Cell phone help pls and tyty ( Be Gentle )

[swilshire]

We pay under $100 a month for three phones with AT&T. Only one has text. The rest are just phones. Works fine for necessary communication.

Sheila

 

[21yankees]

We got our cell phone bill from ATT the stupid thing was $426.67 for 4 phones!! I sat there in shock. I called them and found out we were charged for things we didnt use like Family map. She was kind enough to take them off and refund us the money in the amount of $86.83 so now the bill is at $339.84. now fast forward My phone has alot of junk on it. I read my emails on it because my sons teacher sends me things and he needs an immediate responce ( My son is 18 Autistic/ Epileptic ) so this is how we have been doing things which has been ok but now hubbys work has slowed and we cant afford a gazzilion dollars for the phones. I know I need to cut back and I will do so. Question is would another carrier be better to go at this point. My issue is we have had other carriers but we are out in the country and reception is spotty with other carriers. Att seems the best so far.With my sons issues I feel better knowing I can get/ rec calls almost anywhere even in an elevator in the mall. I dont want to sound like a spoiled brat but it does worry me not to get a call if he seizes. I know others have issues with there kids also. Any help is appreciated, but pls dont be too hard on me I cried alot today as it is ;(
This might need to be moved to the Disabilites thread but I dont know how to do so. Thanks for caring and reading !! ~Tonya ~

My first thought/question is: Do you have them linked through the family plan? Only ask because with that price it seems they're all separate lines.

Second defintely make sure you are sharing text messages as well as minutes.

And last check your data usage and see if you can adjust your amounts.

I have 1 iphone w/ ATT and pay $67. I'm grandfathered into the unlimited data and 200 text plans.

 

[pigletto]

Even here in Canada, land of the unjustly HIGH cell phone rates, I am only paying 165.00 for three phones (2 blackberry, 1 Iphone). That includes 1gb of data each, 10 free numbers each, international free texting,250 minutes each, and free calling anywhere in Canada after 6pm. It turns out it's probably more than we need and as soon as we're out of contract I'll be switching things up.

So.. email. Couldn't the teacher call you right away? Or text you? If you have an agreement that he will call or text in case of an emergency, and email all other issues you could get a talk and text phone.
Then just check email when at a computer.

I wish I had more info for you. I've long been jealous of the plans you guys can get. There just has to be something.
I agree with the others, you have a very legitimate reason for needing a phone, and maybe a call into a representative where you explain your position would be helpful. I am sure someone could point you to a more cost effective solution.

 

[robin09]

3 are smart phones . When we got them we could afford them. Can I just get rid of the junk on them and use them like a reg cell phone till we get back on our feet again? I didnt think about it but if I switch carriers I have to buy phones again and I dont want to do that either.Thanks for everyone being so nice to me. I am reading everything and will show my Husband the ideas tonight. I have always relied on my Husbands income because I cant find work for only a few hours a day then if my DS seizes I have to leave and bosses frown on that. I am trying to get a job in the School Board here.. fingers crossed it works!

I would call ATT and explain to them what you told us.

I've been with them awhile and they have worked with me. We have 3 phones with them, DH has the Iphone with data plan, I have the I phone with Data and DD13 who has aspergers has a plain phone. We have 700 minutes with unlimited texting and have never gone over, we also have free cell phone to cell phone. We also need the phones so DD teacher or aide can get in touch with us at any time.

We spend $160 a month for this. I feel it's high, but needed. We also get rollover minutes, but have never used them... Good luck

 

[crazelion]

Okay I am be voice of reason here on ATT. Smartphone plans data plans start at 15.00 a month. Guess what you can get internet of dumbphone with unlimited data plan for 15.00 bucks a month and be able to check email, facebook and twitter. Also you can text for free using a google voice number. I refuse get a smartphone because I want give up my unlimited data plan right.

Next best option is get ATT go phones with talk/text/data for 50.00 dollars a month. Be warn you will not get any of the cool phones with the dumbphone data plan.

