Help, please! What's a reasonable alternative to Verizon cellular phone service?

[Fridays Child]

They've held me hostage long enough and I'd like to switch. I need unlimited (if possible) talk, text, and data for me and my son. I'd consider moving over to Credo, if the reception is adequate in my area (Tucson/Southern Arizona) and if the coverage is decent enough to use while traveling.

Any local experience and/or suggestions?

[napoleon_in_rags]

1. I'm a fan of getting off contracts.

I like the virgin mobile prepaid plans. Unlimited data and messaging, 300 minutes of talk for $35 a month, on a smart phone.

http://www.virginmobileusa.com/cell-phone-plans/beyond-talk-plans/overview/

$45 gets you 1200 minutes talk, $50 gets you first plan plus tethering wifi. (with good enough phone, if you require Internet access through your phone for your computers)

Unfortunately its on the Sprint network. Good for where I am, but you really want to check coverage maps for your area. My experience is Verizon has best coverage.

[Nay]

3. We use VirginMobile, too, and have been happy with it. As always, check coverage. nt

[Matariki]

2. heard good things about these guys

http://www.boostmobile.com/

[datasuspect]

4. i just need to learn to stop breaking handsets in half when i get pissed off

.

[Sen. Walter Sobchak]

5. I'm happy enough with Simple Mobile, which is really T-Mobile.

$40 for unlimited everything, I couldn't justify what I was paying to Verizon anymore. I'm using a Nokia Lumia 710 Windows phone.

I just couldn't stomach what I was paying for my Verizon Blackberry every month when I am usually in Canada.

[GoCubsGo]

6. Net 10 pre-paid.

They have really good coverage, the rates are good, and they are helpful with problems. I thought I lost my phone a few months ago and had my service suspended. When I finally found phone, it was really easy to get the service back.

They have numerous plans, and you can switch plans at will.

[retread]

7. Other than ATT there is no reasonable altenative for a frequent traveler,

if coverage is your only objective.

Credo uses the Sprint network as does Boost and Virgin mobile.

Even with prepay there is a clock ticking. You buy minutes but there is an allocated time to use them.

I miss the old pay phone.

[2pooped2pop]

8. we've been using straight talk

no contract. 45 bucks unlimited everything. 30 dollar option too. I have it on automatic refill but can cancel anytime. Have not had any more trouble with it than ATT except that ATT always found ways to boost my bill up.

I got a refurbished phone from them when I bought minutes and got free shipping. They even had at the time a free basic phone.

Some phones have to have the 45 plan. You can bring in your own phone too.

Everything is fine as long as you don't have to talk with customer service. Last time I did, the accent was so strong that I really could not understand them and had to ask for someone else.

I prefer giving my business to straight US businesses but do have to cut corners when I can. My bill is never different like it was with ATT and verizon. (esp att)

Oh and what they don't tell you is that the phone you choose determines your actual carrier. I am using a verizon phone, so I ping through verizon because it has the best reception for me. But I don't pay verizon prices.

[Fridays Child]

9. Thanks for all of the tips.

I'll investigate these options and see if I can check out coverage maps.

Thanks, everybody!