Non-contract plan in US
May 16, 2010 | 10:53 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 12
Non-contract plan in US
I'm getting back to US next week (after more than a year overseas) and I need a plan with unlimited (or high data), low minutes, and non-contract.
I already have a GSM phone (Nexus One). So I just need to pop the SIM and go.
What are my best options?
Thanks.
I already have a GSM phone (Nexus One). So I just need to pop the SIM and go.
What are my best options?
Thanks.
May 16, 2010 | 11:01 am
#2
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: DTW
Programs: Dirt Status w/ All
Posts: 5,049
T-Mobile is your best bet, assuming you have the T-Mobile version of the N1. (AT&T and TM use different frequencies for 3G, so you need the right version phone to get high speed data. The first was TM, and AT&T followed a month or so ago).
I have the $40/month Even More Plus plan (no-contract, 500 min, unlimited text) with the $10 package added for unlimited internet for $50/month total. You need to make a minor setting change in the phone to get it to work on that $10 plan, but it works great once you do.
Your only other option is AT&T, and I'm not sure if they even offer no contract plans. They at least don't market them visibly.
I have the $40/month Even More Plus plan (no-contract, 500 min, unlimited text) with the $10 package added for unlimited internet for $50/month total. You need to make a minor setting change in the phone to get it to work on that $10 plan, but it works great once you do.
Your only other option is AT&T, and I'm not sure if they even offer no contract plans. They at least don't market them visibly.
May 16, 2010 | 11:04 am
#3
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: California
Programs: AA EXP, lowly UA 1K; Hyatt Diamond, SPG Gold, Hilton Gold; National EC, Hertz PC
Posts: 2,227
I am pretty sure ATT will do a no contract plan if you don't have them subsidize a phone. I think you have to do it in an official ATT store though or possibly via the phone and have them ship you the SIM card. Though Tmobile is really probably more apt to handle your needs assuming your phone will work with them/ they have 3G in your area.
May 16, 2010 | 1:20 pm
#5
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: SEA
Programs: AS MVPG, MGM Rewards Gold, Hhonors ???, National Executive
Posts: 2,708
I have the $40/month Even More Plus plan (no-contract, 500 min, unlimited text) with the $10 package added for unlimited internet for $50/month total. You need to make a minor setting change in the phone to get it to work on that $10 plan, but it works great once you do.
May 16, 2010 | 5:13 pm
#6
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Seattle, Washington USA
Posts: 972
If you can pass a credit check you can likely get a commitment free plan with T-Mobile.
May 16, 2010 | 9:29 pm
#7
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Programs: Hyatt Diamond, Fairmont Platinum, Aeroplan Diamond, HHonors Gold, SPG Gold
Posts: 18,686
I've got a bunch you can have for free.. might be expensive for you stop by and pick it up.. I won't lift a finger to send.
May 17, 2010 | 9:33 am
#8
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: DTW
Programs: Dirt Status w/ All
Posts: 5,049
Probably better to order online if you want to use the trick above. The SIM was free, but could not find a way around the $35 activation charge. I did have to call after receiving the SIM to have them port my old number.
May 18, 2010 | 7:47 am
#12
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Seattle, Washington USA
Posts: 972
True, but a FlexPay plan is more restrictive than a post billed plan. You must pay your charges as if it was a prepaid plan up front. Also roaming is not as extensive as it is with post billed. Also, certain features are disabled on FlexPay such as the ability to use short code texts (such as the google look up feature '46645' and other short codes.) FlexPay is essentially another form of prepaid.
May 18, 2010 | 8:02 am
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2000
Programs: BA, AA, DL, KLM, UA
Posts: 37,489
True, but a FlexPay plan is more restrictive than a post billed plan. You must pay your charges as if it was a prepaid plan up front. Also roaming is not as extensive as it is with post billed. Also, certain features are disabled on FlexPay such as the ability to use short code texts (such as the google look up feature '46645' and other short codes.) FlexPay is essentially another form of prepaid.
May 18, 2010 | 8:03 am
#14
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: FLL -> Where The Boyars Are
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Posts: 18,669
AT&T GoPhone does offer an unlimited month's talk & text plan for $60, but no data is included ( most likely to keep EyePhone users at bay) 
Last edited by Non-NonRev; May 22, 2010 at 11:07 am Reason: Add plan duration and correct price; thanks to tev9999 for the catch!
May 18, 2010 | 9:03 am
#15
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: DTW
Programs: Dirt Status w/ All
Posts: 5,049
Is that per year?