First Smartphone - Advice Needed

[garada3]

Purchasing a first smartphone - an iPhone to replace an iPod nano and combine devices.

The phone needs to be on the Verizon network for best coverage.

Basic research indicates that over a two year time span, Straight Talk will be about $900 cheaper than a Verizon plan, even with purchasing the phone upfront. However, with ST the phone will only ever operate at 3G even if we purchase the iPhone 5.

I have also heard bad things about ST customer service and throttling of data usage. But I have read bad things about Verizon too.

The phone will be used mostly on a college campus so wifi will be available just about everywhere. The data will mostly be for the 4 hour drive to get to school in case the access to the internet is needed.

Is 4G worth a two year committment and $900?

Can we buy the ST phone and then change to Verizon if we do not lke ST or is the iPhone available at Walmart a special model that will only work with ST?

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated!

 

[momof2mouses]

I'm switching to straight talk in Feb when my contract is up. I've done a little research, and I don't think you could use your phone with Verizon. I think Verizon uses internal SIM cards so even if the phone is unlocked, you can't just add a Verizon SIM...not absolutely sure though, maybe someone else will know for sure. What I did read said that you can use an AT&T phone for ST. Not completely sure as I haven't switched yet but interested in hearing OPs responses.

 

[DawnM]

ST used to offer ATT SIM cards. I have one and use it with an iphone 4.

However, they stopped selling them in Jan and it looks like they are getting rid of all ATT users as I keep reading of ATT users having their data just stop completely.

But if you have an ATT phone, you can still use it with ST's T-mobile SIM card if you have decent T-mobile service where you live.

Dawn

I'm switching to straight talk in Feb when my contract is up. I've done a little research, and I don't think you could use your phone with Verizon. I think Verizon uses internal SIM cards so even if the phone is unlocked, you can't just add a Verizon SIM...not absolutely sure though, maybe someone else will know for sure. What I did read said that you can use an AT&T phone for ST. Not completely sure as I haven't switched yet but interested in hearing OPs responses.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

I have Virgin Mobile pay as you go contract for $35 a month and get 4g. Love the coverage. Love my phone.. Love the video's it takes. We were staying at the poly and had a balcony facing MK and the Haloween fireworks show turned out great. Even the audio was great.

I have the EVO V 4 phone. Virgin Mobile uses the Sprint network.

 

[bearloch]

where did you go for you vm phone??

 

[Pigeon]

I have Virgin Mobile pay as you go contract for $35 a month and get 4g. Love the coverage. Love my phone.. Love the video's it takes. We were staying at the poly and had a balcony facing MK and the Haloween fireworks show turned out great. Even the audio was great.

I have the EVO V 4 phone. Virgin Mobile uses the Sprint network.

I've also got VM and the coverage is not good where I live. I got it to use at dd's dance studio and I get no signal at all there. It's spotty at my house. VM coverage maps shows it being excellent both places. If you are considering this see if you can find some people with VM in your area to ask.

 

[brian95]

I use st I don't know what sim it uses but haven't had any problems If you don't stream music and video you will be ok if you do I've heard of people being shut off

 

[dkostel]

I have ST with an iPhone 4, before that I used ST with an iPhone 3 and will likely upgrade to the 5 soon. It only works with GSM phones, which I believe is only ATT, so if you don't like ST you can go there. Having said that I haven't had any issues with ST in the 3 years I've had them. They use the ATT network here in Chicago so the coverage is good. I've never had my data throttled, but I don't watch an exorbitant amount of videos while not on wifi. I would say I'm an average user.
I had VM before ST and although it was a good deal, I had problems with coverage about once a week. That was 3 years ago, so it may be better now?
I would check the ST coverage in your area and if that looks good I wouldn't hesitate to use them. I'm a happy customer.

 

[DawnM]

It sounds like you have an ATT SIM, which is not available anymore.

ST now uses Verizon on Verizon compatible phones and T-mobile on ATT compatible phones.

Just a heads up, ST has not only stopped using ATT to new customers but old customers who have ATT are reporting their internet has just cut off without warning.

ST seems to be trying to phase out ATT use with their service. I have heard this is because ATT has raised their rates to 3rd party providers, like ST.

