Need help looking for cheap phone+data plans for friend.

[fuzzybabybunny]

I've got a budget strapped friend who's currently paying $60 a month for voice and no data on a dumbphone.

I'd like to upgrade her to an Android smartphone with data and voice, but no contract. All for around $60. She's in the Bay Area.

I unfortunately don't know where to look as I've had my Sprint for years and don't worry about it anymore.

 

[Dulanic]

Any of the prepaids... VM, Boost Mobile, Page Plus etc... All of them should be under $60 a month.

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

Any of the prepaids... VM, Boost Mobile, Page Plus etc... All of them should be under $60 a month.

Gotcha. Is there one that seems to stand out more than the others? Ideally I'd like one that piggy backs off of the Sprint and Verizon networks, since those seem to be the best coverage-wise in my area. AT&T is touch and go. No idea about T-Mobile.

Although now that I think about it, it would be nice to go with a GSM provider since my friend's Chinese and could eventually use the phone when she goes back and visits China.

 

[pm]

Once you mention Sprint, then Boost Mobile would be my recommendation.
Unlimited talk, text and data on Sprint's network for $50/month initially, dropping to $35/month (for unlimited everything) after 18 months and beyond.
http://www.boostmobile.com/shop/plans/monthly-unlimited/
Click on the "shrinkage" button to see how the rates go down over time.

If you want to GSM, then StraightTalk (AT&T's network, but no roaming)
http://www.straighttalk.com/ServicePlans
$45 for unlimited everything.

There's no contract for either of them.

For Boost generally you need to buy Boost phones from Boost. Straightalk is nice because you can use AT&T locked phones (like used iPhones) so you can get a used AT&T phone and use that.

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

Once you mention Sprint, then Boost Mobile would be my recommendation.
Unlimited talk, text and data on Sprint's network for $50/month initially, dropping to $35/month (for unlimited everything) after 18 months and beyond.
http://www.boostmobile.com/shop/plans/monthly-unlimited/
Click on the "shrinkage" button to see how the rates go down over time.

If you want to GSM, then StraightTalk (AT&T's network, but no roaming)
http://www.straighttalk.com/ServicePlans
$45 for unlimited everything.

There's no contract for either of them.

For Boost generally you need to buy Boost phones from Boost. Straightalk is nice because you can use AT&T locked phones (like used iPhones) so you can get a used AT&T phone and use that.

Geez, with prices like that, what's the point of going with one of the 4 national carriers?

 

[pm]

Geez, with prices like that, what's the point of going with one of the 4 national carriers?

With these, you need to buy your phone... and there's little to no roaming. So, for me, due north of me is Wyoming which is an AT&T-free zone (no idea why) so I lose all data up there.

But yeah, I agree. They are a good deal. I think the point of the 4 national carriers is that they advertise better.

 

[gsaldivar]

Virgin Mobile + Motorola Triumph

VM uses Sprint 3g, and you can get unlimited voice and data for less than $60/month, taxes included, with no contract...