May 30, 2013, 7:55 pm
Last edit by: WIRunner
Good comparison of prepaid plans:
http://www.prepaidphonenews.com/2011...and-plans.html
AT&T GSM 850/1900, LTE Data
LTE Bands: 2, 4, 17
Basic and Messaging Phones (No Smartphones, iPhones, etc.)
No monthly fee - 10¢/minute, 20¢/text, Data 1¢/5KB of use
$2/Day (Only billed fee on days used) - Unlimited Domestic Talk and Text, Data 1¢/5KB when Used or $1/Day for 100MB
Smartphone or Basic/Feature Phones
$30/month Unlimited Domestic Talk and Text; Data is not included: 1¢/5KB of use, or $5/Month 100 MB
$45/month Unlimited Domestic Talk and Text, 1.5GB Data at "3G" speeds, thereafter throttled to 128Kbps
$55/Month Unlimited Domestic Talk and Text, Includes Unlimited calls to Mexico; 1¢ per minute for calls to Canada, calls within Mexico and Canada, and from Mexico and Canada to select countries, plus unlimited messaging while roaming in Mexico and Canada. 1 GB Data at "3G" speeds, throttled to 128 Kbps thereafter
$60/Month Unlimited Domestic Talk and Text, Includes Unlimited calls to Mexico, Unlimited Texting when in Canada or Mexico, 4 GB Data at "3G" speeds, throttled to 128 Kbps thereafter
Verizon CDMA, LTE Data
LTE Bands: 2, 4, 13
Pay-as-you-go (Feature/Basic Phones Only)
Daily access fees are billed only when device is used
$1.99/Day - Unlimited Domestic Airtime, Text Messages are 2¢/message (in or out), Picture Messages are 25¢/message (in or out), Mobile Web access 99¢/24 hour period
99¢/Day Unlimited Verizon to Verizon Calls, Standard Airtime Calls 25¢/Minute, Text Messages 10¢/Message (In or Out), Picture Messages 25¢/Message (In or Out); Mobile Web Access 99¢/24 Hour Period
$0.00/Day - Standard Airtime Calls 25¢/Minute, Text Messages 20¢/Message (in or out), Picture Messages 25¢/Message (in or out), Mobile Web access 99¢/24 hour period
Can add the following monthly text messaging options:
$20/month for Unlimited Messaging to anyone on any network in the U.S.
$10/month for Unlimited Mobile to Mobile Messaging with Verizon Wireless customers PLUS 250 additional messages*
Feature Phone Monthly Plans
$35/Month 500 Standard Airtime Minutes, Unlimited Domestic Texts, Unlimited Texts to Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico, 500MB Mobile Web
$45/Month Unlimited Standard Airtime Minutes, Unlimited Domestic Texts, Unlimited Texts to Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico, 500MB Mobile Web
Smartphone
$45/month Unlimited Domestic Talk and Text Includes 1GB LTE Data, 500MB included when signed up for monthly autopay. Data Stops once allotment is exhausted.
Additional Data for Monthly Smart or Basic Phone Plans
$5 for 500MB, $10 for 1GB or $20 for 3GB. Data access stops once data allotment is exhausted, would need to purchase additional data for the month or restart bill cycle for a new 30 Days
T-Mobile GSM 1900, LTE Data
LTE Bands: 2, 4, 12
$3/month 30 minutes of Airtime or 30 Texts (or a combination)
Data can be added: $5/day 500MB High Speed Data (LTE) or $10/week 1GB High Speed Data (LTE)
$30/month 100 Minutes Airtime, Unlimited Text, 5GB of High Speed data (LTE, HSDPA+) then throttled to "2G" speeds. Includes International texting at no charge to select countries Must be activated on-line, or purchased from Wal-Mart
$35/month Unlimited Airtime, Unlimited Text, No Data Included
The following plans include Unlimited Airtime, and Unlimited Text, Speed is throttled to 8 Mb/s regardless if a higher link is available, once data allotment is consumed throttled to "2G" speeds, or a max of 128 Kb/s. Price is listed monthly.
