noticed.
Unlimited, Flexible & Group Phone Plans & Rates - Google Fi Wireless
Discover Google Fi Wireless phone plans that work best for you and your family including unlimited data, group, flexible, international and more.
I believe you can even use iPhones with Fi but they have a compatibility page where you can check if it will work.
Yeah, there's a "workaround" for iPhones but no ability to connect watches or iPads, at least not at the time we switched. Everyone is apple in our house so we decided not to screw with it. One of my siblings is very international because of their job and he runs google Fi on their family personal phones because there are a lot of international benefits.
I'm with TMobile right now, but I've been with Verizon, Google Fi, and Sprint(pre-T-Mobile).
Porting numbers is easy. So many are now using the same networks, so coverage hasn't been an issue for me in 10+ years.
You basically need to run the numbers. For example, I currently have an older plan from T Mobile which is unlimited everything w/3 lines for $120/month. The plan also includes basic Netflix and Apple TV for free. So I'd say I get about $110 in value, which is $36/line. They won't give me any deals on phones unless I switch to a higher priced plan. When the time comes for a new phone, which will cost $1k each, I will shop and see what kind of deals I can get, or I'll just buy the phones outright, and switch to a cheaper carrier like Mint. It really comes down to the math for me. If someone will offer me a $1k phone for $300 (x3), that's $2,100 over 36 months. So roughly $60/month. If I can get Mint for $90 for 3 phones, that may be a better option for me.
Porting numbers is easy. So many are now using the same networks, so coverage hasn't been an issue for me in 10+ years.
You basically need to run the numbers. For example, I currently have an older plan from T Mobile which is unlimited everything w/3 lines for $120/month. The plan also includes basic Netflix and Apple TV for free. So I'd say I get about $110 in value, which is $36/line. They won't give me any deals on phones unless I switch to a higher priced plan. When the time comes for a new phone, which will cost $1k each, I will shop and see what kind of deals I can get, or I'll just buy the phones outright, and switch to a cheaper carrier like Mint. It really comes down to the math for me. If someone will offer me a $1k phone for $300 (x3), that's $2,100 over 36 months. So roughly $60/month. If I can get Mint for $90 for 3 phones, that may be a better option for me.
I don't buy a phone case either.
I use cell phone service through my cable provider. $45/mo. Unlimited everything. Free wifi on Hotspots around the country.
It uses Verizon's network. I'm guessing those other cut rate folks can get cheap too
im way too lazy to ever switch
i despise going into phone stores, even for a new phone.
i despise going into phone stores, even for a new phone.
The switching is pretty easy these days......and I couldn't tell you the last time I stepped foot in a store
Otter Box + screen protector >>> overpriced cell phone insurance.
Bought phones from consumer cellular online. Cheaper than any of the big cell companies. Great service and cheap unless you travel overseas. Consumer cellular customer services says do not use us it costs too much go get a e SIM if you travel.
Tracfone, Baby.
Great 5G coverage...sometimes run out of texts and data, but easy and not too pricey to add more. Bought my phone from them as well. Basic plan is $125 for 365 Days
Also have a flip phone for outdoors when all you need is a phone for emergencies.
Verizon bought them a few years ago and it's brilliant. Why pay more? For what?
Great 5G coverage...sometimes run out of texts and data, but easy and not too pricey to add more. Bought my phone from them as well. Basic plan is $125 for 365 Days
- 1500 Minutes
- 1500 Texts
- 1.50 GB Data
Also have a flip phone for outdoors when all you need is a phone for emergencies.
Verizon bought them a few years ago and it's brilliant. Why pay more? For what?
Get your phone unlocked and buy a sim card once you arrive in-country. Way cheaper than purchasing furrin' calling privileges.
US Mobile. You can get two lines sharing 10GB for $28 per month. Your choice of networks: Verizon, T Mobile, or AT&T. We have shared data plan with one phone on Verizon network and one on T Mobile. Great customer service and coverage. https://www.usmobile.com/shared-data-plans
