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WEST U.S. -- Dillemma, in the high desert

Discussion in 'GENERAL Wireless Discussion' started by tundrawolf, Oct 20, 2009.

  1. tundrawolf

    tundrawolf New Member

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    Location:
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    Hello,

    I live in the rural high desert of California (92356 zip code).

    I get good Verizon coverage and there is actually an AT&T tower in my backyard.

    But.... My mum has been paying for my cell phone but cannot anymore. I would like to say that I do not need my cell phone, but the truth is I really do.

    But... I have sporadic work as a handyman/mechanic and cannot afford to be paying $99 a month for unlimited from the major providers.

    I see Metro PCS has some excellent plans for under $40, even as little as $30, but they do not have service in my area and probably won't for a very long time.

    I just don't know what to do. I understand prepaid may be my only option, but I also do not have a credit card, or bank account (I have a lot of debt).


    Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.
     
    #1 tundrawolf, Oct 20, 2009
  2. Kalimotxo

    Kalimotxo Bronze Senior Member
    Senior Member

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    Location:
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    My Phone:
    The latest and greatest.
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    All of them.
    It sounds like you need to go with a prepaid carrier that works on AT&T or Verizon's network... Tracfone, Page Plus, etc. You can get unlimited talk for half the cost of a post-paid plan with some of them.
     
    #2 Kalimotxo, Oct 20, 2009
  3. budney

    budney Resident Headbanger
    Super Moderator Senior Member

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    Location:
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    Your best bet is to go through Page Plus Wireless. It is MVNO which uses the Verizon Wireless network. They have a great unlimited talk & text, and 20MB data plan for $40 a month. I think they just started in SoCal, as their web site is not up to date.

    EDIT: Also you can use your current Verizon phone with them if you want. :)

    Page Plus Wireless - Mobile Phones, Plans & Free Long Distance in Cleveland, OH
     
    #3 budney, Oct 20, 2009
    Last edited: Oct 20, 2009
  4. AnthroMatt

    AnthroMatt Big Meanie
    Super Moderator Junior Member Senior Member

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    Location:
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    My Phone:
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    I agree with everyone above...use Page Plus Cellular and you won't need a new phone. If you port your number into Page Plus they even waive the $10 account setup fee they usually charge.
     
    #4 AnthroMatt, Oct 20, 2009
  5. music4praise

    music4praise Senior Member

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    You can start a PagePlus account using keithwireless.com for $0.99. You just need a Verizon or Alltel phone with a clear ESN. They will also give you a $6.00 credit (worth 50 minutes) on your account to get you started. Deeply discounted top up cards are available from wirelezz.net.
     
    #5 music4praise, Oct 20, 2009
  6. mframe

    mframe Senior Member
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    Location:
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    You will be needing a method to order services and refill cards on-line. I would suggest one of those refillable debit cards, such as GreenDot.
     
    #6 mframe, Oct 21, 2009
  7. budney

    budney Resident Headbanger
    Super Moderator Senior Member

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    He can refill at any page plus dealer with cash. :)
     
    #7 budney, Oct 22, 2009
  8. elmo01

    elmo01 Senior Member
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    you dont need a credit card for a prepaid service...just a method to pay... cash ,cheque by phone, or debit will usually suffice
     
    #8 elmo01, Oct 22, 2009
  9. mframe

    mframe Senior Member
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    Yes, but it sounded like he might be in a more rural area that may not have dealers nearby. Since he has internet access (to post on this forum), I suggested a method to make use of it. Also, I have been hearing that some locations do not have PINs for the unlimited plan, yet (should he decide to go that route).
     
    #9 mframe, Oct 22, 2009
  10. budney

    budney Resident Headbanger
    Super Moderator Senior Member

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    My Phone:
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    Wireless Provider(s):
    AT&T
    #10 budney, Oct 23, 2009
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