$40 - 1 GB Data
$50 - 3 GB Data
$60 - 5 GB Data
Add Unlimited landline, and texting to select countries for $10/month, Calls to mobile carriers in select countries are 20¢ per minute
Add Unlimited landline, mobile calling and texting to select countries for $15 per month
If the device supports it, these plans also have T-Mobile WiFi calling available at no charge.
Sprint CDMA, LTE Data
No longer offers branded pre paid services, all plans are sold through Boost subsidary
H2O
U.S. Cellular CDMA, LTE Data
LTE Bands: 5, 12
Plans are listed per month
"Ready Connect" (Available at Wal-Mart and Amazon.com, and other stores)
$35 - Basic Phone Only - Unlimited Talk, Unlimited Text, Unlimited Mobile Web
$45 - Smartphone - Unlimited Talk, Unlimited Text, 1GB Data
$55 - Smartphone - Unlimited Talk, Unlimited Text, 2GB Data
Maximum of 200MB can be used off network.
Data stops when allotment is exhausted, additional buckets can be purchased for $5/250MB, $15/1GB, $25/2GB
"Simple Connect" Plans all include Unlimited Talk, Text, and Data, the high speed allotment varies depending on the plan, prices are monthly
$40 - Basic Phones Unlimited Data
$45 - 1GB Data
$55 - 2GB Data
$65 - 4GB Data
Data is throttled to "1x" speeds thereafter (max of 196 Kb/s)
TracFone GSM 850/1900 or CDMA
Annual Cards (Good for 365 Days from Activation)
$199.99 1500 Minutes
$159.99 1000 Minutes
$119.99 800 Minutes (Plus double minutes on future refills)
$99.99 400 Minutes
$19.99 Package adds double airtime to all future refills
Pay-As-You-Go
$79.99 450 Minutes for 90 Days
$39.99 200 Minutes for 90 Days
$19.99 60 Minutes for 90 Days
$9.99 30 Minutes for 30 Days (online only)
Web Access for Android Phones
$50/2GB
$20/750MB
$10/300MB
Red Pocket (Link)
512MB - $5
1GB - $10
3GB - $30
5GB - $50
Uses T-Mobile's 4G/LTE network
All plans except 512MB are throttled after exceeding data usage.
SIM cards can be purchased inexpensively through Amazon and ebay
Cricket Wireless GSM 850/1900, LTE Data
AT&T Wireless Subsidy
Plans are monthly, and include Unlimited Talk and Texting, Included data varies; LTE speeds are throttled to 8Mb/s, HSDPA+ is throttled to 4Mb/s, $5 discount available when on autopay
$25 - NO Data Access
$40 - 2.5GB
$50 - 5GB Adds Unlimited Calling and Texting to Mexico, plus 35 additional countries
$60 - 10GB Adds Unlimited Calling and Texting to Mexico, plus 35 additional countries
$60 - 20 GB (Promotional Plan) Adds Unlimited Calling and Texting to Mexico, plus 35 additional countries
MetroPCS GSM 1900, LTE Data
T-Mobile Subsidy
Plans are monthly and include Unlimited Talk and Text. Included Data Varies, once package data is exceeded speed is throttled to "2G" speeds (128Kb/s max), prices include add fees and taxes
$40 - 2GB Data (promotional)
$50 - 4GB Data (promotional)
$60 - Unlimited Data
$50 Unlimited Data plan is available when purchasing a device from MetroPCS, BYOD is not available on that plan
Add-ons
$10/month Mexico Calling: Unlimited Calling to Landlines, 1000 minutes to mobile phones, Unlimited texting to mobile phones, 200 minutes and 200 texts when traveling in Mexico
