How to get ATT iphone on cheap data plan?

[SpatiallyAware]

My father is retired military, disabled, and on limited income. I help him out quite a bit (it goes both ways), and part of that is paying for his phone.

He currently has a 'gophone', I think it's through walmart. I'm not sure of the monthly cost but it's cheap, like $35 or $40. However, his current phone is a total POS.

I have an old deactivated ATT iphone4 that needs a battery. I've read about how you can do these sim card tricks to get them to work with the gophone service, but I don't want dad to have to mess with anything like that. I also read that 911 doesn't always work, which is not acceptable.


Any tips, other than paying ATT >$80 per month? Moving to another service is fine, I would prefer some way for him to pay directly (IE gophone cards or similar) versus a contract.

 

[openwheel]

Unlock the phone first. Not sure about iPhone, but you should be able to call ATT directly and get an unlock code (people correct me if I am wrong).

go with tmobile monthly 4g (there is a $30 plan that suits him).

or get StraightTalk sim card and get unlimited for $45 (approx throttle at 2gb).

 

[SpatiallyAware]

Hm, thanks.

The phone is not currently activated, but I will call ATT and find out what this will take.

His data usage will be minimal. This is primarily for maps and looking up phone numbers on google while out and about. He doesn't look at news sites, videos, etc.

 

[bearxor]

Best advice is to switch to Straight Talk.

You'll get the exact same coverage as AT&T, with unlimited minutes/text and a 2GB softcap on the data, and not have to worry about jumping through hoops to stay on AT&T's GoPhone plan.

Straight Talk with an AT&T SIM doesn't require unlock and will get him HSPA+ data instead of EDGE on TMobile, unless you live in one of TMobile's refarmed cities.

 

[TheStu]

Straight Talk.

You should still get the iPhone unlocked anyway if you can, it's free, and since it is out of contract, AT&T will do it. I am not sure if the device has to be activated or not though.

Straight talk has a $30/mo plan that is unlimited talk and text, but only like 50MB of data. They also have a $45/mo plan that is unlimited everything, so allegedly the data is more like 2GB and then they cap you. You'll have to order the SIM online, but then you can get the airtime cards at walmart.

 

[SpatiallyAware]

Hmm.. I just found out that he is actually on straight talk now, but I assume he has the larger sim card.

I'm going to try unlocking the iphone, then will order a new sim. Thanks all!

 

[bamx2]

I agree that ST is the best option but if you are trying to get the monthly fee down , take a look at some of the other MVNOs -


ATT network only - Airvoice , Redpocket , good2gomobile.com , H20

T-mobile network only (requires unlocking of your ATT phone, less coverage)- simple mobile ,platinumtel and there are others (see link below)

Look around here - http://www.howardforums.com/forumdisplay.php/325-US-Prepaid-MVNO-Discussion )

 

[Red Storm]

Straight Talk.

 

[gorcorps]

Straight Talk with an AT&T SIM doesn't require unlock and will get him HSPA+ data instead of EDGE on TMobile, unless you live in one of TMobile's refarmed cities.

It might not require unlock, but it may require jailbreak to be able to change the APN information. I'm not sure if that part is accessible by default on the iphone.

 

[TheStu]

It might not require unlock, but it may require jailbreak to be able to change the APN information. I'm not sure if that part is accessible by default on the iphone.

Don't need to jailbreak, you can go about it another way.

 

[bearxor]

It might not require unlock, but it may require jailbreak to be able to change the APN information. I'm not sure if that part is accessible by default on the iphone.

If the info isn't in Apple's carrier info file, it will let you enter it on a non-jailbroken device under Settings -> General -> Cellular -> Cellular Data Network
(provided you've unlocked and are using a network that Apple doesn't have in its files. I think just about everything except MMS might work on ST without a jailbreak and unlock as long as you're using a AT&T network SIM.)

 

[zerogear]

StraightTalk or T-Mobile -- check to see if T-Mobile offers 1900 bands at your area. If they do, $30 Unlimited Data/Text, 100 Minute talk.

 

[taylorbleach]

No need to jailbreak when you wish to have your phone unlocked. If it is already out of the contract you can inquire on the service provider to help it unlocked for you. You do not have to worry about the risks on unlocking for it will be the same phone you will have before you have it modified. Moreover, unlocked ones will give you the freedom to choose whatever carrier you like. One unlocked hers on phone phreakz.