suggest cheap cell phone service for a low income senior

[ellenrr]

I have had the Obama phone, free phone service for a couple of years. Free is good, but when they drive you crazy, it is not free. Now due to them, not me, I have to re-apply and I am going to be without service. Just as the weather turns wonderful and I will be taking road trips.

questions- I am looking into Consumer cellular, which seems relatively inexpensive.
Anyone with experience with this?
Any other suggestions?
Why isn't there a non-profit which can provide cellular service? It is so essential.

If I get consumer cellular can I use a phone I have?

Can I use them just for a month or two while I try to get back on to free phone?
Or do I get penalized?

(Of course by getting consumer cellular, free phone will probably refuse me service.)

thanks!

[lunasun]

1. Freedom pop

Free basic. Cheap phones . If you are on the phone or net a lot forget it but free basic see website
https://www.freedompop.com/phone?ftm_source=google&ftm_medium=cpc&ftm_campaign=SRCH_FreedomPop-Exact_US-ENG_DTM_USALL_B&ftm_placement=-&ftm_term=e-freedompop%20phones&ftm_network=search-g&ftm_content=289423052154-1t1&ftm_adgroup=FreedomPop hones&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI26-7yt6F3QIVEtbACh1mSA_sEAAYASACEgLO0_D_BwE

[hedda_foil]

4. I had terrible service with Freedompop. Check out Boost. Great service for low price..

[Timewas]

2. Consume Cellular

Have been with them for quite a while...they are pretty decent,customer service is great prices are right 30 a month unlimited talk...add 5 and unlimited text..10 for each phone after first we have 5 phones 90 a month..you ca use your GSM unlocked phone no activation or sim cost...

[The Blue Flower]

3. I've been very satisfied with Consumer Cellular

Been with them for years.

[ellenrr]

6. what is a GSM phone?

Consumer Cellular - I have heard only positive things about them - here and elsewhere.

[Timewas]

9. GSM

Is At&t compatible system, sprint and verizon use CDMA system completely different and not compatible.. CDMA has better reception in fringe areas.. But GSM is more prevalent

[trof]

18. Same for me. Consumer cellular is great.

[we can do it]

5. We have 2 lines on TMobile unlimited everything for $60 month, period.

One person needs to be 55.

[worstexever]

14. We have the over 55 T-Mobile plan, too, and we love it

We both bought our phones outright and just plugged in the chip T-Mobile sent us. My iPhone worked as well in Mexico as it does at home, at no extra cost. We recommend it to all our friends.

[Timewas]

19. That one is good

But it is 2 phones and a requirement to allow auto pay...Auto pay is a deal killer for me..

[NBachers]

7. Ting- I've got it, and I love it. Best customer service of any company I've ever dealt with.

https://ting.com/

[masmdu]

8. MINT or Republic Wireless we have both in our family.

Mint is $15 / month Unlimited Text & Talk and 2gb 4g and then throttles down to 2g if you go beyond that. I find it is more than enough data.

The only catch is you have to pay for a year at at time to get this rate. But they have also have a "try it out" 3 month service for $45.

https://www.mintmobile.com/plans/

My wife has Republic Wireless. Unlimited text & Talk $15 / month and you can add on 1gb for $5 anytime you need it. Any extra data will carry over to the next month.

Also, with RW if you are an educator it is half price. So she pays $7.50 / month (you have to ask for this discount...not advertised).

https://republicwireless.com/cell-phone-plans/

Hope this helps.

By the way, in our quest to save money we also have unlimited internet at the house for $30/month. PM me if you want details.

[GeorgeGist]

10. I have pay-as-you-go TracFone.

They use Verizon or ATT towers.

I have had no problem with them in 2 yrs.

My usage is about $16 mo for 200 minutes talk + 500 texts + 500 mb data.

[ellenrr]

11. thank you. You have given me much to help me.

[lillypaddle]

13. I use an AT&T "go phone"

It's a flip phone, and I load minutes online. But I don't spend tons of time on the phone - so at 10 cents a minute, I get by for about $12 a month. The phone was free, has voice mail, and you can text. I have a lap top for internet, so it suits me fine.

[ellenrr]

15. thanks, I had not heard of this.

Am looking at their site now. Thinking of buying their smart phone too. They have one for only $40.00 which doesn't get rave reviews, but I cannot afford a $600. phone. (even if I had the money would not spend it on a phone). I like a smart phone for the GPS feature, which can be useful at times. Altho I also like reading a map, and stopping and asking directions.

[Totally Tunsie]

16. Consumer Cellular also.

Have used their service for about 3 years, and am very happy with it. Great coverage (uses AT&T network) and wonderful Customer Service for the few times I've had to use it. I started with my old flip phone, but purchased their iPhone 5 for $150 (enough technology for me) so I could sync with my car. I have the lowest plan: 250 minutes, 300 texts, 30 MB data for $21.42/mo. No contract necessary.

[demosincebirth]

17. consumer cellular