Consumer Cellular (AAA)?

Chip Fossa · From: Monson, MA, USA (deceased)

Has anyone gone with Consumer Cellular or know much about it?

I've been reading about it on their website.

I've got AT&T right now and my 2 year contract is up in December.

It costs me about $45/mnth with 500 min. unlimited calls. Anyway - I only use the phone real sporadically. It's completely shut-off most of the time.

CC has a 200 minute plan for $20/mnth. That's over 3 hours/mnth. I would never even come close to 200 minutes.

I don't even know why I got a cellphone (talked into it). But, it's not for me. But for $20/mnth would be worth it to take in the truck; in case something was to go wrong.

I don't even like talking on a regular phone.

Was wondering about their reception. They offer a free Motorola phone and also you can buy a Nokia, if you want.
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Chip
Williams U-12 8X5; Keyless; Natural Blonde Laquer.

Jeff Agnew · From: Dallas, TX

Chip,

They are an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator), which is essentially a business that re-sells airtime on someone else's network. In this case, AT&T/Cingular.

Any unlocked GSM phone will work with their SIM card, so you don't have to use the phones they sell.

As for reception, well, it's AT&T. With all the bad and very little good that entails. But that's another subject. Look for a coverage map on the Consumer Cellular site. If your home and usual traveling area are well covered then you should have no problems.

Chip Fossa · From: Monson, MA, USA (deceased)

Jeff,

What is an 'unlocked GSM phone'? Are you saying that the SIM card in my AT&T Samsung phone can be switched out with CC's sim card?

I know what you mean about AT&T reception. At times I wonder if you wouldn't be just as well off with a waxed string and two tin cans.

I'm a trailer rat, so I'm surrounded by tons of stell. I'm surprised I get any signal in here at all. But it is what it is, but I know when December comes around, AT&T will be 86'd.

Otherwise, to buck out early on the contract - $175.00 penalty.

Oh yeah, I don't own the Samsung. That was free with the AT&T sign-up. Are they gonna want back that phone?
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Chip
Williams U-12 8X5; Keyless; Natural Blonde Laquer.

Jeff Agnew · From: Dallas, TX

An unlocked phone is one which will work on any wireless carrier. Unfortunately, all phones from the major carriers in the US are locked to their own network. You can't use a T-Mobile phone with AT&T, for instance. You can purchase an unlocked phone from many places -- eBay, online stores, etc. Do a Google search. Also, most US carriers will unlock their phones for you, but only after you've completed your initial contract. There are several places online that wil sell you an unlock code for your phone. That can be risky because some models require a special cable or technique. If it goes wrong, your phone will be inoperable. Only use someone you can trust. Here is a reputable unlocker with a great track record and good prices.

Chip Fossa · From: Monson, MA, USA (deceased)

Thanks a lot Jeff,

I'm learning something here.

So that's why they tie you to a contract, to pay for the phone. I should have known.

I checked out your link to unlocking and my phone (Samsung 707A) can be unlocked through the email code. $25. That's pretty fair.

Even though I could get a free Motorola from CC, I'd rather keep the phone I'm used to.

It looks like either way, I'll be stuck with AT&T. But I'm used to it now, and it's no big deal. I just don't use the phone that much, so it's hardly a nuisance (except for paying $45/mnth vs $20).

You straightened me out on this phone biz right-quick, Jeff, and I really appreciate it.

Very Happy

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Chip
Williams U-12 8X5; Keyless; Natural Blonde Laquer.

Earnest Bovine · From: Los Angeles CA USA

Chip Fossa · From: Monson, MA, USA (deceased)

WOW! - thank you, too, Earnest. Now we're talking! (WHOOPS! - wait, that's right, TALKING; not blabbing)

I'll be checkin' out Virgin Mobile.

Can I steel keep my Samsung 707A? Not that it matters much, but, I really don't want to setup and fuss with, yet, another computer device.

UGH!

Anyway, thanks again Earnest - much appreciated.

Very Happy

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Chip
Williams U-12 8X5; Keyless; Natural Blonde Laquer.

Chip Fossa · From: Monson, MA, USA (deceased)

Hello Earnest,

I just got done checking out Virgin Mobile.

Not too sure if I understand the $20 (200 min.) deal. First off, I don't know what they mean by "top-up".

So, do you pay $20 for the 1st 30 days, and then $20 for the 2nd 30 days, and if you don't exceed 200 minutes in the 2nd 30 days, you are on the books for 60 more days? With no more fees, until 90 days is up?

It's a bit confusing. Maybe you could explain it better; in simpler terms.
And I guess on nights/weekends the free calls are only from 7PM - 7AM? If you make calls outside those hours, then it's $0.20/minute?

Thanks Earnest. I appreciate any more info you could shed on VMUSA.

Chipper
Confused

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Chip
Williams U-12 8X5; Keyless; Natural Blonde Laquer.

Wiz Feinberg · From: Mid-Michigan, USA

Chip Fossa · From: Monson, MA, USA (deceased)

Thanks Wiz,

Uh, I checked-out the link Jeff provided in his post.