$10/month World Calling - Select countries include unlimited calls to landlines, Unlimited texting, 200 minutes to mobile phones; 200 voice roaming voice minutes, Send 200 text messages, unlimited incoming text messages
Net10 GSM 850/1900, LTE Data
Pay as you go
$100 - 1500 Minutes, 180 Days
$60 - 900 Minutes, 90 Days
$45 - 600 Minutes, 60 Days
$30 - 300 Minutes, 60 Days
$20 - 200 Minutes, 30 Days
Monthly No Data Plans (Good for 30 Days)
$25 - 1000 Minutes
$30 - 500 Minutes
$15 - 200 Minutes
Monthly Unlimited Plans - Price is monthly. Includes unlimited Talk and Text, Amount of high speed data varies per plan and is then throttled to 64 kbps thereafter
$35 - No Data
$40 - 500 MB (additional 250 MB with autopay)
$50 - 3GB
$60 - 3.5GB (additional 1GB with autopay)
$75 - 5GB (additional 1GB with autopay)
Virgin Mobile CDMA
Sprint Subsidy
Monthly Basic Phone Plans "PayLo", Text Messages are 25
$40 Unlimited Talk, Unlimited Text, 50MB of Data
$30 1500 Minutes of Talk, 1500 Text (in and out), 30MB data
$20 400 Minutes, 15¢ per text, 25¢ per picture message, $1.50/MB for Data
Unlimited Plans
$20 300 Minutes and Text
$35 Unlimited Talk and Text, 250 MB 3G/4G data throttled thereafter
$35 Unlimited Text, 300 Minutes 2.5GB 3G/4G data, throttled thereafter
$45 Unlimited Talk and Text, Unlimited International Text, 100 International Voice minutes, 1 GB 3G/4G data throttled thereafter,
$55 Unlimited Talk and Text, Unlimited International Text, 100 International Voice minutes, 3 GB 3G/4G data throttled thereafter
Data Share Plans
Plans are monthly and include Unlimited Text, Voice minutes vary by plan, data allotment is 2.5 GB of 3G/4G data and is throttled after the included data is exhausted, $20 starter kit is required and available only at Wal-Mart
$35 - 300 Minutes
$45 - Unlimited Talk
Additional data
$10/Month - 1 GB
$15/Month - 2 GB
$25/Month - 4 GB
$35/Month - 6 GB
$65/Month - 12 GB
$85/Month - 20 GB
$2 One time 100MB DATA
$5 One time 500MB DATA
$5 VOICE EXTENDED COVERAGE 60 MINUTES (ROAMING)
$2.50 DATA EXTENDED COVERAGE 10MB (ROAMING)
$5 DATA EXTENDED COVERAGE 20MB (ROAMING)
$10 DATA EXTENDED COVERAGE 40MB (ROAMING)
$2 100 MINUTES OF TALK (Good for 30 Days)
$5 300 MINUTES OF TALK (Good for 30 Days)
Ultra Mobile GSM 850/1900 UMTS 1700/1900 LTE 1700
LTE Bands 2, 4, 12
Roams off T-Mobile with theoretical full access to the T-Mobile network, but network coverage is slightly reduced as is 4GLTE coverage
All plans include:
Unlimited domestic calling
Unlimited domestic SMS/MMS
Unlimited global SMS/MMS
Standard features: 3-way calling, caller ID, voicemail, 411
Plans range from $19-49/month and generally include free international calling (landline/cell) and local access numbers for friends/family to call.
SIM card costs $1. See Ultra.me for more info.
You can purchase SIM and plan through 3rd parties such as EZKonnect or even Amazon for a discount.
http://www.prepaidphonenews.com/2011...and-plans.html
AT&T GSM 850/1900, LTE Data
LTE Bands: 2, 4, 17
Basic and Messaging Phones (No Smartphones, iPhones, etc.)
