Cell Phone Question

[RichZ]

Does anyone have one of those cell phones that come with a card for minutes instead of a regular cell phone plan? My wife used to have a cell phone for emergencies, but it was ridiculous paying about $20/month for something that we very rarely use, so we got rid of it. We both HATE cell phones. Neither of us see the point in them, we have an answering machine at home, and if the call is important, leave a message, and we'll call you back.

But earlier this week, we had a severe ice storm and lost power and telephone service, so I'd like to have one of those carded cell phones for those rare emergencies. BUT, I was wondering if the reception on them is any good. It's pointless to get one, if we can't get a signal.

So...has anyone had any experience with them????

Thanks!!!!

 

[DocHeb]

In my experience, even with the card phones you will still have a minimum charge per month (either a specific charge, or the minutes expire and you have to buy more). They won't tie up a number for you without getting about $20 a month from you.

If you want it for rare emergencies (i.e. calling 911 only), any cell phone (even those without active minutes or a calling plan) can dial 911.

 

[Gatorboy]

We both HATE cell phones. Neither of us see the point in them

Don't get out much, eh?

There are some people that no longer use land lines in their homes -- and just use cellphones.

 

[RichZ]

Gatorboy, I get out plenty, but I'm a farmer and I enjoy a less stressful lifestyle. I have no need to be bothered with a cell phone when I'm driving my pickup truck or my tractor. I'm sure some people like and need cell phones, but the farming life we've chosen is purposely more easy going than other life styles. Cell phones just don't fit into our lifestyle. If you like them, more power to you, that's cool. But I read your posts on TBN, and you look down your nose at anyone who doesn't live as you do. I have friends who are city people and friends who are farmers like us. Whatever lifestyle someone chooses is fine by me, but I don't degrade people who are different.

 

[goaliedad]

we recently switched one of our phones to a "pre-paid"- the coverage is the same as a regular phone IF it is on the right system- you really have to do your homework and find out which system the phone works on- that is what determines the coverage more than the individual phone. As was mentioned, some plans charge you so much per day, and many of the pre-pay phones only give you a set amount of time to use the minutes- even if you have minutes left you have to buy a new card- I think most of them will let you have the left over minutes along with the new minutes- but it still costs....

 

[TexasSD]

I have a friend that uses Tracphone and has good reception/service etc. with it. If you buy a certain number of minutes at one time (400?)they will last a year. Ends up costing about $100/yr if you go that route. Lesser minutes expire in 60-90 days depending on how many you buy.

If you belong to Sam's Club, they seem to have the best prices on them.


You can find them here also: TracFone Nationwide Prepaid Wireless


Good Luck!

 

[AndyM]

Don't get out much, eh?

There are some people that no longer use land lines in their homes -- and just use cellphones.

There are also people who have cable television and satellite dishes, but I'm content with my antenna and three channels.

Different strokes for, well, you know...



I'm fine without a cell phone 99.9 percent of the time...
I have a telephone at my desk at work, and one on the counter at home. If someone needs me when I'm not near either one, they can leave a message.
My wife, however, has a cell phone... and I admit I've borrowed it a couple of times during occasions when I can't schedule a job interview from the phone in my cubicle at work!

Besides, I'm keeping my land line... I need my DSL!

 

[RichZ]

Thanks, Tex, the TracFone website was really helpful!!!

 

[Jstpssng]

Gatorboy, I get out plenty, but I'm a farmer and I enjoy a less stressful lifestyle. I have no need to be bothered with a cell phone when I'm driving my pickup truck or my tractor. I'm sure some people like and need cell phones, but the farming life we've chosen is purposely more easy going than other life styles. Cell phones just don't fit into our lifestyle. If you like them, more power to you, that's cool. But I read your posts on TBN, and you look down your nose at anyone who doesn't live as you do. I have friends who are city people and friends who are farmers like us. Whatever lifestyle someone chooses is fine by me, but I don't degrade people who are different.

For years all I had was a cell phone, and it was equipped with an "off" button.
At the time I was travelling a lot, plus it was/is handy when I am at my camp on weekends.
The only reason for a landline is so that I can get online... no DSL here and I'm too cheap to pay for satellite just so I can mail in my time card a little faster every Monday.

However, getting back to your original question; if you have widespread power and phone outages chances are the local cell tower will also be inoperable. I may be wrong, but believe it depends on the same landline services.

 

[DK35vince]

I have a TracPhone that we use for emergencies etc.
I don't use a cell phone often, so a 1 year card has enough minutes to last us the full year.
Our TracPhone has good service/reception and buying the 1 year cards cost around $100 per year.