cheaper cell phone plan?

esperanza · 07-24-2014, 01:22 PM

My dh's phone is dead and out of warranty. My phone is old, not in great shape, and could probably go at any time. We both have smartphones. We're in a family plan with my mom, paying about 180/month for the three lines, data, text, etc. We're with US Cellular right now. My phone and dh's phone are out of contract, so we're free to go anywhere. They changed about a year ago so that when you get a new phone, you have another 2 year contract.

We initially chose this because of the great international options- free texting internationally. That was a big deal when we got these phones, but now there are so many apps that allow this, it's not so important.

I've been putting off looking for other options, and I don't even know where to start. There isn't anything cheaper for what we have a US Cellular. I imagine if we go to one of the other big lines, we'll end up paying more for what we already have.

Neither of us use our phones a ton, meaning we don't need huge amounts of data or anything. Anyone have a suggestion of something that would be cheaper?? I don't even know where to start looking.

mommylove · 07-24-2014, 01:38 PM

I would probably start by figuring out which network works best in your area & choose a company who contracts off that network's towers.

Based on high recommendations from GCM, I bought a used iPhone from my friend when she upgraded & put it with Kitty Wireless, a dealer for Page Plus, which operates on the Verizon towers. I pay $30/mo for everything, no contract. When I first started, I paid $12/mo & used it only on wifi.

Ramee151 · 07-24-2014, 02:20 PM

We went with Republic Wireless--check them out online. Each line is $25/month for unlimited in-network 3G data, unlimited texting, unlimited calling. No roaming fees (just a limit on your data use). They have cheaper plans (and I think 1 plan that is for 4G that is a little more, $40?/month/line maybe?).

We had AT&T, then US Cellular. Hated AT&T and were incredibly "meh" with US Celluslar. Technically, we still have US Cellular but my phone broke, then DH shattered his screen. It is cheaper for us to cut our plan back to the absolute basics with US Cellular and add the expense of our Republic lines than to pay the contract termination fee. We are contract free in December...just a few more months.

MamaSam · 07-24-2014, 02:25 PM

We went with net10 a few months ago. I think they run off of verizon towers but don't quote me. For unlimited talk and text,DH pays $35/mo and for unlimited talk/text/data, I pay $40. Ours are basic phones,not smartphones.

BestLaidPlans · 07-24-2014, 02:38 PM

I recently went prepaid with Verizon. Way, way cheaper than their regular plans for us.

Sparrow · 07-24-2014, 02:42 PM

I couldn't be further

but after shopping around we went with virgin. They gave us a free iPhone. We pay $110 a month for our phones, dh has a plan where everything is free (text, cell data, long distance) we also don't have a landline

07-24-2014, 01:22 PM	#1
esperanza Rose Garden Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 5,240	cheaper cell phone plan? My dh's phone is dead and out of warranty. My phone is old, not in great shape, and could probably go at any time. We both have smartphones. We're in a family plan with my mom, paying about 180/month for the three lines, data, text, etc. We're with US Cellular right now. My phone and dh's phone are out of contract, so we're free to go anywhere. They changed about a year ago so that when you get a new phone, you have another 2 year contract. We initially chose this because of the great international options- free texting internationally. That was a big deal when we got these phones, but now there are so many apps that allow this, it's not so important. I've been putting off looking for other options, and I don't even know where to start. There isn't anything cheaper for what we have a US Cellular. I imagine if we go to one of the other big lines, we'll end up paying more for what we already have. Neither of us use our phones a ton, meaning we don't need huge amounts of data or anything. Anyone have a suggestion of something that would be cheaper?? I don't even know where to start looking. __________________ Wife to mi amor Mama to my gift from the Lord (07/2013)

07-24-2014, 01:38 PM	#2
mommylove Rose Garden Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 9,120	Re: cheaper cell phone plan? I would probably start by figuring out which network works best in your area & choose a company who contracts off that network's towers. Based on high recommendations from GCM, I bought a used iPhone from my friend when she upgraded & put it with Kitty Wireless, a dealer for Page Plus, which operates on the Verizon towers. I pay $30/mo for everything, no contract. When I first started, I paid $12/mo & used it only on wifi. __________________

07-24-2014, 02:20 PM	#3
Ramee151 Rose Blossom Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: South-Central, Wisconsin Posts: 240	Re: cheaper cell phone plan? We went with Republic Wireless--check them out online. Each line is $25/month for unlimited in-network 3G data, unlimited texting, unlimited calling. No roaming fees (just a limit on your data use). They have cheaper plans (and I think 1 plan that is for 4G that is a little more, $40?/month/line maybe?). We had AT&T, then US Cellular. Hated AT&T and were incredibly "meh" with US Celluslar. Technically, we still have US Cellular but my phone broke, then DH shattered his screen. It is cheaper for us to cut our plan back to the absolute basics with US Cellular and add the expense of our Republic lines than to pay the contract termination fee. We are contract free in December...just a few more months. __________________ Married my Hubbins: July 11, 2008 Good-bye Emma Josephine: May 1, 2012 Became a Momma (Miss F): August, 2012

07-24-2014, 02:25 PM	#4
MamaSam Rose Bouquet Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 676	Re: cheaper cell phone plan? We went with net10 a few months ago. I think they run off of verizon towers but don't quote me. For unlimited talk and text,DH pays $35/mo and for unlimited talk/text/data, I pay $40. Ours are basic phones,not smartphones.

07-24-2014, 02:38 PM	#5
BestLaidPlans Rose Trellis What was I… eh, scrap it. I'm taking a nap. Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Here, there, and yonder Posts: 2,232	Re: cheaper cell phone plan? I recently went prepaid with Verizon. Way, way cheaper than their regular plans for us. __________________ Mom to my 7 sillies 5 girls 2 boys 4 of my 7 are teens - now 5 are teens! 5 of my 7 have special needs “Motherhood is heaven and hell, hard and holy.” -quote from Rachel Nielson

07-24-2014, 02:42 PM	#6
Sparrow Rose Garden Immerse your soul in love. Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Victoria, BC Posts: 17,611	Re: cheaper cell phone plan? I couldn't be further but after shopping around we went with virgin. They gave us a free iPhone. We pay $110 a month for our phones, dh has a plan where everything is free (text, cell data, long distance) we also don't have a landline __________________ Manda Mama to: Bear 16.75 Funny and Tender. Larger than life. ENFP Max 14 Affectionate and Spirited. Artist Chickadee 8! She's Sunshine and Song. Born in the caul We have a fur baby. A cat called Charlie

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