So New York is changing us, mostly in good ways, but this is downright scary. We’re almost certainly going to turn our backs on something we’ve believed in for so long: our pre-paid cell phones.
We’ll admit to feeling a little pride when a friend would complain about how expensive their cell plan is (and I know that they’re called “wireless plans” now, but that’s how backward we are on the mobile phone scene), and then we would pipe up with a slightly-snarky
“Oh yeah, we spend about $20/month for both of us. Pre-paid for the win, baby!!”
We even bragged on ourselves in this old post. Well, we’re ready to kick pre-paid to the curb. The 2 main reasons for our new hypocrisy:
1) Since we moved, our cell phones have been our only phones, so they’re not being used for just emergencies anymore. Every single call we make is on our cell phones, and those 20-cent minutes add up quickly.
2) In our new apartment, our cell phones get horrrrrrible service. Mine spends all night ‘Searching…’ and the battery’s dead by morning. A friend came over last night and her phone had a boastful 5 bars of signal.
My phone gets no service in the subway while I see other riders happily chatting and texting away. It’s so crummy that it won’t even tell me the time when it doesn’t have a signal. Maybe all cell phones do that, I don’t know. I just think that if my $2 Casio digital watch can keep the time without being told via some radio wave, that the 21st century cell phone could do the same.
So, I’ve spent most of the night searching for the best family plan for CM & I to use. But rather than scour random forum posts of people I don’t trust, why not throw it to the most trustworthy bunch around – and I’m not talking about the Boy Scouts. I mean the Cool Readership!
What cell plan do you use? How do you like it?
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I actually, just this weekend, began the journey of killing my home phone, and ditching my pre-paid phone.
I ended up with t-mobile (which seems to be the cheapest).
The plans were good (for me at least) and after awhile I may be able to see that I could switch to the myfavs plans (you get so many whatever minutes, PLUS unlimited calls to your favorite 5) which is awfully handy!
My plans is 49.99 with 1000 whenver minutes and unlimited nights/weekends
I got good customer service at the store.
As for the phone, it won’t be up and at em till Monday because my old phone has issues letting go of the number. They’re working on it.
There… you officially have every ounce of knowledge I have about cell phones.
We have Verizon- I have a blackberry Curve, spouselet and son both have Envy’s (which I used to have and honestly IS better for most things than the blackberry unless you want full internet).
I think your best plan is to talk to people you know in NYC…because a plan that rocks in suburban KY—might not cut it in the towers of the big city.
We've been with AT&T for about 10 years. I think there are good and bad stories of all the carriers. But we have loved our relationship with them.
We have 3 lines and pay $100 month for 1500 shared minutes. we also pay for texting and data, but they may not be as crucial to you.
I would ask around and see who is the best service, not just best price in your area. I can see getting a good price but having crappy service, being very frustrating.
I use Sprint. I like them. The service is great and I don’t have a whole lot of problems with droped calls and stuff.
I’m currently on a familyl plan with my wife, 2 sisters and parents. We all split the bill, which helps keep it cheaper for everyone. Our family plan includes unlimited text messaging, unlimited data, nights and weekends starting at 7pm, and unlimited sprint to sprint calling which is great for a family plan.
Their customer service via the phone leaves much to be desired at times, but the actual service reception and price/features makes it worth it.
Net10 pre-paid baby!
I can’t believe you are going over to the darkside…
Matt is still on the prepaid plan, but mine is AT&T, which has the benefit of allowing you to talk free to anyone else on AT&T – at home (if their home carrier is AT&T) AND on their cell phone. However, should you find yourself in the Great Smoky Mountains, you're out of luck. Or, out of signal.
Thanks for all info – please keep it coming!
I'm leaning toward AT&T. T-Mobile gives you more minutes for your money, but I've been finding complaints about their coverage in NYC.
Verizon appears to have great coverage, but it's more expensive and I hear that the customer service is spotty.
We've been happy with AT&T for several years. We have 3 lines and pay $70.00 a month for 550 anytime minutes, nights and weekends free and unlimited texting.
ATT. I pay 165 a month, but that's for unlimited long distance on my home phone, Wifi, 1000 cell minutes, 200 text mess & data plan for my iphone.
actually, Verizon is looking appealing now. the raves about their coverage mean a lot. i guess that nerdy guy with the glasses and all of his network people are doing some good work.
Haha I’m with Matt!
I’m have net10!
I’m not as proud of prepaid as Matt is, but it works for me. It’s coverage is freakishly good. I usually have full bars anywhere. But of course, I don’t talk on the phone much so the minutes aren’t an issue either.
interesting. maybe we’ll check out this net10 business…