iPhone Question

[daughtersrus]

What is the cheapest iPhone and service plan that you can get?

[TandEsMommy]

We like Sprint, mostly because they offer voice plans that don't require you to package your data separately at astronomical costs, but the answer really lies in what your needs are. We use a lot of data and a lot of mobile-to-mobile minutes; both are unlimited for us. Sprint also doesn't "meter" your data, and give you slower speeds after you have used a magic number of MB/KB/whatever. We pay $220/month all-in for four iPhones, with 1500 anytime minutes (shared), unlimited calling to any mobile phone, unlimited data/text/photo/video, and night/weekends at 7pm. That is with a 15% discount off our "base plan" price. Look at your past few bills and find out what you typically use, and then shop the different carriers to see who can fill that "need" at the best price. There is no truly "cheap" iPhone plan, and coverage varies from network to network, so you'll have to do some research and find the best answer for you.

[kaytieeldr]

The cheapest iPhone you can get is an iPhone 4, 8Gb I think, $0. Cheapest plan yes, appears to be Sprint.

[JB2K]

Originally Posted by daughtersrus

What is the cheapest iPhone and service plan that you can get?

To go cheap on both phone and plan, you may have to take a "non-traditional" route for big savings:

You can buy an AT&T iPhone 3GS or iPhone 4 (either refurbished or used) from eBay or other reputable sources for a very low price.

From there, you can buy a SIM card from Straight Talk, which gives the user unlimited talk, text, and (presumed) 2GB of data per month for only $45 a month.

Please note, as the Straight Talk SIM cards are provisioned on AT&T, the iPhone you are buying does not have to be unlocked or "jailbroken".

Also, a reminder that used Verizon and Sprint iPhones do not work for this type setup.

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Originally Posted by JB2K

To go cheap on both phone and plan, you may have to take a "non-traditional" route for big savings:

Please note, as the Straight Talk SIM cards are provisioned on AT&T, the iPhone you are buying does not have to be unlocked or "jailbroken".

If your AT&T iPhone is out of contract, it can be legally unlocked. Just call AT&T and ask that this be done.

I would not recommend buying an iPhone 3. Go for a 4 or later.

[coastiewifern]

I've heard virgin mobile has unlimited text and data for $35 with I think 300 talk mins. This could be a great plan for my son. I am wondering though if I buy him a used iPhone 4 does it have to be a certain kind like an AT&T model? We've been using A&T so long that I don't know anymore but I am tired of being stuck in contracts

[whohoo]

I bought a at&t 3gs from gamestop.com and the sim card from straight talk. I found step by step instuctions on how to activate the iphone online. Super easy. I get the unlimited package for $45 plus tax, comes to like $50 a month. Its unlimited usages (within reason) and no contract. With the 5 coming out, hopefully there will be some deals on the 4s, Id like to upgrade my phone. But Straight talk is the cheapest unlimited plan Ive found. This one is for my son, I have Verizon and at times have had crappy service, with his At&t straight talk phone gets better service than my 4s with Verizon.

[JB2K]

Originally Posted by coastiewifern

I've heard virgin mobile has unlimited text and data for $35 with I think 300 talk mins. This could be a great plan for my son. I am wondering though if I buy him a used iPhone 4 does it have to be a certain kind like an AT&T model? We've been using A&T so long that I don't know anymore but I am tired of being stuck in contracts

Unfortunately, since Virgin Mobile and AT&T use two completely different types of technology, you cannot carry an iPhone from a different carrier to VM (in other words, you would have to buy a VM-branded iPhone).

[ibob52]

Budget Board Rocks

[JB2K]

Originally Posted by ibob52

how do you purchase a sim card - from straight talk

Yes, you purchase it from their website at www.straighttalksim.com