Okay I need some recommendations for replacement service

[kjo]

Hey all!

Okay so I know it isn't until April 1st that Beyond Wireless disappears off the face of the earth....but I'm looking into comparable services for my hubby.
I have my unlocked T-mobile Nokia 3220b phone which I can use for any carrier, and or for T-mobile service...but I would have to start off with 25 dollars every 90 days again to get him up to gold rewards...which isn't really that big of a deal. I use my phone more ....so it works for me....
But for him I need one that will have incoming text messages that can be sent via the internet. Right now I just go to mymmode.com/messagecenter and send him messages right to his phone and it's free to receive them.
I use to get free on mine too..but now it's 5 cents.
So I'm looking into Alltel's prepaid, speakout wireless from seven 11...with the whole year thing that's good..but they also require you to buy a phone. I'm looking for something that'll be the easiest and most least expensive to slip into from what he's at.
Can anyone help or give ideas? Perhaps there is a company I'm not aware of?
By the way I noticed I have become a Bronze member! Yippee

[Quint101]

Wirelessly posted (Q's Mobile Device: Nokia6010/1.0 (8.62) Profile/MIDP-1.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.0)

I have the Alltel u service and it's ok. The message site on alltel is great... The turnoff that i didn't care 4 is the activation fee. I went with it for the expiration: just make a 1 min call 2 avoid the $4 monthly fee. The $20 initial fill up can last 4ever lol. The Simple freedom at walmart works similarly but the expirations are different and there are no activation fees... You get $10 to start. Both services offer great coverage.

[Quint101]

Wirelessly posted (Q's Mobile Device: Nokia6010/1.0 (8.62) Profile/MIDP-1.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.0)



Also look at the Beyond wireless gsm... I think that they are offering TDMA people incentives to move to gsm... This may be an alternative and you can still use your unlocked nokia and/or get one of their handsets. You can also check out ebay for t-mobile SIMS or walmart for new phone and sim on t-mobile.

[kjo]

Originally Posted by Quint101 Wirelessly posted (Q's Mobile Device: Nokia6010/1.0 (8.62) Profile/MIDP-1.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.0) Also look at the Beyond wireless gsm... I think that they are offering TDMA people incentives to move to gsm... This may be an alternative and you can still use your unlocked nokia and/or get one of their handsets. You can also check out ebay for t-mobile SIMS or walmart for new phone and sim on t-mobile.

I'll have to see what they have..but when I look it's says expiration in like 15 days or 30 days for a 5 dollar card. That's way too soon.

Is there anything out there anymore that does the whole does not expire in a year thing! I mean I think speak out wireless is now only good for 60 days or 90 days now.

[Quint101]

The only ones that have long expirations are (that I'm aware of):
1. Tracfone: buy a 1 year card or buy one of their packages that include the 1 year card

2. T-Mobile ToGo: purchase the $100 refill or accumulate $100 total over time to obtain the 1 year expiry; after that 1 year, any refill will extend your expiration by 1 year.

3. The AlltelU 0.15/min option: Despite the higher startup costs ($35 act.fee plus $20 initial airtime), this option has no expiry, BUT you have to make a 1 minute billable call every 30 days or a $4 dollar monthly fee will apply. The $20 airtime can literally last forever.

4. Cingular: Buy a $100 card and minutes expire after a year

5. Similarly, the Simple Freedom option also requires $100 to have a 1 year expiry

As you can see, you have to surrender $100 to the wireless company; if expiry is what you are looking for, I think that the TMobile and AlltelU are simple and flexible enough if $$ is an object. Otherwise, it'll depends what works for you. I hope that this helps a little.

[kjo]

Originally Posted by Quint101 The only ones that have long expirations are (that I'm aware of): 1. Tracfone: buy a 1 year card or buy one of their packages that include the 1 year card 2. T-Mobile ToGo: purchase the $100 refill or accumulate $100 total over time to obtain the 1 year expiry; after that 1 year, any refill will extend your expiration by 1 year. 3. The AlltelU 0.15/min option: Despite the higher startup costs ($35 act.fee plus $20 initial airtime), this option has no expiry, BUT you have to make a 1 minute billable call every 30 days or a $4 dollar monthly fee will apply. The $20 airtime can literally last forever. 4. Cingular: Buy a $100 card and minutes expire after a year 5. Similarly, the Simple Freedom option also requires $100 to have a 1 year expiry As you can see, you have to surrender $100 to the wireless company; if expiry is what you are looking for, I think that the TMobile and AlltelU are simple and flexible enough if $$ is an object. Otherwise, it'll depends what works for you. I hope that this helps a little.