Verizon uses CDMA and ATT and T-mobile use GSM.

I have ST with an iPhone 4, before that I used ST with an iPhone 3 and will likely upgrade to the 5 soon. It only works with GSM phones, which I believe is only ATT, so if you don't like ST you can go there. Having said that I haven't had any issues with ST in the 3 years I've had them. They use the ATT network here in Chicago so the coverage is good. I've never had my data throttled, but I don't watch an exorbitant amount of videos while not on wifi. I would say I'm an average user.
I had VM before ST and although it was a good deal, I had problems with coverage about once a week. That was 3 years ago, so it may be better now?
I would check the ST coverage in your area and if that looks good I wouldn't hesitate to use them. I'm a happy customer.

 

[hsmamato2]

howardforums .com lots of detailed info on phones and plans. I personally like the older android phones, and the pageplus service. I read on HF that there are tiers of network service,based on what you pay,you get better coverage,etc. straight talk is a 3rd tier company,i.e. lower than contract or some other pay as you go services. I need coverage,so Pageplus has,in the past,had the best I can find at 30.00 per month. (limited data tho) I just broke my old droid,and ordered another on ebay....65.00 upfront,and it should be fine for my limited needs(texting,and lots of talking)

 

[dkostel]

It sounds like you have an ATT SIM, which is not available anymore.

ST now uses Verizon on Verizon compatible phones and T-mobile on ATT compatible phones.

Just a heads up, ST has not only stopped using ATT to new customers but old customers who have ATT are reporting their internet has just cut off without warning.

ST seems to be trying to phase out ATT use with their service. I have heard this is because ATT has raised their rates to 3rd party providers, like ST.

Verizon uses CDMA and ATT and T-mobile use GSM.

Thanks for the head's up. I was going to buy an unlocked GSM iPhone 5 from apple & just cut down my SIM. I'll have to rethink that. I haven't had any problems with data so far, but I don't doubt what you say about ATT raising rates.
I'll hang on to my phone a little longer.

 

[wiigirl]

Thanks for the head's up. I was going to buy an unlocked GSM iPhone 5 from apple & just cut down my SIM. I'll have to rethink that. I haven't had any problems with data so far, but I don't doubt what you say about ATT raising rates.
I'll hang on to my phone a little longer.

Good choice!

 

[DisneyMomma81]

However, they stopped selling them in Jan and it looks like they are getting rid of all ATT users as I keep reading of ATT users having their data just stop completely.

Dawn

That was me ~ yesterday.

But if you have an ATT phone, you can still use it with ST's T-mobile SIM card if you have decent T-mobile service where you live.

Dawn

Me now ~ and service stinks ETA ~ hold on... hmm I'm with T-mobile using their SIM, but ST's T-mobile SIM wouldn't be any better right? Service is horrible here...

 

[DawnM]

ST does sell the iphone 5 (Verizon based) that will not have issues. Walmart sells it already flashed for ST and will even let you buy it on "time" and make $25/mo payments.

OR, you can still get an unlocked iphone 5 through ATT, and if ATT stops working, you can get a T-mobile SIM from ST that will work with it.

Dawn

Thanks for the head's up. I was going to buy an unlocked GSM iPhone 5 from apple & just cut down my SIM. I'll have to rethink that. I haven't had any problems with data so far, but I don't doubt what you say about ATT raising rates.
I'll hang on to my phone a little longer.

 

[MCazer]

I have niphone 4s that I bought used on ebay (Verizon)

I use it on PagePlus. I have their $29.99 plan which is 1200 Minutes, 3000 texts and 250mb of data. I just heard that they are upping the data to 500mb a month for the same price.

I love PagePlus because they use Verizon network. I used to have Virgin Mobile (Sprint network) and where I live the service is horrible.

Google PagePlus Cellular. I use Kitty Wireless to handle everything and they have discounts on their refills. I have my phone, my daughter's, my son's and my mom on them now! My mom uses the $12 a month plan. 250 minutes, 250 texts and 5mb of data. I bought her an older droid on ebay for about $45!

My kids and I all have iphone 4S phones and they work great!

