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basic cheap cell service

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Old Aug 18, 2011 | 11:06 PM
  #1  
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From: NW burbs of chicago
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basic cheap cell service

Right now I'm paying 60.00+ a month to us cellular for a cell phone I barely use.

I dont need any data plan
I might send a receive a few texts a month
I'll use less than 100 minutes a month

I'm in the chicagoland market, but would be using the phone while traveling all over IL

Any suggestions?
Anyone have experience with tracphone?

TIA
 
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Old Aug 19, 2011 | 12:26 AM
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I went to TMobil prepaid -- you just buy the minutes as you need them.

One of the options is $30 for 160 minutes -- good for 90 days. You get carryover when you refill.

Texts come out of the total about .015/text. Voicemails get charged to your minutes as well.

Works for me, but my usage is almost nonexistent.

There are other prepaid companies. TM has decent service around here.

Added benefit - when you refill, they insist on sending you one or more (free)
texts congratulating you on your wisdom.

hj
 
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Old Aug 19, 2011 | 06:08 AM
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I have had a trac phone for several years(at least 8) serves my needs just fine,easy to buy more minutes,and no monthly bill. I have never been in a place where I didn't get a signal unless other cell phones weren't also. I do use mine a little more now,but for the 1st 5 years or so,it only cost me $20 every 3 months. Hard to get cheaper then that!!
 
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Old Aug 19, 2011 | 08:45 AM
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I use StraightTalk, which is a division of Tracphone. You can get phones that work on the Verizon network or ones that work on AT&T's network, so whatever coverage suits you best is available.

Flat $30 per month gets me 1000 minutes and 1000 texts. If I want more, $45 a month gets me unlimited usage.
 
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Old Aug 20, 2011 | 09:21 AM
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For a couple of years, I had a Consumer Cellular service through my AAA membership. It was on the ATT network and worked very well. No contract, basic voice service. I'd have kept it too, if Verizon hadn't built a tower on the hill overlooking my house and finally giving me the option of reliable in-house service (the nearest ATT tower was 6 miles away and only accessible using a cellular repeater in my house).
 
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