[neverhadacell]

HI I need a phone JUST for emergencies. I am looking into those pay as you go plans. I dont need alot. It will just be used in emergencies or if I get stuck somewhere. What plan should I go with?

I dont want to spend alot. I have verizion, sprint and cellullar one where I live.

THanks.

---

› See More: Need a emergency phone

[neverhadacell]

thanks for allllllllllllllll the responses!

[mkendallpk]

New to this myself. Got service with Page Plus Cellular. Cost me about five dollars to activate (bought activation on Ebay), had Verizon phone. Get 100 mins with activation. Good for 120 days.

Costs $0.50 per month plus the time you are on.

They sell phones if you don't have a Verizon branded one.

See comparison chart: www.cellguru.net/prepaid_compare.htm

Many other providers to compare to on this chart.
Hope this helps.

Mkendallpk

[roberts1953]

There are 2 inexpensive plans that will give you expensive coverage.
:: Page Plus Cellular: Nationwide Prepaid Cellular :: and Pay-Per-Minute: U Prepaid Wireless Service from Alltel

Pageplus only has local rates on Verizon's native network, not on the coverage maps they show. Check Verizon's prepaid plan coverage maps. Pageplus coverage is the same. Anywhere not showing local coverage will be roaming at $.99/min. They have a 50 cent monthly 911 charge.

Alltel U rates are similar at 15 cents/min. They have local rates on native Verizon, Alltel, and Sprint networks, which is just about the entire US. The very few places they roam are $.59/min. You must make 1 call every 30 days or you will be charged a $4 fee. But as long as you make the minimum call the minutes roll over. Meaning potentially no expirations, and a mimum cost of a couple bucks a year to keep alive. You are charged for voicemails and there is a $35 activation fee. In order to start service you must go to an Alltel Store or call them and have ZIP in mind in a native Alltel area. If you don't live in an Alltel area you will have a long distace number, and probably have to double dial, neither of which really matter if it is primarily a seldom used emergency phone. Also, the voicemail can be turned off if you want to avoid those charges.

[mkendallpk]

There are 2 inexpensive plans that will give you expensive coverage.
:: Page Plus Cellular: Nationwide Prepaid Cellular :: and Pay-Per-Minute: U Prepaid Wireless Service from Alltel

Pageplus only has local rates on Verizon's native network, not on the coverage maps they show. Check Verizon's prepaid plan coverage maps. Pageplus coverage is the same. Anywhere not showing local coverage will be roaming at $.99/min. They have a 50 cent monthly 911 charge.

Alltel U rates are similar at 15 cents/min. They have local rates on native Verizon, Alltel, and Sprint networks, which is just about the entire US. The very few places they roam are $.59/min. You must make 1 call every 30 days or you will be charged a $4 fee. But as long as you make the minimum call the minutes roll over. Meaning potentially no expirations, and a mimum cost of a couple bucks a year to keep alive. You are charged for voicemails and there is a $35 activation fee. In order to start service you must go to an Alltel Store or call them and have ZIP in mind in a native Alltel area. If you don't live in an Alltel area you will have a long distace number, and probably have to double dial, neither of which really matter if it is primarily a seldom used emergency phone. Also, the voicemail can be turned off if you want to avoid those charges.

He has to check the coverage map as you suggested. But, also look at the comparison chart. It tells you everything you need to know!

If he lives in an Alltel area it might be good for him. My understanding is that they will not activate you if you are out of their native area.

Page Plus Cellular does not require a special phone. Just a Verizon branded one. This is an advantage. He can get a cheap phone from a variety of sources.

At $2.50 a month and an activation fee of $5.00 Page Plus Cellular is a good buy!

But, it depends on the area where the phone will be used. Alltel may be a better buy. Using the chart I recommended will help to make a wise choice.

Its not the provider, it what you want out of the service.

Mkendallpk