Advice for cell service, knowing nothing about today's offerings

[Craig234]

I haven't really wanted a cell phone. But I'm considering having service on one for some occasions.

I'm wondering, are there any very inexpensive but decent services?

I happened to buy a Nexus 6, for no good reason, so I can use that.

I remember reading it has access to Google's "Project Fi" phone service I know nothing about.

I also sometimes see advertised these 'free' cell services or almost free like "FreedomPop".

What would be good for some basic service and maybe some why-not-app downloading?

 

[Crono]

Project Fi is a good option for straightforward pricing, with the added bonus of it operating seamlessly on multiple carriers (T-Mobile, Sprint, and U.S. Cellular, last time I checked).

Their pricing isn't the absolute cheapest - there are some MVNOs that are cheaper - but it's similar to T-Mobile and a fairly good deal if you don't use a ton of data, as their base rate is $20 plus $10 per GB data, with Google refunding unused portions of that data down to fractions of a MB.

If you anticipate using more than a few GBs a month, then other carriers and MVNOs start looking more attractive. I personally use Cricket because they also have clear pricing (i.e. no taxes or fees tacked on) and no overages: your speed just gets knocked down to 128kbps if you exceed the data allotment.

My recommendation would be to go with Fi if T-Mobile and Sprint have reasonable network coverage where you are (ask around if you are unsure, but you can also check coverage maps). Having a Nexus 6 makes it a viable choice, especially if you don't use a ton of data.

 

[Craig234]

Thanks - but even $20/month is less attractive than some of these near-free options if they exist, like whatever FreedomPop is - so also checking for other suggestions. But maybe that's the best.

 

[Commodus]

Thanks - but even $20/month is less attractive than some of these near-free options if they exist, like whatever FreedomPop is - so also checking for other suggestions. But maybe that's the best.

As a rule, I'd steer clear of the almost-free services, because they frequently include only a sliver of service and tend to piggyback on only one network, Sprint (which isn't the greatest). There's not much point to having a smartphone like the Nexus 6 but having to be exceptionally miserly with data whenever you're not on WiFi. It's akin to owning a car but refusing to drive it on the highway.

Project Fi seems like a good balance, so long as you're committed to using Nexus or Pixel phones. It's inexpensive if you're only using a tiny amount of data, but you also won't wake up to a gigantic bill if you have to use more than 1GB of data in a month ($10 extra is much better than some overages I've seen).

The only real catch with Project Fi is that you have to use a Nexus or Pixel phone, since they have the software needed to hop between those networks. I can think of far worse fates... just don't be surprised if you can't switch to an iPhone or Galaxy S8 or what have you.

 

[sweenish]

I'll throw in Ting, I use the GSM service.

Prices aren't as adjustable as Fi, but they can be cheaper. Fi is where I would be if I had a compatible phone, though.

 

[Crono]

As a rule, I'd steer clear of the almost-free services, because they frequently include only a sliver of service and tend to piggyback on only one network, Sprint (which isn't the greatest). There's not much point to having a smartphone like the Nexus 6 but having to be exceptionally miserly with data whenever you're not on WiFi. It's akin to owning a car but refusing to drive it on the highway.

Agreed about FreedomPop (and likely other "free" options). There's a reason they have a free tier, and it's because they know it's not sufficient for a certain percentage (likely high) who will have to consume more data.

Even if you don't download a ton of apps, there are tons of ways your phone can use data either in the background or by browsing, fetching mail, etc. Death by a thousand cuts, so to speak. It's definitely possible to manage data and not use much, but it's more hassle than it's worth. YMMV.

 

[Leymenaide]

Thanks for the input.
I have been considering a pixel and F1. I live on the edge of a metro area and fear I will not get service. The online maps look OK but in the past they were not that accurate. My internet is Spectrum therefore shaky I have found nobody in the area using it for that matter most have not heard of it and they are mostly I.T. professionals in the neighborhood. .