cell phone questions

Mato Winyan · 06-17-2003, 03:20 PM

I'm looking to get cell phones... I put it off after I found out a couple of years ago there was no service in my area. Now that I am in the market... what do I want to look for?

I need free roaming and as much free long distance as I can get.

06-17-2003, 03:42 PM

Disclaimer here real quick- I don't work for any cell phone company so this is just my opinion.

I agree to check Verizon. They always seem to have the best deals, and plans, plus their service seems to be pretty reputable.
From what I been hearing from folks who travel Verizon is about the best for service across the country.

**spottedeagle** · 06-17-2003, 05:40 PM

I use to use Verison at my old job, it wasn't too bad, but there were a few areas we went that we lost service or had a poor signal.

I use Sprint. My wife and I got a pretty good package deal. We both got a phone for like $40. Then our deal is 300 anytime minutes each, unlimited nights and weekends 9 pm to 7am. free PCS to PCS (Sprint to Sprint), and nationwide coverage. I think we pay $35 for each phone.

superndngyrl · 06-18-2003, 12:46 PM

I have Sprint PCS and I travel a lot so its worked almost everywhere I take it.

My plan is 500 anytime and basically free weekends cuz its like 2500 mins and there's no way i'd ever use 2500 mins on a weekend. Its an old plan so i'm sure there's cheaper and better ones.

anyways I love the phones too. I got that lil slim one but i'm a technophile so i'm always down for getting new gadgets and they sure deliver. :)

Daca_Taino · 06-18-2003, 01:33 PM

We use Cingular and that's been pretty good to us (we've gone out of the country with it and it worked just fine)...Erm...I can't think of the deal we have! Something like 5,000 anytime minutes and of course the whole rollover minutes, free roaming, etc. deal for $40.....And we only paid $40 for the new Sony Ericsson (although I hear they have it for 1 cent now)...

*Taisia*

Paul G · 06-18-2003, 04:17 PM

I've had Sprint PCS as my personal cell phone for a couple of years. The serivce has been great. I've used it everywhere I travel with very few problems.

I also have a Verizon phone from work. That service seems to be about the same as Sprint's. However, their phones are not as up to date as Sprint's and they don't have all the features on thier service as Sprint.

Also, I recently purchased a new Sprint phone, the Sanyo 8100. Not only do I now get to surf the web in color and play games like Tetris and Ms PacMan, but my phone also now works as a modem. And when I use it as a modem, I connect at about 80kps - 120kps. That's twice as fast as regular dialup and it only costs and extra $5/month for unlimited internet usage!!

06-18-2003, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Paul G
I've had Sprint PCS as my personal cell phone for a couple of years. The serivce has been great. I've used it everywhere I travel with very few problems.

I also have a Verizon phone from work. That service seems to be about the same as Sprint's. However, their phones are not as up to date as Sprint's and they don't have all the features on thier service as Sprint.

Also, I recently purchased a new Sprint phone, the Sanyo 8100. Not only do I now get to surf the web in color and play games like Tetris and Ms PacMan, but my phone also now works as a modem. And when I use it as a modem, I connect at about 80kps - 120kps. That's twice as fast as regular dialup and it only costs and extra $5/month for unlimited internet usage!!

Why Cant I be an american now? Check out "our" rates for a cell phone etc...

Personal plans

Small Talk 200 $ 25

• 200 anytime local minutes
• 25¢ per additional minute
• Call-forwarding included
• 1- and 2-year terms

Small Talk 400 $ 45

• 400 anytime local minutes
• 25¢ per additional minute
• Call-forwarding included
• 1- and 2-year terms

Big Talk 600 $ 69

• 600 anytime local minutes
• 20¢ per additional minute
• Call-forwarding included
• 1- and 2-year terms

Big Talk 800 $ 89

• 800 anytime local minutes
• 20¢ per additional minute
• Call-forwarding included
• 1- and 2-year terms

Please note: Digital plans are only available in the Fort Nelson, Whitehorse and Yellowknife markets.