Yes that helps a bunch. I'll check into those. There is nothing wrong with t-mo's..I love it... just having 1000 minutes on the account will be like too much for him...but wouldn't have to worry...that's for sure. Perhaps If I buy it...the phone that comes with it...I could sell off. He can use my nokia 3220b phone that I have or even his little samsung r225m phone he had. It does seem to be the better deal. I just wish I could find one that I didn't have to invest so much to start. His current phone was like 5.00 to start and no expiration ..only 1 phone call every 60 days required...and free text messaging (incoming)
cingular is like 1.00 only for the days you use it right? does that include text messaging as well.??? I wonder. so 15 cents for text messaging turns into 1.15 every day.

Virgin mobile has one that's like 6.99 a month I believe... and alltel seems to be really good...I just think it sucks that you have to pay 35 for activation... so 20.00 for airtime, 30.00 for the phoen, plus 35.00 activation is close to 100 too.... unless their is a special deal for prepaid that I'm not aware of.

thanks again... I wish they would keep the same pricing plan for their existing customers with beyond wireless

[BillRadio]

Where did you hear SpeakOut expirations are 90 Days? This is news to me. My SpeakOut account costs me $25 per year. Their downside is the monthly fee, but with that it should still last a whole year with minimal refills.

7-Eleven often has promotions. One was the Nokia 1100 for $30. Another was a phone for $60, but it included $60 worth of air time. You can buy the phone, put the SIM in your unlocked phone, and sell the new phone on eBay.

By far the best deal is T-mobile to Go. Yes it cost $100 to go "gold", but after the first year, it's only $10 a year to keep it active. At cheapphonecards the $100 card is less than $92, and there are people here who will sell you a gold rewards SIM for less than $75. eBay might have some, too.

The only reason to go to the other more expensive services is if you need better coverage. My T-Mo2Go phone now roams in many more places.

[kjo]

Originally Posted by BillRadio Where did you hear SpeakOut expirations are 90 Days? This is news to me. My SpeakOut account costs me $25 per year. Their downside is the monthly fee, but with that it should still last a whole year with minimal refills. 7-Eleven often has promotions. One was the Nokia 1100 for $30. Another was a phone for $60, but it included $60 worth of air time. You can buy the phone, put the SIM in your unlocked phone, and sell the new phone on eBay. By far the best deal is T-mobile to Go. Yes it cost $100 to go "gold", but after the first year, it's only $10 a year to keep it active. At cheapphonecards the $100 card is less than $92, and there are people here who will sell you a gold rewards SIM for less than $75. eBay might have some, too. The only reason to go to the other more expensive services is if you need better coverage. My T-Mo2Go phone now roams in many more places.

Hey there
I think I read it on their promotional flyer somewhere....7-eleven that is. thanks for the info on cheapphonecards.... and I might possibly post about buying a sim card from someone who doesn't want it anymore. I've already got a phone that I could use.

Yes I've noticed my coverage area has gotten pretty good. I really can't complain.....

[BillRadio]

Let me also add that there will not be a better network than Beyond's TDMA. People are dropping off the network daily which means fewer capcity problems. And it should work good enough for your needs right up until the last day. That gives you a nice long time to look for a good promtional deal.

[Quint101]

Wirelessly posted (Q's Mobile Device: Nokia6010/1.0 (8.62) Profile/MIDP-1.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.0)

I managed 2 keep the alltel costs down by buying the cheapest phone on alltel... The lg 4270 is ten dollars but it isn't the best phone for alltel from what i hear. If T-Mobile rocks in your area, I'd jump on it too... I only have it because i'm 25 away from gold and i don't have 2 refill until july.

[kjo]

I'll probably end up with T-mobile. After the 100 dollar it just really is the best deal., plus with me having it already for myself for over a year and half I know what I'm dealing with.
I'll have to just get a sim card...possibly one off of ebay that's got 30 dollars on it already or something...or perhaps I can talk the hubby into just biting the bullet and buying the 100 dollar sim card and time... it's just the initial cost he will hate...
I got a really good deal when I did it right from t-mobile...so perhaps I'll get another one..... I already have a phone for him, but I'll see what I can do...

In the meantime...if anyone has a gold reward sim they want to sell let me know ! thanks!

Oh and by the way...altell is out. I called. They won't service ORegon!... bummer
oh well.