FAR: T-Mobile Pre-Paid Phone
Jun 15, 2007, 7:20 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2004
Programs: UA 2P
Posts: 707
FAR: T-Mobile Pre-Paid Phone
I just found out about this from a friend and figured since this forum seems to get a lot of traffic about traveling with phones and SIMs it might be able to help out a few people. If not, feel free to ignore. 
T-Mobile is selling the Nokia 6030 (prepaid) for $30 with free shipping.
http://www.tmobilerebates.com has a $30 MIR on the phone.
Net cost = tax + stamp for the rebate.
Phone is 850/1900 so it only works in the US (and you have to be based in the US to claim the rebate) but if you have friends from overseas or have a US contact, it's a great way to snag a spare handset.
Anyone who also has a regular T-Mobile postpaid line can get it unlocked for free as well (saving any unlock fees).
T-Mobile is selling the Nokia 6030 (prepaid) for $30 with free shipping.
http://www.tmobilerebates.com has a $30 MIR on the phone.
Net cost = tax + stamp for the rebate.
Phone is 850/1900 so it only works in the US (and you have to be based in the US to claim the rebate) but if you have friends from overseas or have a US contact, it's a great way to snag a spare handset.
Anyone who also has a regular T-Mobile postpaid line can get it unlocked for free as well (saving any unlock fees).
Jun 15, 2007, 7:49 pm
#2
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: BOS
Posts: 3,534
Would be interesting to keep around if you have out of country guests stopping by frequently. The $10 card minutes expire after 30 days, the higher denomination cards expire after 90 days. Fortunately there's a T-mobile store down the street from me..
Jun 15, 2007, 7:54 pm
#3
In Memoriam
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Easton, CT, USA
Programs: ua prem exec, Former hilton diamond
Posts: 31,801
Once you buy $100 worth of refils, all your refils are good for a year, and you get more time per dollar. I've been prepaid with them for years one, love it.
Jun 15, 2007, 8:03 pm
#4
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Benicia CA
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold 75K, AA 3.8MM, UA 1.1MM, enjoying the retired life
Posts: 31,849
I'm on my third year with prepaid, still working off of some of those original 1,000 minutes I purchased for $100 in 2005. The last two years I've just added $10 to keep the account active, and will probably do the same next year, as I rarely use the phone unless I'm out traveling in the U.S.
Jun 15, 2007, 8:26 pm
#5
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: 99654
Programs: Many
Posts: 6,450
If you read the site carefully, it says the offer is either available via a toll free number or online. Its not available in retail stores.
Jun 15, 2007, 8:48 pm
#6
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: BOS
Posts: 3,534
I just ordered one online. They're apparently out of the $25 cards so that'll require a separate call.
Jun 15, 2007, 8:55 pm
#7
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Benicia CA
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold 75K, AA 3.8MM, UA 1.1MM, enjoying the retired life
Posts: 31,849
I'd be worried about the account being closed if you let your minutes expire. Are you sure it will remain active if you don't have current minutes on it? I've never let mine expire.
Jun 15, 2007, 10:27 pm
#10
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: BOS
Posts: 3,534
Loss leader of course. It's like printers and ink. They don't make the money off the printer, but off the refills. Similarly T-Mobile will make their money from all the new customers they get who will buy refills once they've established their number, given it out to all their friends, etc.
Jun 19, 2007, 10:54 am
#11
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: DSM
Programs: "I COME FROM Des Moines. Somebody had to." -- Bill Bryson
Posts: 1,135
If you go through Fat Wallet you get $5 cash back on the 6030. Looks like the current offer from TMo is $29.99 with a $25.00 refill card and $10 value on new SIM (which means a new number). Basically you get the equivalent of $10 back.
I bought one as a back-up for the kids and will put the $25 refill on their existing prepaid TMo account.
I bought one as a back-up for the kids and will put the $25 refill on their existing prepaid TMo account.