Heads up Sprint Customers

[TonyM]

This. is. bullshit.


Sprint will increase its postpaid rates by applying a $10 per month Premium Data add-on charge to activations of smartphones beginning Jan. 30. The charge will assist Sprint in offering simple and affordable unlimited plans for its customers while maintaining a wireless network able to meet the growing appetite for a richer mobile experience. Subscribers with smartphones will still receive the best value in wireless, including the Any Mobile, Anytime feature offered nationwide only by Sprint.

Sprint Newsroom | Smartphones Drive Wireless Data Explosion (http://newsroom.sprint.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=1771&view_id=7008)

From what I hear, those of us currently with Sprint will be grandfathered in until we upgrade phones, perform an ESN swap (new phone due to damage), or change our plans at all.

Soooooo . . . if you're on Sprint now and want a new phone, you've got less than two weeks to do it or you'll be paying an extra $10/mo if you do it on or after Jan 30. I'm going to wrap my Bb in bubble wrap so I don't break this fucker. (already broke it once in the 3 months I've had it)

Cell phones are getting ridiculous. I love how my simple Bb Curve is categorized as a 'data heavy phone'. Just a bunch of BS so I can subisidize all the jackasses with touchscreen phones who stream video and crap all day.

[onebadmollafolla]

This. is. bullshit.



Sprint Newsroom | Smartphones Drive Wireless Data Explosion (http://newsroom.sprint.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=1771&view_id=7008)

From what I hear, those of us currently with Sprint will be grandfathered in until we upgrade phones, perform an ESN swap (new phone due to damage), or change our plans at all.

Soooooo . . . if you're on Sprint now and want a new phone, you've got less than two weeks to do it or you'll be paying an extra $10/mo if you do it on or after Jan 30. I'm going to wrap my Bb in bubble wrap so I don't break this fucker. (already broke it once in the 3 months I've had it)

Cell phones are getting ridiculous. I love how my simple Bb Curve is categorized as a 'data heavy phone'. Just a bunch of BS so I can subisidize all the jackasses with touchscreen phones who stream video and crap all day.

Do you expect anything less from the most wreckless spending cellphone company in the world? You know how our government is doing the whole spending copious amounts of money they don't have thing? Yeah, well, at times I wonder if Sprint is micromanaged by the government. Sprint's theory to success: Just throw money at it.

[i3igpete]

is this IN ADDITION to the 4G rollout fee they already have?

[MADMarc]

is this IN ADDITION to the 4G rollout fee they already have?

Good question. I just signed up with them but for the EVO and it already gets the additional charge. 10 bucks isn't bad at all when you look at what verizon gouges you for....stoopid verizon. I'm moving to sprint, getting damn near unlimited everything and it is going to run me just shy of 130 a month after taxes. Verizon I had less minutes and less texting for an extra 40 bucks a month (two phones). I'm still a happy camper then :) But yeeea...still sucks because my additional fee was justified by being for the "4g" capabilities.

[onebadmollafolla]

is this IN ADDITION to the 4G rollout fee they already have?

That is correct. The vast majority of places don't even have 4G either and yet Sprint still charges for that regardless of your location. You guys should take a look at Sprint's financial history/fiscal budgeting. It's quite unsettling. Yet people are willing to pay for it just they can have an EVO 4G which is an OK phone. It's got a big screen and large camera going for it, that's about it. "The greatest phone on the market" apparently only comes with 512MB of internal memory. :lol:

[TonyM]

I got tired of subsidizing AT&T's network for the iPhone users so I switched to Sprint for the better pricing. This is crap. I use an average of 50MB/mo on my Bb Curve. I've got friends who use on average 500MB/mo+. So they use 10x my data usage yet we'll be paying the same thing?

Stupid.

[onebadmollafolla]

I got tired of subsidizing AT&T's network for the iPhone users so I switched to Sprint for the better pricing. This is crap. I use an average of 50MB/mo on my Bb Curve. I've got friends who use on average 500MB/mo+. So they use 10x my data usage yet we'll be paying the same thing?

Stupid.

Blackberry phones generally don't use quite as much data as Android phones. For one thing, Android phones tend to use far more apps since they have far more at their disposal. Not only that, from my experience, people with Androids tend to spend more time surfing the web on their phones. I'd assume it's because it's easier to do for longer periods since screens tend to be larger on Androids. But yeah, cellphone companies make a killing of people like you who use about 50mb of data per month and pay for a smartphone.

