cell phone service/carrier

[cat]

I've been with Verizon for many years, happy (satisfied) with the service, but cost is climbing. I have the basic individual plan (450 mins) and pay extra for texting (500 texts). This year my contact is up and I can upgrade to a new phone. Now with the new phones a data plan is required. I just use my phone to call/text/take pictures.

Now I'm looking into pre-paid phones with unlimited calling & texting.... WalMart's Straight talk for $45, also get unlimited data. Do you know of anyone using this plan who travels? ST uses verizon's cell towers, but no roaming. My concern is when I travel having cell service.

Any and all suggestions are welcome.
Thanks and safe travels everyone,

[mitch5252]

I just looked up some articles about Walmart's Straight Talk. Very interesting! They use Verizon's network.
For $45/month, you get unlimited voice, unlimited texts, and unlimited web access...
I'm still trying to find "it sounds too good to be true" stuff (cynic that I am).

http://prepaidphone.com/?p=602

[mitch5252]

..

Here are some FAQs about the plans:

http://www.straighttalk.com/FAQ

..

[cat]

thanks, Mitch. I was at their website, but was hoping to get first-hand knowledge from a traveler about ST's service. I'm a cynic like you, too good to be true. Since it doesn't have roaming (using other carrier's cell towers besides verizon) how often will cell service be lost.

[retiredhappy]

I would be concerned that I wouldn't have "free" internet access when roaming. The entire time I was in Florida (I have Verizon) I was roaming - didn't cost me anything because my plan has no roaming charges. Can you access a coverage map? If there's no contract why not try it for a trip and see what happens. I pay $110 a month for 450 minutes, limited texting, no roaming and unlimited internet access on my aircard. I'm kind of with everyone else - it sounds too good to be true.

[Cedar518]

I'm not a full timer. Only a "summer-timer". So I have a Tracfone for calling to supplement my land line at my home. Don't have much need for it so the $19.99 / 3 mo. plan works for me. I have a Verizon air card for internet, which goes "on vacation" from Sept. to May. (saves money, and I have DSL at home) And I have a Canon digital camera. Guess i've got all the bases covered for the type of usage i need.

Good luck figuring it all out Cat,... just be sure to read the fine print. That always scares me.

[AlmostThere]

You might check out Consumer Cellular. That's who I had before my son put me on his family plan for my Christmas present a year ago. Consumer Cellular has no contracts and they buy the airtime from all the major cell towers so service is always good. Their plans are pretty much the same as Verizon etc. in price and coverage. Check out there website: consumercellular.com I believe it is. They are well known and reputable. You see their ads in AARP and RV magazines. Customer service is always very helpful and courteous. JMHO

PS They deal in phone service only as far as I know. No internet.

[Bethers]

I'm going to look into switching to Consumer Cellular after I get out of Mexico - but I do use a data plan.

BTW, you only need a data plan if you get one of the fancy data phones - if you get a basic phone there is NO data plan as those phones can't do data.

If I get Consumer Cellular, I'll do it through AARP - as the prices even go lower: http://www.consumercellular.com/Info/Plans

Last I understood they use the ATT lines - and I have an ATT phone and am happy with it. I'd then get the Verizon air card - so that if I didn't have service on my phone, might have it on internet, etc. I like not having all my eggs in one basket.

My basic ATT plan now is only $35/mo - but when I add all the data, etc - goes up. And I got rid of texting and told all my friends to please not text me.

[cat]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions.

Karen,
Straight Talk's map coverage is the same as verizon. When I picked up my B in FL my service was good, surprised that you roamed alot. What a great deal you have on your verizon air card, I don't think that is offered anymore. Ive thought about signing up for ST for a month to see what service I get with I travel, but that means buying another phone with the service. I may end up doing that anyways to check out any new no contract carrier.

Cedar,
What plan do you have with your verizon air card? I didn't know you could turn it off when not traveling -- super.

Lenore & Beth,
I'll check out Consumer Cellular and see what discount AAA and AARP has. I think I've seen their ads, but never paid attention to it.

I've heard but will have to call verizon that when my 2 yr contract is up (end of June) and I don't change my plan or upgrade to another phone, then I will be "out of contract" and just pay monthly.

thanks again

[Cedar518]

Cat, I'm at work now,... will check on what plan it is when i get home. I know it has plenty of time for my internet "habit" each month. And i am addicted to my two rv forums... haha..... I'll be getting back to you.

[Cedar518]

Cat,.... my Verizon aircard plan is 5GB.