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Target: $20 virgin mobile cards... 2 for $30!

ttown

Platinum Member
Hidden in the middle of this weeks Target flyer

$20 virgin mobile cards -- 2 for $30!

Excellent deal for people using this service

I use Virgin Mobile and am quite happy with it. I've since seen better deals posted here in the hot-deals forums, but VM suits me just fine.
(I use _very_ little phone time, so the deal works good for me)

ttown
 
how does it work, you buy the phone then a phone card and only use and pay for the minutes on your card?

I want to get a cell phone just for emergencies, like if I'm in a bind or my car breaks down or something. I don't really want to pay a monthly fee because I wouldn't use it that much. Is that how this service works?
 
Originally posted by: Kaido
how does it work, you buy the phone then a phone card and only use and pay for the minutes on your card?

I want to get a cell phone just for emergencies, like if I'm in a bind or my car breaks down or something. I don't really want to pay a monthly fee because I wouldn't use it that much. Is that how this service works?

Yes, but with most (if not all) prepaid wireless phone service, they usually require you to add minutes to your phone every so many days (usually 30 or 90). Otherwise they'll turn off your phone service. This is what stinks about prepaid wireless in my opinion. And the fact that the per minute costs are insane if you intend to use it a bit more than for emergencies per se.

What would be perfect is if some wireless company could come up with a prepaid wireless plan that is for people who want to talk somewhat regularly, but not be stuck in a monthy/yearly contract.
 
I use VM and agree that $20 every 90 days isn't that bad. That comes out to $80 a year (minimum). That $20 gives you 80-175 minutes worth of talktime depending on how you use the phone, and any remaining balance you have carries over if you "top up" within a few days of the expiration date. It beats having to pay $20-$40 a month for a regular plan if you're just an occassional cell user.

I'm about to get the ATT wireless free2go prepaid (min $10 every 90 days, or for less hassle $100 every 365 days) for my parents since they were without the landline phone in FL after the last hurricane. I figure they're even lighter cell users than I am, so I figure AT&T might be the smarter/cheaper option.
 
So, I need to have a VM phone to support this, or can I use my old (unlocked) GSM compatible phone?

That is, is this GSM service and can I just buy a SIM somewhere to use VM service?

I'm looking for a phone for my GF. She's only in the country a few weeks every few months, and she only needs the phone for when she gets lost or whatever while I'm at work.
 
Originally posted by: mscdex0
Originally posted by: Kaido
how does it work, you buy the phone then a phone card and only use and pay for the minutes on your card?

I want to get a cell phone just for emergencies, like if I'm in a bind or my car breaks down or something. I don't really want to pay a monthly fee because I wouldn't use it that much. Is that how this service works?

Yes, but with most (if not all) prepaid wireless phone service, they usually require you to add minutes to your phone every so many days (usually 30 or 90). Otherwise they'll turn off your phone service. This is what stinks about prepaid wireless in my opinion. And the fact that the per minute costs are insane if you intend to use it a bit more than for emergencies per se.

What would be perfect is if some wireless company could come up with a prepaid wireless plan that is for people who want to talk somewhat regularly, but not be stuck in a monthy/yearly contract.

Agreed.

While we're dreaming of the "perfect prepaid plan". They would offer a very minimal basic family time plan. Unlimited calls between 2 VM cell phones, $9.99/mo includes taxes for 60 minutes a month.

That would be so nice!
 
As far as I understand, every cellphone, even if it is not subscribed, can make emergency call (911). I tried once with my Sprint phone which has been cancelled 2 years, and it worked. It is FCC regulation.

So, if you have any old cellphone (even like big brick style one) that has been disconnected, just keep it in your car, fully charged. You will be able to make 911 call.

Of course, if you want to contact your family member or somebody else in such cases, that's different story.
 
Just got back from target.

bought 4 cards for $60. For me, that's a years worth of phone service (instead of the usual $80).

Also, they have them priced at $15 each, if you only want one

btw: A little known feature is how to use the phones SMS capability with email. I've never heard/read about it anywhere on their site, but you can send an email to: _yourphonenumber_ATSIGNvmobl.com -- to send text messages.
Just a little FYI for the geeky admins who like their systems to "page" when problems pop up.
(no underscores, and a real at-sign where it is spelled out)
 
How much are the phones?

I wanna get a cheapo pre-paid phone as a gag gift. It needs to work for a few days and after that I don't care - is this a good choice? better plan?

TIA,
Richard
 
Originally posted by: rsolomon
How much are the phones?

I wanna get a cheapo pre-paid phone as a gag gift. It needs to work for a few days and after that I don't care - is this a good choice? better plan?

TIA,
Richard
The phones are about $50 - $110, depending on the model. Maybe cheaper on sale somewhere -- I think 7-11 sells them, and Circuit City for sure.

Seems a little pricey to call it a "gag gift". But if you insist... buying the phone alone will come with $10 in "starter minutes" (and an additional online-only coupon can be found on the 'net... i think it's "SAVE05" or something like that) -- so the $15 (or $20) cards aren't even neccessary till your initial 90 days are up.
 
the phone is $49 maybe $39 now not sure
I think the phone itself was on sale last week.

Another thing is I read that if you buy the middle priced or most expensive phone
you can use the internet with it without paying any minutes.
I am not sure how this work or if it really does
because I have the cheep phone :/
 
Originally posted by: littlebig
As far as I understand, every cellphone, even if it is not subscribed, can make emergency call (911). I tried once with my Sprint phone which has been cancelled 2 years, and it worked. It is FCC regulation.

So, if you have any old cellphone (even like big brick style one) that has been disconnected, just keep it in your car, fully charged. You will be able to make 911 call.

Of course, if you want to contact your family member or somebody else in such cases, that's different story.

"Hello? 911? Yeah my car broke down. Yeah I realize it isn't a life or death emergency, but see I can only call 911 with this phone. So you gonna send help? Hello? hello..."
 
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