Additional options
• Voice mail: $6.95/mo
• Conference calling: $3/mo
• Call waiting: $3/mo
• One call: $5/mo

Additional fees
• Activation (one-time):
$50 for 1-year term
$25 for 2-year term
• System access: $6.50/mo

Notes
• No ROAMing charges apply in Canada within Plan minutes
• Long distance charge is 20¢/min if you sign up for the 20/24 Long Distance Plan ($3/mo to subscribe)

06-18-2003, 05:10 PM

Analog Plan:

Occasional talker

Starter Plan $ 19

• 30 local minutes
• 65¢ per additional minute
• 1-year term

Saver Plus $ 24

• 65¢ per minute
• Add $10/mo for unlimited evenings
• Add $10/mo for unlimited weekends
• 1- and 2-year terms

Starter Plan Plus $ 29

• 30 peak minutes
• 300 weekend minutes
• 65¢ per additional minute (peak & weekday evenings)
• 35¢ per additional minute (weekends)
• 1-year term

Companion Plan $ 9

• Available on Starter Plan, Saver Plus, and Starter Plan Plus
• Additional per-minute rate based on existing plan
• Add $10/mo for unlimited evenings
• Add $10/mo for unlimited weekends
• 1- and 2-year term

Please note: Analog plans are available in all markets.

Additional options
• Voice mail: $6.95/mo
• Call waiting: $3/mo
• One call: $5/mo

Additional fees
• Activation (one-time): $50
• System access: $4/mo

Notes
• Be a business talker and get call waiting for free
• Weekday evenings:
6:00 pm to 7:59 am
• Weekends:
6:00 pm Friday to
7:59 am Monday

**NDNQt** · 06-19-2003, 07:31 AM

I have Sprint now and LOVE it. I'm like Super and Paul and travel alot and have no problems with it. I had Verizon and couldn't use it in certain spots in North Carolina. I have 500 daytime and unlimited nights and weekends for $45 a month, which seems high to some people but I use my phone ALL the time. A friend of mine told me that most cell companies will let you cancel your contract within 30 days of activation if you don't get the coverage you need. But be sure to check before signing.

**eap7** · 06-19-2003, 11:31 PM

I have Verizon as well. I got the cheapest plan, and then did the Family Plan thing, so my mom got one for only $20 per month extra. Its the two for one deal, whatever its called. Then I got unlimited weekend minutes and after 9 PM for $5 extra per month. It all comes out to around $55 per month for 2 phones and we haven't run out of minutes yet. The service is good- last year we didn't have much of a signal in my part of town but now its fine. They are building new towers and what not.

When we went to Ontario last summer, my phone wasn't roaming till we were about 1/2 hr from the border (and the home area is in RI) so that was really cool!!

**tradish_wiyan** · 06-23-2003, 05:52 PM

Is there any "hidden costs" associated with cell phones? I am a bit skeptical about the costs. Or maybe I am just missing out on a good deal. I have one of those pre-paid cell phones from K-mart, they aren't bad because I don't have a bill every month, but I am thinking of upgrading to a real cell phone...any input?

Messiah Knight · 06-24-2003, 02:31 AM

I don't do plans myself. It all depends on what your looking for in a phone, and the reason behind it. If you make massive amounts of calls from it, I'd go with maybe Sprint, I have several friends who enjoy the plans they have on sprint. However, I myself, I usually get a call, and call that person back from a regular phone, in that case, get a pre-paid plan, that allows first minute incomming free. I can make 1 minute last for a month, then buy another 10 dollar card.

Hope I could help ya out, if not, I tried

Jammer · 06-26-2003, 03:51 PM

Come on mato. Go with nextel. Their phones and service rock. Plus they have built in walkie talkies that can reach 25+ miles and its free depending on the plan you choose. And if its ever lost they have built in tracking devices that can be found by using satelite. My dealer up here has been going with verizon plans and the cost is the same the only thing is you pay a little more for the phones.