My next phone is be unlocked Nokia Asha 303 with wi-fi which is a dumbphone and I get keep my data plan

 

[cornflake]

As someone said, if you can't get the plans down by talking to the customer service rep, try negotiating to get some of the cheaper, non-data phones and re-up your plan and just stick the smartphones in a drawer until you can better afford them (or sell them on ebay).

You can't get out of a data plan with a smartphone, but you can try for the smallest they have. Talk to the rep and let them know you're thinking of switching companies as well, because it's so expensive. Like, say it outright - nicely, just in the conversation.

Reps have leeway, you want to be really nice, say you appreciate them removing the stuff you hadn't realized was on there and you know you signed up but your husband's job and etc., and it's just too expensive so you were wondering what you can do to lower it - say you were talking to some people who suggested switching plans or downgrading phones and that they said there were cheaper companies, so you're also considering switching providers, but like AT&T. That *should* trigger them to use some kind of retention script on you, where they can offer you more to keep your business.

Can't hurt to try. They do have leeway with what they can offer people and how they can arrange stuff - not total, but more than they'd let on to customers who are rude or such, so be nice and just be all asking what options they have.

 

[SandrA9810]

On a family plan 750 minutes is the lowest plan available, with unlimited nights and weekends. I believe is 59.99 a month. The only thing below that is 300 minutes and 5000 nights and weekend minutes for 39.99, for solo phone lines. If you're a senior (65+) there's a 29.99 minute plan with 200 minutes and like 3000 nights and weekend.


For the OP
Base plan 59.99
family texting 30.00
data plan, phone 1 30.00
data plan, phone 2 15.00
data plan, phone 3 15.00

Like I said previously, like with international calls, make sure you're on a calling plan. If not, the price per minute is insane. Although texting is fairly cheap, 25 cents for each international text.

Make sure you put a block on all lines to prevent any purchases of programs or Apps. Like the GPS program is 8.99 a month. A) four lines don't need it, B) pull up google maps on your phone's browser. Make sure there's no subscriptions to games or reoccurring costs like that.

There's no need for any phone bill to be over $200, even with 4 phone lines.

 

[DawnM]

Last month, between DH's and my phone, we hit 2,000,000 mb of data......I think that is how they measure it anyway. The number combined was close to that, I assume it is mb.

Dawn

I believe you can change the data plan and the texting plans at any time.
We use wifi at home and have never gone over the 200 mb.

 

[aprilgail2]

We got our cell phone bill from ATT the stupid thing was $426.67 for 4 phones!! I sat there in shock.~

That is crazy- I have AT&T and 4 lines- 2 are iphones with the 30.00 data plan each. I have unlimited family texting and like 700 minutes (with AT&T you can call any cell phone with any other provider and it doesn't use your minutes) and I only use about 200 of those minutes. I pay 186.00 a month.

 

[of2dbeach]

I went through everything with my DH. we are going to switch the plan to 700 mins so that should help us alot. We didnt realize that when he calls me from his cell phone to our house phone thats not free on our plan .. We need to talk cell phone to cell phone to get the rates down. My mother also calls and talks to me alot on my cell which is killing me. I am going to tell the teacher to call me instead of send me an email unless it is something I have to print/ fax back to the school. Att is also charging us for Roadside assitance and we never asked for it. I think by them refunding stuff we are down to $240 on the current 1400 min plan and I will bring it down more by changing plans and getting rid of more junk I dont need. My son dosent have a cell phone because he dosent know how to use one. The other 2 cell phones are for my DD and I am cutting there plan down to just texting ( teens ) so they will be happy and I will be happy with the bill. I dont think it will kill any of us not to be so despensible to everyone ( although today was rough on me ) I am going to change my ways and not let others dictate what they need/ want from me.yes the school needs to communicate with me, but they arent paying my cell bill either.this is just making me re-think things and we will go with the lower plan for 2 mo and see if we can change/ lower it again. My hopes is to save enough money on the cell phones that we can make a side trip when we travel to Nc to see my oldest son graduate.Also what I have learned and want to pass on to others. If something pops up on your phone and you dont text STOP then you will incur charges so dont ignore it and close it. Now i have a blocker on my phone that uses a PIN code. that way I dont get any more charges and the girls cant put anything on there phones either. so a win/win situation.I want to thank everyone for helping me. it was rough to ask for help, but so glad that i did. today is going to be a better day! ~Tonya ~

 

[MickeyHereWeCome!]