No monthly fee - 10¢/minute, 20¢/text, Data 1¢/5KB of use
$2/Day (Only billed fee on days used) - Unlimited Domestic Talk and Text, Data 1¢/5KB when Used or $1/Day for 100MB
Smartphone or Basic/Feature Phones
$30/month Unlimited Domestic Talk and Text; Data is not included: 1¢/5KB of use, or $5/Month 100 MB
$45/month Unlimited Domestic Talk and Text, 1.5GB Data at "3G" speeds, thereafter throttled to 128Kbps
$55/Month Unlimited Domestic Talk and Text, Includes Unlimited calls to Mexico; 1¢ per minute for calls to Canada, calls within Mexico and Canada, and from Mexico and Canada to select countries, plus unlimited messaging while roaming in Mexico and Canada. 1 GB Data at "3G" speeds, throttled to 128 Kbps thereafter
$60/Month Unlimited Domestic Talk and Text, Includes Unlimited calls to Mexico, Unlimited Texting when in Canada or Mexico, 4 GB Data at "3G" speeds, throttled to 128 Kbps thereafter
Verizon CDMA, LTE Data
LTE Bands: 2, 4, 13
Pay-as-you-go (Feature/Basic Phones Only)
Daily access fees are billed only when device is used
$1.99/Day - Unlimited Domestic Airtime, Text Messages are 2¢/message (in or out), Picture Messages are 25¢/message (in or out), Mobile Web access 99¢/24 hour period
99¢/Day Unlimited Verizon to Verizon Calls, Standard Airtime Calls 25¢/Minute, Text Messages 10¢/Message (In or Out), Picture Messages 25¢/Message (In or Out); Mobile Web Access 99¢/24 Hour Period
$0.00/Day - Standard Airtime Calls 25¢/Minute, Text Messages 20¢/Message (in or out), Picture Messages 25¢/Message (in or out), Mobile Web access 99¢/24 hour period
Can add the following monthly text messaging options:
$20/month for Unlimited Messaging to anyone on any network in the U.S.
$10/month for Unlimited Mobile to Mobile Messaging with Verizon Wireless customers PLUS 250 additional messages*
Feature Phone Monthly Plans
$35/Month 500 Standard Airtime Minutes, Unlimited Domestic Texts, Unlimited Texts to Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico, 500MB Mobile Web
$45/Month Unlimited Standard Airtime Minutes, Unlimited Domestic Texts, Unlimited Texts to Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico, 500MB Mobile Web
Smartphone
$45/month Unlimited Domestic Talk and Text Includes 1GB LTE Data, 500MB included when signed up for monthly autopay. Data Stops once allotment is exhausted.
Additional Data for Monthly Smart or Basic Phone Plans
$5 for 500MB, $10 for 1GB or $20 for 3GB. Data access stops once data allotment is exhausted, would need to purchase additional data for the month or restart bill cycle for a new 30 Days
T-Mobile GSM 1900, LTE Data
LTE Bands: 2, 4, 12
$3/month 30 minutes of Airtime or 30 Texts (or a combination)
Data can be added: $5/day 500MB High Speed Data (LTE) or $10/week 1GB High Speed Data (LTE)
$30/month 100 Minutes Airtime, Unlimited Text, 5GB of High Speed data (LTE, HSDPA+) then throttled to "2G" speeds. Includes International texting at no charge to select countries Must be activated on-line, or purchased from Wal-Mart
$35/month Unlimited Airtime, Unlimited Text, No Data Included
The following plans include Unlimited Airtime, and Unlimited Text, Speed is throttled to 8 Mb/s regardless if a higher link is available, once data allotment is consumed throttled to "2G" speeds, or a max of 128 Kb/s. Price is listed monthly.
$40 - 1 GB Data
$50 - 3 GB Data
$60 - 5 GB Data
Add Unlimited landline, and texting to select countries for $10/month, Calls to mobile carriers in select countries are 20¢ per minute
Add Unlimited landline, mobile calling and texting to select countries for $15 per month
If the device supports it, these plans also have T-Mobile WiFi calling available at no charge.
Sprint CDMA, LTE Data
No longer offers branded pre paid services, all plans are sold through Boost subsidary
H2O
U.S. Cellular CDMA, LTE Data
LTE Bands: 5, 12
Plans are listed per month
"Ready Connect" (Available at Wal-Mart and Amazon.com, and other stores)
$35 - Basic Phone Only - Unlimited Talk, Unlimited Text, Unlimited Mobile Web
$45 - Smartphone - Unlimited Talk, Unlimited Text, 1GB Data
$55 - Smartphone - Unlimited Talk, Unlimited Text, 2GB Data
Maximum of 200MB can be used off network.
