Looking for the cheapest cell and plan possible

ZepSinger · 05-19-2006, 06:51 PM

And here's why. Mrs. Zep and I have killer Sprint dealer plans on both our cellphones, and are thinking about doing away with the landline altogether. But- we'd like to have an absolute dirt-cheap cell phone here for emergency use ONLY for the kids. It would literally never be used unless it was an emergency.

I know about the Trac-Phone, pre-pay phones, etc. But all of them have minutes that expire every 60 days or so. Is there one where you would buy the phone, and then strictly pay by the minute(no expiration of minutes)?

I know, probably not, but I thought I'd turn to my CP brethren before giving up on this notion...

Z

SLAG · 05-19-2006, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZepSinger

And here's why. Mrs. Zep and I have killer Sprint dealer plans on both our cellphones, and are thinking about doing away with the landline altogether. But- we'd like to have an absolute dirt-cheap cell phone here for emergency use ONLY for the kids. It would literally never be used unless it was an emergency.

I know about the Trac-Phone, pre-pay phones, etc. But all of them have minutes that expire every 60 days or so. Is there one where you would buy the phone, and then strictly pay by the minute(no expiration of minutes)?

I know, probably not, but I thought I'd turn to my CP brethren before giving up on this notion...

Z

you could buy any prepaid phone.... and just not activate it til you need it.... have it charged but not activated..... or just make sure you make one call every 60 days on it...

ZepSinger · 05-19-2006, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLAG02

you could buy any prepaid phone.... and just not activate it til you need it.... have it charged but not activated..... or just make sure you make one call every 60 days on it...

But don't you have to buy more minutes at the end of that 60 days whether you ever use the phone or not? That was my assumption...

Boozer · 05-19-2006, 10:52 PM

Depending on your definition of emergency, you don't need a plan. All cell phones should be able to access 911, IIRC.

ZepSinger · 05-20-2006, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boozer

Depending on your definition of emergency, you don't need a plan. All cell phones should be able to access 911, IIRC.

I suppose my definition is that they can call one of us, besides of course 911....

SLAG · 05-20-2006, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZepSinger

But don't you have to buy more minutes at the end of that 60 days whether you ever use the phone or not? That was my assumption...

Honestly I'm Not sure, the only prepaid company other than Boost Mobile I am Familer with is Virgin Mobie, They require $20 added every 90 days.

Not sure about everyone else

05-20-2006, 10:27 PM

Can't you add another phone to your sprint account for a couple bucks?

Chiefsrocker · 05-20-2006, 10:47 PM

My wife and I both use Tracfones. They work really well, and as long as you keep minutes on the phone, or make calls, the expiration date keeps extending out. 60 min. cards are about $20. Every once in a while, just make a call on the phone and everything will be OK! My brother is doing the same thing in Florida. Only uses his landline for a fax machine. everything else is wireless for his house. It works out quite well for him!

**BigMeatballDave** · 05-21-2006, 12:04 AM

http://www.fireflymobile.com/

ZepSinger · 05-21-2006, 06:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chiefsrocker

My wife and I both use Tracfones. They work really well, and as long as you keep minutes on the phone, or make calls, the expiration date keeps extending out. 60 min. cards are about $20. Every once in a while, just make a call on the phone and everything will be OK! My brother is doing the same thing in Florida. Only uses his landline for a fax machine. everything else is wireless for his house. It works out quite well for him!

OK, there's where I misunderstood. I saw the expiration date and assumed that no matter what, you have to keep buying more time every 60 days.

With this new information in mind, I will be getting a Trac-fone and just making a 30-second call once a month to keep the account current. Thanks to all for the info!

Z

recxjake · 05-21-2006, 08:55 PM

i don't remember where i saw it, but there is a company that goes by the minute, like land line phones... i think its a new company

memyselfI · 05-22-2006, 05:20 AM

My 14 year old has a Tmobile pay as you go phone. The phone and some (can't remember how many 15-30) minutes were less than $40.00. At Tmobile if you buy $100.00 minutes then you qualify for 'gold card' status. Meaning, your minutes will cost .10 a minute and they are good for one year. No need to refill or add until they are used up.

Fair warning. My friends with daughters have NOT had good luck with the pay as you go plans. Girls seem to like talking and text messaging more than boys do and so this is not economical for them.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...uct_id=3766509

05-19-2006, 06:51 PM
ZepSinger Veteran Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Kansas City Casino cash: $10004900	Looking for the cheapest cell and plan possible And here's why. Mrs. Zep and I have killer Sprint dealer plans on both our cellphones, and are thinking about doing away with the landline altogether. But- we'd like to have an absolute dirt-cheap cell phone here for emergency use ONLY for the kids. It would literally never be used unless it was an emergency. I know about the Trac-Phone, pre-pay phones, etc. But all of them have minutes that expire every 60 days or so. Is there one where you would buy the phone, and then strictly pay by the minute(no expiration of minutes)? I know, probably not, but I thought I'd turn to my CP brethren before giving up on this notion... Z
Posts: 2,740

05-19-2006, 10:52 PM	#4
Boozer Pain Cake Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Lawrence, KS Casino cash: $10004900	Depending on your definition of emergency, you don't need a plan. All cell phones should be able to access 911, IIRC. __________________
Posts: 10,170

05-20-2006, 10:27 PM	#7
Phobia Guest Casino cash: $	Can't you add another phone to your sprint account for a couple bucks?
Posts: n/a

05-20-2006, 10:47 PM	#8
Chiefsrocker Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Axtell, Kansas Casino cash: $10004900	My wife and I both use Tracfones. They work really well, and as long as you keep minutes on the phone, or make calls, the expiration date keeps extending out. 60 min. cards are about $20. Every once in a while, just make a call on the phone and everything will be OK! My brother is doing the same thing in Florida. Only uses his landline for a fax machine. everything else is wireless for his house. It works out quite well for him!
Posts: 211

05-21-2006, 12:04 AM	#9
BigMeatballDave GBM 8-12-15 Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Dayton, Oh. Casino cash: $10052154	http://www.fireflymobile.com/
Posts: 59,997

05-21-2006, 08:55 PM	#11
recxjake MVP Join Date: Oct 2005 Casino cash: $10004900	i don't remember where i saw it, but there is a company that goes by the minute, like land line phones... i think its a new company
Posts: 5,133

05-22-2006, 05:20 AM	#12
memyselfI CHANGEd your mind yet???? Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Lunatics Anonymous Casino cash: $10005234	My 14 year old has a Tmobile pay as you go phone. The phone and some (can't remember how many 15-30) minutes were less than $40.00. At Tmobile if you buy $100.00 minutes then you qualify for 'gold card' status. Meaning, your minutes will cost .10 a minute and they are good for one year. No need to refill or add until they are used up. Fair warning. My friends with daughters have NOT had good luck with the pay as you go plans. Girls seem to like talking and text messaging more than boys do and so this is not economical for them. http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...uct_id=3766509 __________________ Meet the new boss same as the old boss. BigChiefDave:"Anyone who thought we would only be in Iraq for a few years is either stoned or just stoopid." "It is unknowable how long that conflict will last. It could last 6 days, 6 wks. I doubt 6 mths." Rummy 2/7/03
Posts: 32,000