The company is 'The Travel Insider', and the Samsung 707A is listed as being unlockable (for $25).

Virgin Mobile doesn't say if you can use your own unlocked phone. They have a list of phones that can be used with their program (the 707A is not one of them) for sale.

It looks like if you go with Virgin Mobile, you have to choose one of their listed phones.

Or, can you use any unlocked phone with any cellphone company? Does Virgin install some access device in those listed phones? ie. - if you don't have this access device in YOUR phone, then you won't be able to use it with Virgin (or any other company that installs said device). Confused

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Chip
Williams U-12 8X5; Keyless; Natural Blonde Laquer.

Earnest Bovine · From: Los Angeles CA USA

Jon Light (deceased) · From: Saugerties, NY

I use my cell very little but do consider it a necessity in these days of modern times. With T-Mobile I buy 1 year's service with 1000 hours for $100. Doesn't get much cheaper than that. And unused hours roll over to the next year if you re-up for another year. So I've got a couple million hours here that I'll sell cheap to the highest bidder. I have nothing to compare T-Mobile with so I don't know if they are decent quality or not. I consider audio and connection quality to basically suck compared with landline and I hate using the cell but it seems like that's the technological standard (unless I am mistaken).

edit-----------------------

An email inquiry brought to my attention my claim of 1000 hours for 100 bux. While that does apply to the planet I come from, for you earthlings that should read 1000 minutes. If any of you got hauled out of a T-Mobile office for holding your breath until they honored the 1000 hour rate, based on my post, you have my humble apology.

Chip Fossa · From: Monson, MA, USA (deceased)

I thought my question would be confusing.

Basically, Earnest, their $20/mnth offer looked just as it says: $20/mnth - and the 90 days and roll-over minutes are mentioned; but is not explained very well.
That's probably why my question wasn't phrased very well.

As you say, I best just call them up.

Yeah Jon, $100/yr works out to roughly $8/mnth and a little under 100 minutes/mnth. I'd say that's about as rock-bottom as you can get.

Do you have to pay them in full, up front? Or can you break it up, like, 4 payments of $25?

Thanks again, fellers
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Chip
Williams U-12 8X5; Keyless; Natural Blonde Laquer.

Jon Light (deceased) · From: Saugerties, NY

I don't think there is an option to break it down. They want a C note in their pocket. $108 or so after the usual stuff. You can also go monthly I think--different plan, different rates, different roll-over features (or lack thereof). You'll have to look it up.

Chip Fossa · From: Monson, MA, USA (deceased)

OK, thanks Jon.

The best way to figure any of this cellphone stuff is to simply get hold of some human be-in at said company, and then let the questions fly.

Anyway, I'm in no rush. My contract with AT&T doesn't end until December 31. But it never hurts to start looking and asking about, early.
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Chip
Williams U-12 8X5; Keyless; Natural Blonde Laquer.

Earnest Bovine · From: Los Angeles CA USA

Chip Fossa · From: Monson, MA, USA (deceased)

Thanks again, Earnest.

And true it is...

Who knows what any costs will look like in 6 months?

20 beans per month is very reasonable; but then again, 20 bean-Os per 3 months is, well, almost free. Almost.

I'm quite impressed by what I found out here on this post. I almost didn't bother asking (about CC). I figured $20/mnth is probably as low as you can go, and what will the service/quality be like?

Like many folks have often stated here on zee forum - "never be shy about asking a question".
I agree. Better to never be shy asking a question, than asking an answer.

Very Happy

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Chip
Williams U-12 8X5; Keyless; Natural Blonde Laquer.

John Floyd · From: R.I.P.

And if You have a high Speed Internet Connection. The Best Deal Going is The Magic Jack. It works pretty well For $19.99 a year, unlimited calls to all of the usa and canada. Cost you $38.99 at Wally World and that includes the 1st years service. Its as clear as most any land line and I use mine instead of my Cell Phone. I have it as well as Joe Casey and we talk as long and as often as we want. For $20 bucks a year, I Think he may took their Special and got 5 years service for $59.95.
The only problem I had was I couldn't get a Phone Number in the area code I live in (Unusual) So I took a Number in Charleston S.C. Where my Daughter is stationed in The Coast Guard and its a local call for her and $20 bucks a year for me. Thats Damn near Free. My Internet provider want $30 a month for the same service that I'm getting from my Magic Jack.

There are Cheaper Ways than Paying AT & T for any kind of phone service.

I have prepaid Verizon Cell Service , Had to buy my phone around $100 for a Motorola V3M Razr, Good Phone and I only use it when I'm Traveling, I can get by on two $50 Prepaid cards in a year now, I bought my most recent card in Jan or Feb and they now have the Alltel network too. Doesn't cost me anything to call a verizon or former Alltel Customer, just a $1 per day access charge on the days I actually use my cell phone.

Ma Bell must be having a Cow these days! Shocked

Jeff Agnew · From: Dallas, TX

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