That still seems really high to me.

We have AT&T..5 lines, 4 of them are iPhones, and our bill is under $240.

We've got the family plan that has 700 minutes or so (we never even come close to that). I've got the $40 data plan that includes the hotspot option, and the other 3 iPhones have the $15 plan. We've got unlimited text for $30/month for all of us.

70..family plan
30..3 extra lines
30...unlimited texting
85..data plans

I would examine your data plans and be sure you don't have more than you absolutely need, and try to adjust from there. Also, be sure you or your kids don't have an app that requires a monthly fee. I found out that one of the kids had (without knowing) installed something that was then charging us $30/month. I called, and they put some sort of blocker on that line and told me how to do that with the other kid lines.

I've been happy with AT&T, for the most part. If that's the company you get best service with, I'd stick with them, if possible. I have two with special needs, so I totally understand your need to always be available.

 

[sharbear]

If you make sure you are doing your calling cell phone to cell phone that brings your minutes down. Also have your mom call you cell phone to cell phone or land line to land line. My parents don't get the whole cell phone things so hope she can figure it out.

Another thing we found out is if you get a lot of voice mail. They charge you minutes to check your voice mail. My fil used up over an hour of his minutes just checking his voice mail.

I would go into the ATT store and try to get them to bring down your monthly bill. A physical presence is better than doing it on the phone or trying to do it online.

 

[eliza61]

We have AT&T and pay $154 a month for 4 phones

3 iPhones with $15 data plan
1 phone has $5 texting (the others do not)
1 phone is a dumb phone.

I believe you can change the data plan and the texting plans at any time.
We use wifi at home and have never gone over the 200 mb.

Our's is similar through sprint except the Iphones.

Op, dumb down all the phones except the one that does need the data plan.

In my house, my dh and I don't need fancy phones so we have old fashion flip phones. I don't need to web surf nor check my email.

My 2 sons have fancy 4G phones and they have data plans but we got them the minimum. Again, unless there is some business need I really don't see why everyone needs email and web access. You're sons teachers can call first.

Now for the part that I'm sure I will get flamed for. cut your minutes. Really analyze your phone calls. Are you paying for all these minutes simply for everyone to be able to access every one? I did this for 3 months straight and you know what? 99.9% of my calls were simple general, run of the mill conversations. Now, my dh and I don't have the type of jobs where we must be on call or constant contact so you may have to tweek it.
My calls were to and from girlfriends, parents, and kids to pretty much chat.

Our phone bill last month for 4 phones was $109.97 TOTAL.

Any time a phone bill is the equivalent of a car note, we've gotten out of hand.

 

[DawnM]

You must have an older plan. The current plan for family starts at $70 for two phone, no data and no text. Add two phones to that at $20 each phone and you are already at $110 without taxes and no data or messaging for any of the phones.

I used to have an old plan with a heavy discount and paid $42 including tax for 3 phones, 550 minutes, no data and no texting.

We do have the $$ and decided to upgrade and I had to change the entire plan. We now have the 1500 minutes (which we do not need at all!) with everything data and messaging. I currently only have one smart phone but the bill for 3 phones is still $130 plus an additional $20 in taxes and fees.

$100 plan (I get a $29 discount through work)
$10 smart phone
$20 additional 3rd line
$20 tax

Dawn

PS: Dh has his own smart phone plan through work and we do have to contribute $20 towards that as his company deems that is a good amount for personal use. But I didn't calculate that into the above.

Our's is similar through sprint except the Iphones.

Op, dumb down all the phones except the one that does need the data plan.

In my house, my dh and I don't need fancy phones so we have old fashion flip phones. I don't need to web surf nor check my email.

My 2 sons have fancy 4G phones and they have data plans but we got them the minimum. Again, unless there is some business need I really don't see why everyone needs email and web access. You're sons teachers can call first.

