Thinking of getting cell phones for cars, need advice

[Electrode]

Inspired in part by this thread:

We (= my parents and I) are looking for ways to save money, and our $60/mo phone bill is on the top of the list of things we're looking to trim. The idea came up a few weeks ago to get rid of our landline service altogether and get a few cell phones (1 for home, 2 for cars). I have some questions:

1. Is there any possibility that we can keep our current phone number? We've been paying this "number portability" charge every month, it must be good for something...
2. Where should we go for phones and service? Any specific retail place, website, etc?
3. What's our best bet for bare-bones voice service? We have no use for SMS, phones with cameras, etc...
4. Any way to avoid roaming charges?

If it makes a difference (and I'm sure it does) we're in the west Michigan area.

EDIT: I've pretty much decided against fragging the landline. However, I have decided to get prepaid phones for the cars and am still open to advice on these.

 

[Platypus]

The short answer is not really. Your cell phone bill would be about half of that if you got a meager plan, but if you use your phone any amount of time, you will go over your minutes and you will be charged(raped).

The best solution is only going to cost more money, so 60 dollars for unlimited phone service isn't bad. However if you call long distance it will matter.

 

[Electrode]

Well, we almost never call anyone so I'm not worried about going over our alotted time too much.

 

[Platypus]

Since I have no way to edit (thanks AT downtime) I will post again. There are family share plans offered through Sprint PCS but it's about 120 dollars a month. You all share about 2000 minutes and free long distance etc is included. You will have to buy new phones though which are pricey if you want something halfway decent. LG for example is cheap but you get what you pay for because they suck ass. The problem is that there is no way to buy 3 cell phones, have 1 plan, and keep it under 60 a month, it's just impossible.

 

[Platypus]

A better solution would be to find a phone service that offers cheaper access. There are plenty of non-major telcos who offer this sort of thing in your area. The odds of keeping your phone number are quite slim though.

 

[conjur]

I have a teenage daughter.

No WAY could I drop the landline!

 

[Electrode]

Would it make any difference if we just got one phone?

 

[Scarpozzi]

Invest in batteries.

 

[MrBond]

I was only able to eliminate my landline because I'm the only one who uses the phone, and I don't use it much. My 330 included minutes never are more than 1/3'rd used (and almost all of my calls are during peak times). I have unlimited incoming minutes, so that helps a little.

It really only makes sense if you already have a cellular account and don't use your landline. If I was married with kids, I would want a land line. But right now, I move every three months and got tired of paying Sprint a $100 deposit every time I wanted a landline (I have perfect credit, BTW).

There's no way to avoid roaming charges. Some companies advertise no roaming, but I think that's just because their phones won't work off network. Mine will work off network, but roaming is EXPENSIVE, $1.75 for a one minute call. I have centennial wireless (I think that's available up there), my plan allows me to roam in a certain area, but I can't tell by my phone if I'm in the allowed area or not, so every now and then it'll pick up the wrong tower and I'll get hit with a roaming fee. They've been pretty good about taking them off, but I'm afraind they're going to start thinking I'm lying just to avoid the fees.

 

[Corporate Thug]

i've had cingular, ATT, nextel, and verizon. i can honestly say that none of them came even close to matching the service of verizon. i dont think i'll ever get anything but verizon. you can avoiding roaming charges with them by getting a plan with nation wide long distance. there prices are reasonable too one the nationwide plans

 

[Platypus]

I just thought of something. Cellular companies now offer a phone that you pay to put minutes on and once they are gone it doesn't work anymore. This would be good for you since it still can dial 911 if need be since it will be in your car. The phones are dirt cheap too, it might be something to look into.

 

[phatj]

I don't think there is any way you'd be saving money. If you rarely use the phone, as you stated previously, then you can just change your phone service provider (ATT, Ameritech, what have you) for a better deal. My family never makes long distance phone calls and our plan is only 40/month in ohio. That's with call waiting, too.

I think you just need a better phone service plan. Call your company and tell the rep your needs. I'm sure you could get something for around 40/month.

edit: As for those pay-as-you-go phones, they charge quite a bit per/minute to refill your phone. Plus the service is really crappy. Don't you enjoy crisp, clear conversations anyway?

 

[MrBond]

How is your phone bill $60 a month if you never call anyone?

 

[Electrode]

CorporateRecreation: Didn't think of prepaid phones. That would work out perfectly.
MrBond: We've got Caller ID for $9.50, line repair for $4, and a few other things that I'm not sure about. We could probably do without a lot of them...

 

[LS20]

cingular and att have the best "family plan". almost all major providers offer national plan where there is long distance and unlimited roaming for free

 

[gsaldivar]

Wireless Advisor Forums

 

[conjur]

Well...Cingular's family plan now charges $19.99 for additional phones (up from $14.99). That sucks. IMO, it should be about $5/mo more for add'l phones. Put the money on the rate plan...not add'l phones.

 

[Platypus]

Originally posted by: Electrode
CorporateRecreation: Didn't think of prepaid phones. That would work out perfectly.
MrBond: We've got Caller ID for $9.50, line repair for $4, and a few other things that I'm not sure about. We could probably do without a lot of them...

Do som research into the quality of the service, also, try reducing some of those silly costs they charge you now?

 

[atom]

Trimming options you don't need from your land line bill will end up being cheaper than having cell phones with a family plan.