Data stops when allotment is exhausted, additional buckets can be purchased for $5/250MB, $15/1GB, $25/2GB
"Simple Connect" Plans all include Unlimited Talk, Text, and Data, the high speed allotment varies depending on the plan, prices are monthly
$40 - Basic Phones Unlimited Data
$45 - 1GB Data
$55 - 2GB Data
$65 - 4GB Data
Data is throttled to "1x" speeds thereafter (max of 196 Kb/s)
TracFone GSM 850/1900 or CDMA
Annual Cards (Good for 365 Days from Activation)
$199.99 1500 Minutes
$159.99 1000 Minutes
$119.99 800 Minutes (Plus double minutes on future refills)
$99.99 400 Minutes
$19.99 Package adds double airtime to all future refills
Pay-As-You-Go
$79.99 450 Minutes for 90 Days
$39.99 200 Minutes for 90 Days
$19.99 60 Minutes for 90 Days
$9.99 30 Minutes for 30 Days (online only)
Web Access for Android Phones
$50/2GB
$20/750MB
$10/300MB
Red Pocket (Link)
512MB - $5
1GB - $10
3GB - $30
5GB - $50
Uses T-Mobile's 4G/LTE network
All plans except 512MB are throttled after exceeding data usage.
SIM cards can be purchased inexpensively through Amazon and ebay
Cricket Wireless GSM 850/1900, LTE Data
AT&T Wireless Subsidy
Plans are monthly, and include Unlimited Talk and Texting, Included data varies; LTE speeds are throttled to 8Mb/s, HSDPA+ is throttled to 4Mb/s, $5 discount available when on autopay
$25 - NO Data Access
$40 - 2.5GB
$50 - 5GB Adds Unlimited Calling and Texting to Mexico, plus 35 additional countries
$60 - 10GB Adds Unlimited Calling and Texting to Mexico, plus 35 additional countries
$60 - 20 GB (Promotional Plan) Adds Unlimited Calling and Texting to Mexico, plus 35 additional countries
MetroPCS GSM 1900, LTE Data
T-Mobile Subsidy
Plans are monthly and include Unlimited Talk and Text. Included Data Varies, once package data is exceeded speed is throttled to "2G" speeds (128Kb/s max), prices include add fees and taxes
$40 - 2GB Data (promotional)
$50 - 4GB Data (promotional)
$60 - Unlimited Data
$50 Unlimited Data plan is available when purchasing a device from MetroPCS, BYOD is not available on that plan
Add-ons
$10/month Mexico Calling: Unlimited Calling to Landlines, 1000 minutes to mobile phones, Unlimited texting to mobile phones, 200 minutes and 200 texts when traveling in Mexico
$10/month World Calling - Select countries include unlimited calls to landlines, Unlimited texting, 200 minutes to mobile phones; 200 voice roaming voice minutes, Send 200 text messages, unlimited incoming text messages
Net10 GSM 850/1900, LTE Data
Pay as you go
$100 - 1500 Minutes, 180 Days
$60 - 900 Minutes, 90 Days
$45 - 600 Minutes, 60 Days
$30 - 300 Minutes, 60 Days
$20 - 200 Minutes, 30 Days
Monthly No Data Plans (Good for 30 Days)
$25 - 1000 Minutes
$30 - 500 Minutes
$15 - 200 Minutes
Monthly Unlimited Plans - Price is monthly. Includes unlimited Talk and Text, Amount of high speed data varies per plan and is then throttled to 64 kbps thereafter
$35 - No Data
$40 - 500 MB (additional 250 MB with autopay)
$50 - 3GB
$60 - 3.5GB (additional 1GB with autopay)
$75 - 5GB (additional 1GB with autopay)
Virgin Mobile CDMA
Sprint Subsidy
Monthly Basic Phone Plans "PayLo", Text Messages are 25
$40 Unlimited Talk, Unlimited Text, 50MB of Data
$30 1500 Minutes of Talk, 1500 Text (in and out), 30MB data
$20 400 Minutes, 15¢ per text, 25¢ per picture message, $1.50/MB for Data
Unlimited Plans
$20 300 Minutes and Text
$35 Unlimited Talk and Text, 250 MB 3G/4G data throttled thereafter
$35 Unlimited Text, 300 Minutes 2.5GB 3G/4G data, throttled thereafter
$45 Unlimited Talk and Text, Unlimited International Text, 100 International Voice minutes, 1 GB 3G/4G data throttled thereafter,
$55 Unlimited Talk and Text, Unlimited International Text, 100 International Voice minutes, 3 GB 3G/4G data throttled thereafter
Data Share Plans
