Advice requested on cell phone service

[smithers599]

Please be patient with a geezer who is clueless about phones and technology. (And apparently many other things. Ask my wife. Ask my children.)

We are on Verizon, old plan from when we got our Apple iPhone 8s. (Yes, 8s.) We pay $111/mo. for the two lines. 4gig data limit, but we average around 2gig, and have never come close to 4, so "unlimited data" not very important. IOW, low usage. W make a couple phone calls, send a couple of texts asking if we need anything at Safeway.

Can't think of why 5G would be any benefit to me, but what do I know?

Neighbor says "Cancel Verizon and get Mint Mobile. 30 bucks a month." Would like to save the money, but I get suspicious when a deal looks too good to be true.

Your opinions solicited. What would you recommend to a low-level phone user like me?

Thank you.

 

[XJThrottle]

So, a guy does have a cell phone..

 

[tunnug]

I was with Verizon for many years on a very cheap plan, they bugged the heck out of me to change plans since they weren't making much out of me, they started to nickel & dime me to death, left them and went with Consumer Celular, no contract, 3 lines for $80 month, 4g data, they give you a choice of AT&T or SPRINT (I think), you can use your own phone or buy one from them from several choices, been with them for a few years problem free.

 

[QuietM4]

Mint uses T-mobile infrastructure...in fact they are now owned by T-Mobile. For your needs, which is basically just phone calls, you should be OK to switch over. If you are usually on Wi-Fi at home, then data doesn't really matter. However, your data will be subject to 'de-prioritization' if you are connected to a busy cell phone tower....T-Mobile customers will prioritized over your service.
Unless you are streaming Netflix or TikTok videos all day, you most likely won't even notice a change.

And get a phone that was made in this decade, please...I'm amazed your 5 year old phone still holds a charge for a complete days use.

 

[Winmagbill]

T mobile has a 55 and older plan with 2 lines starting at ~$65/month. All the data I need and more.

 

[smithers599]

Thanks guys! This is great info!

 

[Feal]

If you’re happy with your phones, I se tello for my kid. I just use the 100 min/unlimited text, no data for 5$/month.

2gb of data and unlimited talk/text is 14/month. If you go over your data allotment, it’s throttled to the slower speeds.

 

[iammaxwell]

If you spend any time outside the metro area, take that into consideration if you decide to switch. Verizon is the most expensive, but has the widest coverage when off the beaten path in my experience.

 

[jrleen]

I gave up on contract phones from the big carriers 18 years ago. Even before I closed up my office I had all my staff on no-contract service. Work from home today consulting now. Pay for full year at mint for wife and I averaging $20 month per phone($15GB which is more than I need). You have to own your unlocked phone. I get no mailers, emails or BS adds from them. No waiting on endless hold if I do have a question. All online self monitored and control all my settings. Travel all across town and multiple trips around the country without any issues. When I go overseas I use a travel wifi to monitor home security and business accounts. We purchased a class A RV and do half dozen trips+ a year across the country and work remotely using my cell. I actually get service many times where Verizon does not(T-mobile/Mint has great 5g coverage).

After you factor in what you pay with the big boys over just 5 years, buying the phone is a drop in the bucket. We are running samsung S21+ at the moment. You do get trade value when its time to upgrade and if you buy at right time it can save 50%(I generally go 4+ years btwn upgrades). Having no contract you can upgrade or just top off if you have a trip which will eat up data.

 

[338lapua]

So, a guy does have a cell phone..

Yeah but he prefers text or email though.

 

[Ballistic Therapy]

All I have is a flip phone.
I pay $30 a month for unlimited phone calls and text.
It is Verizon and is supposedly guaranteed to never go up in price.
I have had it for many years.

 

[xerts1191]

Anybody try Patriot Mobile, I need a new provider

 

[hairygreek]

Twigby and other off carriers use the main network infrastructure but charge less. I been using them a few years, pay $18 month, don't have unlimited internet but don't need that near wifi. Bring your own compatible phone.
https://www.twigby.com/page/howitworks

 

[kenpoprofessor]

Twigby and other off carriers use the main network infrastructure but charge less. I been using them a few years, pay $18 month, don't have unlimited internet but don't need that near wifi. Bring your own compatible phone.
https://www.twigby.com/page/howitworks

Cool, might have to look into that for a burner soon :mrgreen:


Have a great, gun carryin', Kenpo day

Clyde

 

[nrs]

Look at Total by Verizon month to month plans. You can set up an automatic monthly renewal, so its invisible to you. $30/month 5Gb 5G data plan, unlimited text and calling. Can have up to 4 phones on the plan and they will discount $5/month for auto refill. Still get great verizon network coverage throughout the state. Phones available everywhere and through Total

 

[smithers599]

Update: I ended up with Visible (owned by Verizon). $25 per month per phone.
So far so good.