Father wants new phone/service

[Axon]

Hello all,

I need a recommendation for my father, a 62 year old guy who does not use nearly all the minutes his current Verizon contract provides. He pays $70 for the service per month, but probably uses 300 minutes, if that. He does no texting, emailing, or surfing with his phone and does not need a data plan.

I've heard good things about these no contract phones - specifically that there are no contract phones out there that are just rebranded Verizon cell phones that you just pay minutes for as you go. True or untrue? I think that would be the best deal for him, since minimizing cost is his primary goal.

Also, any other plans from major providers that might be viable for his situation (T mobile, Metro PCS, etc).

Please advise. Thanks a ton!

 

[Demo24]

Pay to go phones are expensive on Verizon. I looked into it and if you even just make a few calls its better to just have the service plan.

Depending on where he lives and what kind of service is available to him(dpends on if he travels to), a cheaper alternative might be another company like T mobile or Sprint. You'll need to check the coverage maps to be sure he's in an area though.

 

[dguy6789]

Check and see if T-Mobile has good coverage where you live. They have far, far cheaper rates than Verizon and they do have a no contract option. You could get 500 minutes for $29.99 a month with T-Mobile.

 

[corkyg]

Have him take a look at Jitterbug. They are endorsed by many seniors and the AARP magazine.

http://www.jitterbug.com/

 

[uli2000]

What about Straight Talk (http://www.straighttalk.com/). Joint Venture between Walmart and the Tracphone people. Uses Verizon's network. $30/month for 1000 mins and 1000 texts/vids/pics, and 30mb data or $45/month for unlimited everything. No contract. Only problem is poor choice of phones, but if he doesnt care about having the newest and greatest, it would be perfect.

 

[rudeguy]

he wants a tracfone. There is a huge thread on the subject over at fatwallet

 

[Axon]

Straight Talk was what I heard about. Will look into the other stuff. thanks all.

 

[boomhower]

My vote goes to straight talk unless he just very rarely talks at all then tracfone may be better.

 

[shortylickens]

Tracfone is fine for most users. Its not cool enough for all the awesome people here, but for regular people its just fine. Both my parents have one and my mom keeps it for a backup to her work Blackberry (cuz they dont let her have voice).

 

[cardiac]

You may want to check out Page Plus. Runs on the Verizon network and is the cheapest per minute prepaid out there. Bring your own Verizon phone, too. http://www.pagepluscellular.com/

It's great for teens too. I've got my kids on it. They have a power text plan with 2000 texts a month for $10.95, and we pay about $.08 a minute for calls.

Bob

 

[MDE]

You can call up Verizon and ask to drop his minutes. I've got 300 a month on my account right now.