Anyone Here Ever Tried a Prepaid Cell Phone?

[Caveman]

Need some advice.

I live in AL and my sister and her family from Alaska are visiting for 4 months. We need a cheap cell phone solution with as many minutes as possible but it's more important just to "have a phone". I've heard of "prepaid" cell phones; are these any good? Also, are there other options I should explore based on the 4 month time my sister will be here?.

Thanks in advance.

Caveman

 

[Caveman]

Maybe people think this is an add based on the title? Anyone?

 

[newbiepcuser]

My buddy got one, it worked fine for him. He had a Verizon pre paid phone back then. It got more expensive than paying for regualr montly billed phone.

I believe ATT wirless is running a speacial, you might check them out.

 

[beatle]

Some cell phone providers will let you pay an additional $10/month or so to make a plan "month-to-month." I know Sprint does/did this when I renewed my contract in March. This would be significantly cheaper than paying a huge $150-$200 early termination fee.

 

[Caveman]

Thanks for the help all... I'll take your suggestions into account....

 

[StraightPipe]

i use verison on a digital choice plan, gives free long distance anywhere in AL. which works great since i live in montevallo, and go to school in tuscaloosa (longdistance call)

i think its like $40 for 500mins + 1000mobile to mobile, free nights+weekends (starts at 9pm)

 

[beverage]

I've never owned one, but I've sold them.

It's a great "short term" solution. If you need it ONLY for four months, it's the way to go. No contract to sign, no cancellation fee, what you pay for, is what you get.

If there is any chance that this phone will get longer use, say 1-2 years, you should definitly consider going with a cellular "plan"; in the long run, it's cheaper -- set monthly fee, and usually you get a free phone. Prepaid normally requires you to buy a phone, that depending on deals, can range in price from $50 -$100 (based on my expirence with Verizion and Sprint.) Plus you buy your minutes, that you normally have 3+ months to use, (Verizion use to require you to buy a mininum number of minutes every 3 months to keep the phone active, not sure if they still have this requirement or not.)

If you're sure the 4 months is set in stone, go prepaid, you'd spend more money breaking a contract than you will buying a phone and minutes for 4 months.

 

[50]

They're alright, I had one for a few months, never finished my minutes every time I ordered. Now I just put it in the trunk of my car for emergency (911 free calls!)