 

[My3Princez]

I have niphone 4s that I bought used on ebay (Verizon)

I use it on PagePlus. I have their $29.99 plan which is 1200 Minutes, 3000 texts and 250mb of data. I just heard that they are upping the data to 500mb a month for the same price.

I love PagePlus because they use Verizon network. I used to have Virgin Mobile (Sprint network) and where I live the service is horrible.

Google PagePlus Cellular. I use Kitty Wireless to handle everything and they have discounts on their refills. I have my phone, my daughter's, my son's and my mom on them now! My mom uses the $12 a month plan. 250 minutes, 250 texts and 5mb of data. I bought her an older droid on ebay for about $45!

My kids and I all have iphone 4S phones and they work great!

We also have page plus. Worth looking into. Easy, cheap, runs on Verizon's network, no commitment, so you can change plans as you go to suit current needs. Love 'em!

 

[DawnM]

I don't get good service with T-mobile either where I live. I can use ATT or Verizon, that is about it.

I highly doubt T-mobile would be better.

Dawn

That was me ~ yesterday.




Me now ~ and service stinks ETA ~ hold on... hmm I'm with T-mobile using their SIM, but ST's T-mobile SIM wouldn't be any better right? Service is horrible here...

 

[JB2K]

Purchasing a first smartphone - an iPhone to replace an iPod nano and combine devices.

By the numbers...

The phone needs to be on the Verizon network for best coverage.

OK, that limits your options to the mothership (Verizon) and carriers which use their network (two of the best-known in that category are Straight Talk and Page Plus Cellular).

Basic research indicates that over a two year time span, Straight Talk will be about $900 cheaper than a Verizon plan, even with purchasing the phone upfront. However, with ST the phone will only ever operate at 3G even if we purchase the iPhone 5.

Yes, your outlay of cash upfront (for the mobile device) will be more than when you sign one of tose 2-year contracts at a cell phone store, but do the math over 2 years, and you could be saving some real $$$

I have also heard bad things about ST customer service and throttling of data usage. But I have read bad things about Verizon too.

OK, here are some things to consider about ST -- in their Terms of Service (TOS), they state you are not to use the cellular network for streaming of Pandora, Netflix, etc. There have been reports that violators of ST policy have been disconnected from the ST service with no warning. Good things to know/practice are not to use the cell network for video/audio "streaming" services, and to download a free data monitoring app, such as "3G Watchdog".

As for "customer service"- you won't find much of it with the prepaid companies, as that's where some of the cost savings come from (and what little CS is available, is outsourced offshore). I have found STs Facebook page to be the best means of CS.

The phone will be used mostly on a college campus so wifi will be available just about everywhere. The data will mostly be for the 4 hour drive to get to school in case the access to the internet is needed.

Shouldn't be a problem, then...

Is 4G worth a two year committment and $900?

No - especially since 4G is not "the norm" yet (it's still being rolled-out in many locations around the USA). For basic web surfing, Facebook, etc. 3G works just fine.

Can we buy the ST phone and then change to Verizon if we do not lke ST or is the iPhone available at Walmart a special model that will only work with ST?

I don't believe so, as ST's parent company (Tracfone) usually has special specs on the devices they sell. For those talking about SIM cards, it's important to remember the ST iPhone (and all Verizon devices) use the CDMA standard.

I very recently used a 3G Android device by Net10 (ST's sister company) that worked over the Verizon network...no difference between the two (except for paying half as much).

 

[JB2K]

Google PagePlus Cellular. I use Kitty Wireless to handle everything and they have discounts on their refills. I have my phone, my daughter's, my son's and my mom on them now! My mom uses the $12 a month plan. 250 minutes, 250 texts and 5mb of data. I bought her an older droid on ebay for about $45!

on the recommendation of Kitty Wireless -- for a prepaid dealer, their customer service is "above and beyond"...

 

[MCazer]

on the recommendation of Kitty Wireless -- for a prepaid dealer, their customer service is "above and beyond"...

I have to agree. They are always there to answer questions. It is through email most of the time, but they answer quickly. I have not had a problem.

I joined their club and now I get a discount on all our phones, I don't have to worry about buying pins as they do it for me. I get emails each week letting me know how many minutes,texts and mg of data left. They are the best!