Plans are monthly and include Unlimited Text, Voice minutes vary by plan, data allotment is 2.5 GB of 3G/4G data and is throttled after the included data is exhausted, $20 starter kit is required and available only at Wal-Mart
$35 - 300 Minutes
$45 - Unlimited Talk
Additional data
$10/Month - 1 GB
$15/Month - 2 GB
$25/Month - 4 GB
$35/Month - 6 GB
$65/Month - 12 GB
$85/Month - 20 GB
$2 One time 100MB DATA
$5 One time 500MB DATA
$5 VOICE EXTENDED COVERAGE 60 MINUTES (ROAMING)
$2.50 DATA EXTENDED COVERAGE 10MB (ROAMING)
$5 DATA EXTENDED COVERAGE 20MB (ROAMING)
$10 DATA EXTENDED COVERAGE 40MB (ROAMING)
$2 100 MINUTES OF TALK (Good for 30 Days)
$5 300 MINUTES OF TALK (Good for 30 Days)
Ultra Mobile GSM 850/1900 UMTS 1700/1900 LTE 1700
LTE Bands 2, 4, 12
Roams off T-Mobile with theoretical full access to the T-Mobile network, but network coverage is slightly reduced as is 4GLTE coverage
All plans include:
Unlimited domestic calling
Unlimited domestic SMS/MMS
Unlimited global SMS/MMS
Standard features: 3-way calling, caller ID, voicemail, 411
Plans range from $19-49/month and generally include free international calling (landline/cell) and local access numbers for friends/family to call.
SIM card costs $1. See Ultra.me for more info.
You can purchase SIM and plan through 3rd parties such as EZKonnect or even Amazon for a discount.
[consolidated] Prepaid SIM cards in USA
Feb 18, 2015, 10:34 pm
#241
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: LGA - JFK
Programs: UA, AA, DL, B6, CX, KE, Latitude, VIFP, Crown & Anchor, etc.
Posts: 2,589
T-mobile seems to have eliminated their pay by the day plan. http://www.howardforums.com/showthre...without-notice
They replaced it with a $3/month plan. http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/pay-as-you-go
They replaced it with a $3/month plan. http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/pay-as-you-go
New subscribers cannot signup for it as it's been discontinued and not offered as an option to choose from. I/we can stay on it but it's locked to the $2 or $3 by the Day, etc. AND once you switched out, you cannot go BACK & choose it again. Coupled with the other changes earlier, taking away the ability on older grandfathered plan to add/use data, whether it's by the kB or MB used - many prepaid users will likely move on to newer ones, which has a higher maintenance cost when the Sim is in "idle" or standby mode.
So, a new T-Mo p/p subscriber will need to add at least $36 a year to maintain that mobile number and keep the account in good standing (well, except for some side door loopholes ... to let it lapse & refill before the account/mobile # is cancelled or closed) Currently, plans like mine only require a $10 one-time refill every 360 days to keep it active - mine is for emergencies and as backup, I use WiFi calling (no mobile data used) and the mobile # is used for eBay, FB/Weibo, Twitter, Youtube/Google verifications as additional layer to minimize the use of my primary mobile #'s at home and abroad.
That AT&T Gophone's new $45 monthly plan with UNLimited calling and 1.5GB of 4G-LTE data is interesting, time to check it out again as I ported my old Gophone # out 3 or 4 years ago - good old Ma Bell doing so to attract T-Mo users to reconsider their loyal following ... if only they can match T-Mo's int'l data plan.
... going to edit my earlier posts to clarify while sorting out the fine prints again. TX.
Feb 20, 2015, 1:43 am
#242
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Greater Metropolitan Area
Programs: Yes
Posts: 367
Right, I had read through all of this and settled on T-Mobile, only for this curve ball to fly my way and now I am in doubt again. That's the problem with research on this topic - by the time it is written up, it is already outdated.
