Prepaid vs contract cell phone plans

[dr.mel_PT]

After so much hassle with my cell phone contract and the problems behind it, I'm seriously considering opting for a prepaid plane once my agreement ends in January. Does anyone have a prepaid plan and if so, what do you think? I know you don't get as deep of a discount on the phone itself initially but supposedly you save over the long haul.

 

[GAmom]

I made the switch almost 2 years ago to prepaid and haven't looked back!
I use puretalkusa (out of Georgia).. I had a phone that took a sim card (GSM) and I bought some used unlocked iphones and it's worked out for us. The switchover and keeping our number was a little of a wait, since we had no idea when it would exactly happen (about 1 to 3 days) and AT&T had a problem releasing our number.
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I have not needed to call Customer service for much of anything except when we were making the switch.. I waited about 5 minutes to speak to a CSR rep. I have heard that Straight Talk has up to a 45 min. wait time if you need customer service...but the prepaid company you use will depend on who has coverage in your area and what type you find acceptable for data connection.

I pay 44/ month for unlimited Talk, Text, and 1GB Data. This is the total price taxes included.... Love saving money!

 

[Zenara25]

The switchover and keeping our number was a little of a wait, since we had no idea when it would exactly happen (about 1 to 3 days) and AT&T had a problem releasing our number.

Interesting, I had the same problem. AT&T would not fix the issue. So I had to make a complaint through BBB to get it resolved

I use Airvoice Pay As You Go plan (they use AT&T). I don't use my cell phone to talk much. Mostly for checking email and texts. I bought a Sim card for $1 off of ebay. Make sure you gets one that fits your phone (nano,micro etc). Older AT&T iPhone 4 works perfectly. Did have to use this on my phone (which airvoice CS talked me through) because I didn't unlock my iphone from AT&T. Unlockit - APN Changer for your iPhone

Been using this plan for over a year now and it works great.

Heard that Lyca (uses T-mobile) has some really good plans. Unfortunately T-mobile doesn't cover my area as well as AT&T.

Here's a good site to compare most plans. All Prepaid Wireless Cell Phone Plans and Providers | AllPrepaidPlans.com

 

[PhyllisG]

I had Straightalk but gave it up because the customer service was so bad. My DH uses it with no problem. I now have TracPhone thru Target and I find it much better. I don't use my cell phone much and am not very reliant on it.

 

[GAmom]

That is interesting especially since AT&T is still making money selling to companies to use the towers...

Zenara25-
Could you please tell me if you have MMS working on your iphone? It's the only thing that I could not get to work and heard it has to be jailbroken....

 

[Zenara25]

Yes but my phone is currently jailbroken. Sorry but I don't know or remember if I ever tried it on my iPhone before.

I do remember I had to call Airvoice and ask them to turn on MMS and Data.

And on the iPhone under Settings/Messages maybe turn on iMessage, Send as SMS, and MMS Messaging. I have those all on.

 

[GAmom]

Thanks for the info! I don't miss having MMS much but wanted to try to get it working.

 

[SteppingFool]

We have AT&T Prepaid. I buy my kids $10 text package for 1000 texts per month. We only use wifi for internet, no data plan.

 

[dr.mel_PT]

Thanks guys!!! I am definitely going to make the switch. I am so fed up with this contract BS that I wish it was over already lol.