Advise on phone plans

[samuraiguppy]

I have been getting screwed on my very expensive T-Mobile account (and extremely poor customer service).

I have an unlocked cell phone and am looking into getting the best service and the best deal. Any recommendations?

I am particularly interested in hearing more about the ins and outs of Skype and Vonage.

[LiberalHeart]

1. T-mobile was (for me) the absolute worst and I came here to tell you so, but see you already know.

I have Sprint, which is okay. Not great. Just okay. Verizon is billing me for money I don't owe them, over and over. Ever notice how every company offers essentially the same packages, price-wise? Looks like price fixing to me.

[samuraiguppy]

2. yeah it sucks-

but you can't hardly live without a cell. T-Mobile has been horrible, I have been counting the days until my contract was up--and this month it is!!!!

[LiberalHeart]

7. I paid the fee to go away from them. I had their hot spot at home deal. Terrible.

Customer service was the worst I ever dealt with. The final straw: Shots fired outside my house, then a woman being beaten, and I couldn't get through to 911. When, after many tries, I was able to get the call to go through, it went to the wrong county.

[samuraiguppy]

11. yes their customer service is the worst

and they have actually been mean to me (the customer) over problems that are their fault! No Way, No How, No Tmobile!

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

3. I had Nextel for awhile, but the coverage wasn't very good.

Customer service was reasonably OK. I have AT&T now, haven't had any problems yet (but it's only been a couple of months), and the coverage is better.

[samuraiguppy]

4. thanks. I have heard good things

about AT&T--but was hoping to find something cheaper...they do seem to be pretty good though (at least in this area)

[mwooldri]

5. First off: what's your calling habits?

Do you talk a lot? Where do you call? Do you want mobile or fixed? Vonage is fixed landline replacement service, but you need broadband internet service for that, because of latency issues you'll need cable or DSL... wifi *might* work, satellite does *not*. Skype isn't a "phone", it's a service; you need a computer, or a device that has Skype on it - plus a connection with low latency issues (NOT Satellite Internet). Yes they do phones with Skype but they work with the regular phone network too ... it can give cheaper bills, but you still need to pay for cell phone service with these. Skype Phones that work on wi-fi I'm told exist too... find a wifi signal and then you can chat. If all you want is something for incoming phonecalls and you can use your computer to take the calls you can't beat Skype... it's free! Also disconnected cellphones are still required to be able to call 911 - per our friends at the FCC.

And also about that unlocked cell phone - who is it with? If it's a GSM phone then your choices are basically AT&T or T-Mobile, unless you're lucky enough to live in an area with a small GSM network (SunCom was, but they got bought by T-Mobile). If it's CDMA (no SIM card) then it's going to be fun but choices would generally be Verizon, Sprint, Alltel (though they're being gobbled up by Verizon), I think US Cellular... and some other small regional ones if around may get your handset in service... but it all depends on the handset too.

Let us know a little more then we may be able to advise.

Mark.

[samuraiguppy]

8. good questions!

I don't talk a lot. But I have friends all over the world--Europe, South America, Australia.

I like having a mobile phone. I have free broadband internet and wifi in my apartment complex (pretty nice). My unlocked phone is a GSM phone--and I hate T-Mobile lately. Have been considering AT&T so that may be the way to go...

you really know your stuff!

Thanks!

[mwooldri]

12. Well then I think that settles it...

... you like your mobile, and you already have a phone you're happy with... (I think)... and

You should be able to get a plan with AT&T and a Sim Card without being locked in a crazy 2 year contract, though most phone salespeople probably are used to doing phone sales, not sim-only ones. Therefore you might get locked into a contract but just be careful.

You could always go pre-paid; AT&T do a sim pack you can pick up online for anywhere between $15-$25 (so shop around), usually includes $10 of airtime.

If you do call globally then do try Skype, it's dirt cheap plus all you need to get is a microphone for your computer (or go all out and get a headset). If you can persuade your friends you call overseas with to Skype as well it becomes a free call :) I don't use Skype myself because I prefer a "real phone" - so I went with Lingo.

I also have a "backup plan" to my Lingo service - I might want to call my parents whilst out on the road, at work, or at my in-laws. So I have a Pennytalk card/account(www.pennytalk.com) loaded with funds that I can access with a toll-free number - call UK for 2 cent a minute plus $1.00 connection fee.

Even though you hate T-Mobile, call them anyway, see if you can re-negotiate your plan. You shouldn't get locked into a new 2 year contract for changing your plan - if they threaten this run, don't walk to somewhere else.

I'm with Sprint (I had bad credit and at that time they were the easiest to get a cell phone plan with) and they only extended my contract when I got new phones - something I had to do because my phone snapped in two, and we did this with my wife's phone too because her battery was fading and it was actually cheaper to get a new phone than a new battery. We're happy with them for the most part... plus if you want to do things with your phone other than just talk they got the best prices on those kinds of plan.

Whatever way you go, good luck!

Mark.

[samuraiguppy]

13. you are my hero

What great advice! I do like my phone--so I will see what I can negotiate with Tmobile or AT&T without committing to a 2 year plan (I have being forced into those).

Most of my global friends have Skype--so that will be easy.

Thanks!

[FloridaJudy]

6. I have CREDO

They donate a portion of their profits to Progressive organizations, and e-mail me with suggestions on how to promote liberal causes. The service has been excellent, and I think the prices of their plans are comparable to those of other cell phone companies I've seen advertised.

[LiberalHeart]

9. Sounds like my old Working Assets landline.

[samuraiguppy]

10. I will check them out--

good tip because I was unaware of them