I am looking for an internet only solution that's 4G/LTE. This year I'll be in the US in April and in September, but usually only once at most. My current thinking is that either ordering online or waltzing into a Walmart/T-Mobile shop and picking up a ZTE 915 with a Prepaid Data SIM from T-Mobile is still the best option. I could then try to keep it active until September on the 3$/Month plan so I don't need to activate another SIM, and after I've used it the second time around I'll just let it lapse. If I go to the States again, I order another SIM and activate it.
Did I read right that the T-Mobile SIMs can be activated while still abroad?
Does that sound sensible, both in terms of feasibility as well as price/performance? I like the Verizon stuff but don't trust anything without a SIM card for long-term use (and I don't want to buy a new hotspot every year), and I'm also dubious about third party providers, but maybe I am wrong...
I am looking for an internet only solution that's 4G/LTE. This year I'll be in the US in April and in September, but usually only once at most. My current thinking is that either ordering online or waltzing into a Walmart/T-Mobile shop and picking up a ZTE 915 with a Prepaid Data SIM from T-Mobile is still the best option. I could then try to keep it active until September on the 3$/Month plan so I don't need to activate another SIM, and after I've used it the second time around I'll just let it lapse. If I go to the States again, I order another SIM and activate it.
Did I read right that the T-Mobile SIMs can be activated while still abroad?
Does that sound sensible, both in terms of feasibility as well as price/performance? I like the Verizon stuff but don't trust anything without a SIM card for long-term use (and I don't want to buy a new hotspot every year), and I'm also dubious about third party providers, but maybe I am wrong...
Feb 20, 2015, 1:54 am
#244
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Greater Metropolitan Area
Programs: Yes
Posts: 367
For some reason, T-Mobile doesn't seem to sell the ZTE 915 without a monthly contract - it only shows up for "Simple Choice No Credit", not for "Prepaid". They don't like making it easy, do they?
Feb 20, 2015, 2:20 pm
#245
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: LGA - JFK
Programs: UA, AA, DL, B6, CX, KE, Latitude, VIFP, Crown & Anchor, etc.
Posts: 2,589
Prices for the ZTE Hotspot allowed for monthly installment payment but you can always do it as one payment up-front when you go to the T-Mo store.
As for activation, I don't believe you can activate abroad as it needs to be on the "home" signal & APN, etc. but I could be mistaken.
T-Mo Sims are available on eBay for less than the going official T-Mo website price of $15, and some come pre-activated (with a local #, obviously) in 3 sizes, newer ones can be punched out with the "adapter". Voice/data Sim can be used in a hotspot/stick but not the other way around (as it might be device-specific locked based on IMEI during activation, i.e. those iPad minis with the free data deal, etc.)
Being from the UK, do you have any compatible unlocked devices that can serve as a hotspot with the US bands for 4G LTE - if so, all you will need is the correct sized Sim card & activation. (I use a Nexus 5 (D-820's for the US with LTE band 3 "enabled" for global use) on T-Mo and tether with it when necessary on the road/hotel without fast/free internet access)
As for 3rd. party/MNVO - their deals are generally geared toward unlimited talk & text and not so much on faster 4G LTE data access, so I would stick with T-Mo (and possibly AT&T if they make more changes to "compete" with T-Mo a bit better ...)
speaking as someone once with VZW primary coverage for 20 years and also roaming on AT&TWS as backup.
Feb 21, 2015, 5:07 am
#247
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: London and Zurich
Programs: AA, BA, Mucci: Sir Roger des Directions Routières, PCR
Posts: 13,609
Take a look at Three's 3-2-1 PAYG SIM in an unlocked phone, combined with a £15 Add On top-up.
http://www.three.co.uk/Store/Pay_As_You_Go_Price_Plans
http://www.three.co.uk/Support/Roami...=1214306357859
The combination will give you voice calls TO THE U.K. for 3p/minute and data for 1p/MB. A free SIM is available online. (Note that calls within the US cost 15.6p/minute.)