06-17-2003, 03:20 PM	#1 (permalink)
Mato Winyan Dancing makes you smile Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Indiana Posts: 5,477 Blog Entries: 4	cell phone questions I'm looking to get cell phones... I put it off after I found out a couple of years ago there was no service in my area. Now that I am in the market... what do I want to look for? I need free roaming and as much free long distance as I can get. __________________ "We see it as a desecration not only of a mountain but of our way of life. This is a genocidal issue to us. If they kill this mountain, they kill our way of life." ~Debra White Plume

06-17-2003, 05:40 PM	#3 (permalink)
spottedeagle The NDN Hugh Heffner Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Soaring over you Posts: 4,287	I use to use Verison at my old job, it wasn't too bad, but there were a few areas we went that we lost service or had a poor signal. I use Sprint. My wife and I got a pretty good package deal. We both got a phone for like $40. Then our deal is 300 anytime minutes each, unlimited nights and weekends 9 pm to 7am. free PCS to PCS (Sprint to Sprint), and nationwide coverage. I think we pay $35 for each phone. __________________ The things you are doing today are the traditions of twenty-five years from now. -Daryl Baldwin: Miami

06-18-2003, 04:17 PM	#6 (permalink)
Paul G Webmaster Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Lexington, SC Posts: 12,961 Blog Entries: 1	I've had Sprint PCS as my personal cell phone for a couple of years. The serivce has been great. I've used it everywhere I travel with very few problems. I also have a Verizon phone from work. That service seems to be about the same as Sprint's. However, their phones are not as up to date as Sprint's and they don't have all the features on thier service as Sprint. Also, I recently purchased a new Sprint phone, the Sanyo 8100. Not only do I now get to surf the web in color and play games like Tetris and Ms PacMan, but my phone also now works as a modem. And when I use it as a modem, I connect at about 80kps - 120kps. That's twice as fast as regular dialup and it only costs and extra $5/month for unlimited internet usage!! __________________ New to the site--Introduce Yourself Need Help--FAQ--Search Feedback--Post your suggestions MyTribalSpace.com \| NativeGatherings.com \| PowWows.com Podcast \| Indigitunes.com NativeSeek.com \| Pow Wow TV \| Pow Wow Radio \| NativeMusicSource.com Radio \| NDN411.com \| eSnag Online Dating Pow Wow TV - Find out how you could win a 42" Plasma TV!

06-19-2003, 07:31 AM	#9 (permalink)
NDNQt PowWows.com Addicts Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Aylett, VA Posts: 1,068	SPRINT! I have Sprint now and LOVE it. I'm like Super and Paul and travel alot and have no problems with it. I had Verizon and couldn't use it in certain spots in North Carolina. I have 500 daytime and unlimited nights and weekends for $45 a month, which seems high to some people but I use my phone ALL the time. A friend of mine told me that most cell companies will let you cancel your contract within 30 days of activation if you don't get the coverage you need. But be sure to check before signing. __________________ Becky B.

06-24-2003, 02:31 AM	#12 (permalink)
Messiah Knight Goretex Designz Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Louisville, Kentucky Posts: 161	I don't do plans myself. It all depends on what your looking for in a phone, and the reason behind it. If you make massive amounts of calls from it, I'd go with maybe Sprint, I have several friends who enjoy the plans they have on sprint. However, I myself, I usually get a call, and call that person back from a regular phone, in that case, get a pre-paid plan, that allows first minute incomming free. I can make 1 minute last for a month, then buy another 10 dollar card. Hope I could help ya out, if not, I tried __________________ Goretex Designz

06-17-2003, 03:42 PM	#2 (permalink)
ghostrider Guest Posts: n/a	Disclaimer here real quick- I don't work for any cell phone company so this is just my opinion. I agree to check Verizon. They always seem to have the best deals, and plans, plus their service seems to be pretty reputable. From what I been hearing from folks who travel Verizon is about the best for service across the country.

