Newbie Needs Advice

Replikant · 10-15-2006, 09:46 PM

I'm looking at my first cell phone but the variety of plans & phones baffles me. I live in Connecticut & my use would be light, with no out of country calls, i just need a minimal but reliable service at minimal cost with good customer service. What companies & what plans should i look at?

Pornrad · 10-15-2006, 09:57 PM

i know how u feel, i found that shopping for a cell phone can be the harddest thing in the world.

Its like i just cant get one that fits my needs, the one is too big, and the other doesnt have the 1 feature i want.

Sorry for ranting

Replikant · 10-16-2006, 09:14 AM

I'm concerned mainly about plans & service - the phone itself is less of an issue since i don't expect to use it much anyway.

n1ckel5 · 10-16-2006, 12:24 PM

What quantity qualifies as "minimal?"

If you truly don't use many minutes, perhaps a prepaid cell is the route to go.

Just about every major carrier has some sort of prepaid plan. I suggest finding the carrier that has the best coverage for your specific usage/location. Then worry about the other things. Since you're prepaid, you'll probably have minimal interaction with CS.

Replikant · 10-16-2006, 03:02 PM

How do i find the carrier that has the best coverage for my location? There seem to be at least a dozen of them.

Seems like a pretty primitive technology so far - i was looking at T-Mobile in my area & in much of it you may or may not get calls in cars or buildings!

n1ckel5 · 10-16-2006, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Replikant

How do i find the carrier that has the best coverage for my location?

There are two ways that I recommend.

1. Check out the coverage maps of the carriers. Is your area's coverage acceptable?

2. Word of mouth. After you find what you think is a winner, see what others have to say. For instance, where I grew up, I know US Cellular is probably the best due to what I hear and see from people I know. Also, take note of what phones you see people carrying. Most have a logo of the carrier on them somewhere, or they tend to be carrier specific.

Replikant · 10-16-2006, 04:00 PM

Thanks, i was going to ask people i know next.

finger · 10-20-2006, 08:21 AM

i don't know about carriers, but i do like my lg phone

Replikant · 10-20-2006, 09:38 AM

What about Tracfone instead of a cell phone? How would that differ from, say, the cheapest Verizon prepaid plan, besides the cost $(15/mo vs. $30/mo.)?