Now for the part that I'm sure I will get flamed for. cut your minutes. Really analyze your phone calls. Are you paying for all these minutes simply for everyone to be able to access every one? I did this for 3 months straight and you know what? 99.9% of my calls were simple general, run of the mill conversations. Now, my dh and I don't have the type of jobs where we must be on call or constant contact so you may have to tweek it.
My calls were to and from girlfriends, parents, and kids to pretty much chat.

Our phone bill last month for 4 phones was $109.97 TOTAL.

Any time a phone bill is the equivalent of a car note, we've gotten out of hand.

 

[DisneyEater]

On T-Mobile we have 3 phones with unlimited data (2 GB) and 1 without for less than $200 per month.

 

[eliza61]

You must have an older plan. The current plan for family starts at $70 for two phone, no data and no text. Add two phones to that at $20 each phone and you are already at $110 without taxes and no data or messaging for any of the phones.

I used to have an old plan with a heavy discount and paid $42 including tax for 3 phones, 550 minutes, no data and no texting.

We do have the $$ and decided to upgrade and I had to change the entire plan. We now have the 1500 minutes (which we do not need at all!) with everything data and messaging. I currently only have one smart phone but the bill for 3 phones is still $130 plus an additional $20 in taxes and fees.

$100 plan (I get a $29 discount through work)
$10 smart phone
$20 additional 3rd line
$20 tax

Dawn

PS: Dh has his own smart phone plan through work and we do have to contribute $20 towards that as his company deems that is a good amount for personal use. But I didn't calculate that into the above.

LOL. My and my dh's phone are so old my children are literally ashamed when we pull them out.
I also get an employee discount of 25% so that helps. Luckily I don't do data but in a couple of months my sons phones will expire and they are definitely wanting to upgrade.

The problem I have with cell phones is that they now force you to get packages that you don't need. Why force me to pay for a data plan I don't need. No one checks their email on their phones, youngest dh is in h.s so techinically he is not supposed to even have his phone on. My oldest is a college student and literally lives with his MAC on him at all times.

I'm seriously thinking of giving up my contract and going with trac phone or another prepay service.

 

[marie1203]

We have Sprint family plan with 4 phones. We all have unlimited data/text, free roaming and we all have smart phone our bill is $200 a month including taxes. I also have international call on 2 lines. I really think it is a good deal because of the free roaming we always have service. Since we don't have a house phone having reliable phone service specially when DH is deployed is a must that is why I would never trade to a prepaid. I forgot to say we have 1300 anytime minutes and we never gone over, unlimited nights and weekends and unlimited mobile to mobile (the 4 phone in our plan).

 

[JB2K]

They use the T-Mobile national network and have a full line of traditonal cell phones, as well as smartphones -- all with unlimited talk/text.

Best of all, as data packages go, you only buy the extra access when you need it.

Details here.

 

[DawnM]

You really need to price that out though if you have more than one person on the line.

For us, it would be very close to the same price, and Sprint allows unlimited 4G data, which this plan doesn't......and I can have iPhones!

Dawn

They use the T-Mobile national network and have a full line of traditonal cell phones, as well as smartphones -- all with unlimited talk/text.

Best of all, as data packages go, you only buy the extra access when you need it.

Details here.

 

[DawnM]

Well, that is what ours were before I upgraded in November, but that doesn't really help out the OP who is looking for a deal as she can't qualify for an old plan.'

I too don't like paying for more than we use, but for similar plans for 3 phones, we are still looking at around the same cost per month.

Dawn

LOL. My and my dh's phone are so old my children are literally ashamed when we pull them out.
I also get an employee discount of 25% so that helps. Luckily I don't do data but in a couple of months my sons phones will expire and they are definitely wanting to upgrade.

The problem I have with cell phones is that they now force you to get packages that you don't need. Why force me to pay for a data plan I don't need. No one checks their email on their phones, youngest dh is in h.s so techinically he is not supposed to even have his phone on. My oldest is a college student and literally lives with his MAC on him at all times.

I'm seriously thinking of giving up my contract and going with trac phone or another prepay service.