06-18-2003, 12:46 PM	#4 (permalink)
superndngyrl two little indians Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: in front of the computer Posts: 4,232	I have Sprint PCS and I travel a lot so its worked almost everywhere I take it. My plan is 500 anytime and basically free weekends cuz its like 2500 mins and there's no way i'd ever use 2500 mins on a weekend. Its an old plan so i'm sure there's cheaper and better ones. anyways I love the phones too. I got that lil slim one but i'm a technophile so i'm always down for getting new gadgets and they sure deliver. :)

06-18-2003, 01:33 PM	#5 (permalink)
Daca_Taino Tiny Tot Dancer Join Date: May 2003 Location: Powder Springs, Ga Posts: 94	We use Cingular and that's been pretty good to us (we've gone out of the country with it and it worked just fine)...Erm...I can't think of the deal we have! Something like 5,000 anytime minutes and of course the whole rollover minutes, free roaming, etc. deal for $40.....And we only paid $40 for the new Sony Ericsson (although I hear they have it for 1 cent now)... Taisia

06-18-2003, 05:10 PM	#8 (permalink)
Riverwoman Guest Posts: n/a	Analog Plan: Occasional talker Starter Plan $ 19 • 30 local minutes • 65¢ per additional minute • 1-year term Saver Plus $ 24 • 65¢ per minute • Add $10/mo for unlimited evenings • Add $10/mo for unlimited weekends • 1- and 2-year terms Starter Plan Plus $ 29 • 30 peak minutes • 300 weekend minutes • 65¢ per additional minute (peak & weekday evenings) • 35¢ per additional minute (weekends) • 1-year term Companion Plan $ 9 • Available on Starter Plan, Saver Plus, and Starter Plan Plus • Additional per-minute rate based on existing plan • Add $10/mo for unlimited evenings • Add $10/mo for unlimited weekends • 1- and 2-year term Please note: Analog plans are available in all markets. Additional options • Voice mail: $6.95/mo • Call waiting: $3/mo • One call: $5/mo Additional fees • Activation (one-time): $50 • System access: $4/mo Notes • Be a business talker and get call waiting for free • Weekday evenings: 6:00 pm to 7:59 am • Weekends: 6:00 pm Friday to 7:59 am Monday

06-19-2003, 11:31 PM	#10 (permalink)
eap7 ~Erica~ Join Date: Apr 2000 Posts: 1,225 Blog Entries: 5	I have Verizon as well. I got the cheapest plan, and then did the Family Plan thing, so my mom got one for only $20 per month extra. Its the two for one deal, whatever its called. Then I got unlimited weekend minutes and after 9 PM for $5 extra per month. It all comes out to around $55 per month for 2 phones and we haven't run out of minutes yet. The service is good- last year we didn't have much of a signal in my part of town but now its fine. They are building new towers and what not. When we went to Ontario last summer, my phone wasn't roaming till we were about 1/2 hr from the border (and the home area is in RI) so that was really cool!!

06-23-2003, 05:52 PM	#11 (permalink)
tradish_wiyan plains n8tv Join Date: May 2003 Location: northern plains Posts: 1,093	Is there any "hidden costs" associated with cell phones? I am a bit skeptical about the costs. Or maybe I am just missing out on a good deal. I have one of those pre-paid cell phones from K-mart, they aren't bad because I don't have a bill every month, but I am thinking of upgrading to a real cell phone...any input?

06-26-2003, 03:51 PM	#13 (permalink)
Jammer Teen Dancer Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 252	Come on mato. Go with nextel. Their phones and service rock. Plus they have built in walkie talkies that can reach 25+ miles and its free depending on the plan you choose. And if its ever lost they have built in tracking devices that can be found by using satelite. My dealer up here has been going with verizon plans and the cost is the same the only thing is you pay a little more for the phones. __________________ There should be a law against stupid people being able to breed!