Trac phone...... anyone have any info they can share?

[LisaRay]

I am thinking of getting a trac phone. Is there anyone out there that has one that can tell me how you like it or what you don't like about it? any opinions? thanks

 

[philaround]

We've had one for almost a year now. We have used it from near the Canadian border all the way to Florida with only a minor problem in far northern Vermont. We don't use it often however. Only when absolutely necessary.

 

[Poohnatic]

I had one for a year and a half. I liked it, but upgraded to a t-mobile plan right before a business trip about a year ago.

The flexibility is great, especially if you only want the phone 'just for emergencies'. My DH picked up a pair since I have a 45 mile one way commute and got a flat one night. I was nowhere near a phone, and had to walk a couple of miles to one!

They have ways for you to earn free minutes. You earn free airtime when you get someone else to sign up. When you register online you will earn more minutes. You can also purchase more minutes online, and they throw in free minutes when you do that. One time, they inadvertently charged me twice for an online purchase and the way they corrected it was that they gave me the minutes purchased for free! They really are willing to fix issues, I'd had to call them a couple of times and found them easy to work with.

I had one of the analog phones, and had one drop out spot in that trip...but I'm sure that if I'd had a digital phone, I would not have had any problems. Also, the phones show you exactly how many units you have left and when they expire.

We took them to WDW, and the roaming was supposed to be 4 units/minute, but we were charged 2 per minute. This was handy when I had to take my younger son to the hospital at 2 in the morning! I was calling with hourly updates (double ear infection after swimming that day-poor guy).

DH liked that he only had to buy a 10 minute card every month, but I ended up purchasing 60 minutes every other month. I started to price the various monthly plans, and t-mobile came into my mall and had a great deal, so I got it. If I hadn't needed to be accessible on the business trip and hadn't gotten a decent plan, I probably would have stuck with the trac phone much longer.

It's a great service.

Suzanne

 

[stauncie]

I have had a tracfone for over 4 years, so mine is the older style. (no caller id, etc.) Its been great to carry 'just in case'. I recently bought a 'tradional cell' through US cellular, to use when I travel for business, (over much of the midwest) but I don't have free national long distance. On our trip to Orlando 2 weeks ago, I tried calling my mom from MCO to tell her we landed. I could NOT get a tower using my tracfone. I had no problem using the other cell, but hated to use it, because of the LD charges. After coming home and checking the tracfone website.. MCO and the zip for the town my mom is in, does NOT SUPPORT tracfone service. the only other place I couldn't use the tracfone was in Red Bud, Ok. So be sure to check and make sure tracfone has service available in the areas you plan on using it. Other than that, its just like any other cell phone, except pre-paid. I always buy airtime online and have never had a problem doing it, and the directions are easy to follow. If you watch, you can get a special deal. Occasionally, they offer 'specials'. The one I have is 20 free units for every card I redeem. Its good as long as my number remains in service. nothing like free units!!

 

[nancy679]

I have one and am very pleased with it. I bought the one year plan, for 100 minutes/units, but you get specials too, as already posted. I ended up with about 290 minutes for $95 for the whole year. Since I only use it for emergencies or just to check in at home, it works perfectly for me.

 

[chell]

We have used them for about 3 or 4 years now. I've been very pleased with the service. I don't use it enough to have the need for a monthly bill, so this works out great for me.

PS: Simba is handsome!!!

 

[Robinrs]

I had one before I got the AT&T and was very satisfied with it. I had the analog one first then got the digital one. I still keep them for my son when we go on trips. It's very easy to get minutes and once they expire you can decide whether or not to re up. Very good plan for those who only use their phones for emergencies.

 

[BelleBeautyandtheBeast]

I got a Virgin Mobile phone earlier this year. I did lots of research and found this was my best option. I only use my phone on rare occasions and with Virgin you only have to add minutes every 3 months, which costs $20 (or more if you want more time). For calling people it is 25c/min unless you hit 10 or more minutes in one day then the price drops to 10c/minute. My 2nd choice was Trac Phone, they run lots of great promos!!

I should also add that before this phone I had Verizon for a few years, just a regular plan. I paid $30/mo. for a phone I barely used. I am much happier with the pay as you go than the traditional plan. Just have to mark the calendar to remind myself when I need to add more $$ to the phone, but Virgin also sends me a text message as a reminder.