looking for cell phone advice?

[jenniferma]

HI- My DH and I each have a cell phone.. his is luckily paid for by work. I have an AT&T plan but I am no longer in a contract. I am NOT a cell phone person-- I don't need to chat on the cell, prefer my land line (have the unlimited long distance on that line).

Here is my problem. My current plan is $46 (after taxes) each month. I have called and they told me this was my cheapest option. I know to a lot of people this sounds inexpensive--but I want something cheaper. I have over 3700 rollover minutes-- I do not need this plan because I barely use the phone!

We have kids all under 7, so they will not have phones for some time.

I really only need a cell phone in case of emergency or for the school to contact me in an emergency (so I would like to keep the same number throughout the school year).

Does anyone know of a cheaper option for me?
thanks so much--
jen

 

[disneymomofmyca]

I had virgin mobile prepaid for years. They had great service and I paid less than 10.00 a month! I used to only really use my cell for small amounts of time also and this worked perfect at the time. I would add 20.00 every 2 or 3 months and that is all I needed. The phones range from 19.99 - 89.99. You can add minutes on line or buy cards from Target. You can also set it up so they automatically add minutes for you whenever you reach less than 5.00 left on your account. My sister and her hubbie have had virgin mobile for 5 years. They won't change because it is much more cost effective and the service is great. I would check them out.

 

[cheerforchelsea]

AT&T has a "pay as you go plan" that is a pre-paid plan..10 cents a minute and $1 per day that you actually use your phone.....

 

[KristinU]

I have Virgin Mobile and love it - perfect for me since I'm like you, OP - I just don't talk or text on it much at all. I pay as I go, but I have to "top up" with $20 or more every 3 months. 99.9% of the time I'm not out of minutes/credit before it is time to top up again (this past time they e-mailed me an offer for pay $20 get $20 free - I'll never go through $40!) Basic phone, basic service that I've never had problems with - works for me! I think I got the phone either free or for $10 when I bought my first $20 worth of minutes.

 

[a1tinkfans]

HI- My DH and I each have a cell phone.. his is luckily paid for by work. I have an AT&T plan but I am no longer in a contract. I am NOT a cell phone person-- I don't need to chat on the cell, prefer my land line (have the unlimited long distance on that line).

Here is my problem. My current plan is $46 (after taxes) each month. I have called and they told me this was my cheapest option. I know to a lot of people this sounds inexpensive--but I want something cheaper. I have over 3700 rollover minutes-- I do not need this plan because I barely use the phone!

We have kids all under 7, so they will not have phones for some time.

I really only need a cell phone in case of emergency or for the school to contact me in an emergency (so I would like to keep the same number throughout the school year).

Does anyone know of a cheaper option for me?
thanks so much--
jen

Hi Jen
A T and T (used to be cingular) "pay as you go", throw 100.00 on phone and your minutes roll over for a year, great plan, easy and thats it! 25 cents a minute or other option of dollar a day when used and then 10 cents a minute. If you hardly use, go 25 a minute it works out to be cheaper in teh long run.
You can get the phone online at their website, I have gotten refurb, camera, etc all the bells and whistles, great phone went for over 200 and got for 29.99...good cell sites, never an issue. Got one for my ds and he has added texting, I have no use for that but same, no issues! We love em!!
Good Luck!! There are cheaper phones as well...
They have stores in mall and maybe you can use the phone you already have???? you'd have to ask..

 

[rparmfamily]

Virgin Mobile user here, plus I have ATT prepaid too. I prefer Virgin Mobile--they are cheaper and allow texts without being on a plan. ATT requires (at least for us) to be on some sort of automatic refill option to be able to text.

I've been using Virgin Mobile for about 5 years, probably more.

I go thru maybe $10 a month on my phone and I do like the option of being able to text because DH is often in a meeting or quiet area where he can't get calls.

virginmobile.com is their website.

 

[jenniferma]

OP again-- thanks for your advice-- I guess I should add-- I don't text either... see? I am so pathetic with a cell phone!

Do you think if I stick with At&T they will let me keep my phone with a pay as I go plan?

thanks again!
jen