Feb 21, 2015, 2:27 pm
#249
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: London & Sonoma CA
Programs: UA 1K, MM *G for life, BAEC Gold
Posts: 10,227
From your profile mentioning BAEC and Virgin, I'm guessing that you're in/from the UK.
Take a look at Three's 3-2-1 PAYG SIM in an unlocked phone, combined with a £15 Add On top-up.
http://www.three.co.uk/Store/Pay_As_You_Go_Price_Plans
http://www.three.co.uk/Support/Roami...=1214306357859
The combination will give you voice calls TO THE U.K. for 3p/minute and data for 1p/MB. A free SIM is available online. (Note that calls within the US cost 15.6p/minute.)
Take a look at Three's 3-2-1 PAYG SIM in an unlocked phone, combined with a £15 Add On top-up.
http://www.three.co.uk/Store/Pay_As_You_Go_Price_Plans
http://www.three.co.uk/Support/Roami...=1214306357859
The combination will give you voice calls TO THE U.K. for 3p/minute and data for 1p/MB. A free SIM is available online. (Note that calls within the US cost 15.6p/minute.)
Feb 22, 2015, 12:13 am
#250
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: London and Zurich
Programs: AA, BA, Mucci: Sir Roger des Directions Routières, PCR
Posts: 13,609
A solution could be the Toggle SIM, which offers a temporary US number* at no charge for one month or a permanent US number for £5 a year. I have this as well as a permanent Swiss mobile number. Calls between Toggle countries are mainly at 3p/minute. It's more expensive than Three Feel Like Home for data but does offer data packages.
* Check the website for details including the necessary procedure. www.togglemobile.com
Feb 22, 2015, 4:59 am
#251
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Spain
Posts: 169
I've been using an H2O wireless SIM for about six months now, on and off. They offer a good deal if you're in and out of the US a lot but still want easy internet/minutes -- just load up the phone with $100 and it stays there for a year. I've been going through the minutes/internet whenever I'm back in the US.
Helps that the SIM card works on the International Moto G.
I noticed that the wiki doesn't list H2O plans, so here's their page: https://www.h2owirelessnow.com/mainC...p?page=planMin
Helps that the SIM card works on the International Moto G.
I noticed that the wiki doesn't list H2O plans, so here's their page: https://www.h2owirelessnow.com/mainC...p?page=planMin
Feb 22, 2015, 9:34 am
#252
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: MSN
Programs: AA, BAEC Gold
Posts: 3,933
I've been using an H2O wireless SIM for about six months now, on and off. They offer a good deal if you're in and out of the US a lot but still want easy internet/minutes -- just load up the phone with $100 and it stays there for a year. I've been going through the minutes/internet whenever I'm back in the US.
Feb 23, 2015, 4:30 am
#253
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Spain
Posts: 169
Apr 18, 2015, 2:17 pm
#254
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: HaMerkaz/Exit 145
Programs: UA, LY, BA, AA
Posts: 13,167
After reading through this, I'm trying to understand - is there really no true prepaid pay-as-you-go plan? I'm looking for a GSM plan which has no monthly cost - just pay for the usage. Alternatively, T-Mobile has a $3/month plan - but do they charge you if there's no usage in the month at all?
Just looking for something for anywhere from 1-4 trips to the USA a month, which range from 3-12 days each.
Thanks
ETA: And an addendum, anyone know about Ready SIM?
Could I own one SIM and every trip, re-activate on the same SIM and get a new plan (and not need to constantly get a new SIM card and/or go to a store and buy stuff)?
Would help considering phone number doesn't matter as Google Voice would forward to whatever phone number I need and could use GV for SMS
Just looking for something for anywhere from 1-4 trips to the USA a month, which range from 3-12 days each.
Thanks
ETA: And an addendum, anyone know about Ready SIM?
Could I own one SIM and every trip, re-activate on the same SIM and get a new plan (and not need to constantly get a new SIM card and/or go to a store and buy stuff)?
Would help considering phone number doesn't matter as Google Voice would forward to whatever phone number I need and could use GV for SMS
Last edited by joshwex90; Apr 18, 2015 at 2:51 pm