[Dbeltran24]

For all sprint haters, guess who is getting the new dual core LG Star Optimus 2x? Sprint is, before anyone else. Already seen video's of it and it outperforms all phones on the market currently. Also, for the most part (in my area atleast) sprint has great coverage (including 4g). In addition, their rates for data are much better than most other companies. As far as I'm concerned they can keep throwing money at things. So far i'm yet to have any complaints.

[onebadmollafolla]

For all sprint haters, guess who is getting the new dual core LG Star Optimus 2x? Sprint is, before anyone else. Already seen video's of it and it outperforms all phones on the market currently. Also, for the most part (in my area atleast) sprint has great coverage (including 4g). In addition, their rates for data are much better than most other companies. As far as I'm concerned they can keep throwing money at things. So far i'm yet to have any complaints.

Yeah, but stockholders do. They've already almost gone bankrupt and lost countless towers because of liberal spending. I don't care who anyone has for a provider. It's their choice, not mine.

[TonyM]

Blackberry phones generally don't use quite as much data as Android phones. For one thing, Android phones tend to use far more apps since they have far more at their disposal. Not only that, from my experience, people with Androids tend to spend more time surfing the web on their phones. I'd assume it's because it's easier to do for longer periods since screens tend to be larger on Androids. But yeah, cellphone companies make a killing of people like you who use about 50mb of data per month and pay for a smartphone.

Yes they do, and I know they will continue to make a killing off me.

My question is, why not charge users of a touch-screen/android/iphone based device a fee based on the fact they inherently use data many multiples greater than us simple Bb users. It's pretty fucking bogus that if I break my Curve and have it replaced after Jan 30 that I'll be subject to this fee going forward. I didn't sign a contract for that shit, how would they like it if I just start short paying my bill by $10/mo because I felt like it? That's akin to what they're doing and it's wrong.

New subscribers fine, they can make the choice to go with Sprint or not. But those of us currently under contract should not be subject to the fee until we sign a new contract. A simple ESN swap does not constitute acceptance of a new contract with increased rates.

[Mikes2nd]

rofl you guys get punked by sprint, just pay it and stop whining...

do you realize how much money sprint loses? Its going to go broke its run by such fools.

I like my verizon 15$ a month data plan... although im coming close to the 150 meg limit.

seriously I laugh when I see someone on sprint or an iphone contract...

[IPD]

well i guess i WON'T be upgrading to a data-plan when i get back home. i was pretty set on getting a pair of epic 4g's--but if it's going to cost me $40 extra over the old price ($20 for the 4g fee, $20 for a price-hike)--fucking forget it. i'll stick to my $80 plan for 2 phones with texting. i ain't paying 150%+ what i'm paying right now...just so i can have a smartphone.

what pisses me off to no end is that i'm still on contract. that's fine if it's a 2-year contract and they help pay for a new phone--but what happens AFTER 2 years? i'm still using the same katana DLX that i've had for nearly 3 years now. so essentially, i've been paying contract price for the past year--even though i have nothing to show for it.

...and dont' even get me started on the discounts. the military gets a slap in the face compared to banking institutions. fuck cellular companies. fuck them right in the ass.

[i3igpete]

talk about a real double whammy. i kind of got turned off when a fellow at best buy mentioned that they charge that 4g fee even if you don't use it, but i'm definitely not switching now.

[onebadmollafolla]

rofl you guys get punked by sprint, just pay it and stop whining...

do you realize how much money sprint loses? Its going to go broke its run by such fools.

I like my verizon 15$ a month data plan... although im coming close to the 150 meg limit.

seriously I laugh when I see someone on sprint or an iphone contract...

ROFL! Raw-Full!!!

I laugh at anyone that makes fun of someone for paying anything for a cellphone acting like their deal is so bomb-diggity. I have unlimited everything including tethering and after taxes I pay a whopping $0.00.



Don't be a dick.

[i3igpete]

I have unlimited everything including tethering and after taxes I pay a whopping $0.00.



you have safelink? welfare queen.

[onebadmollafolla]

you have safelink? welfare queen.

I have a job. One that gives me a new smartphone at least once year.


EDIT: I reread this post and to me it came off a bit smug. That was not my intent at all. I was actually just trying to answer the question straight up. :/

[IPD]

you have safelink? welfare queen.

holy shit! i didn't even know that safelink existed. omfg. wtf is wrong with this country?

[Chris GTO TT]

A whole bunch of people in here need to learn how to read the press release...


Sprint defines smartphones as devices with robust operating systems that deliver a rich wireless experience by bringing the full function of mobile applications and programs to life, including Blackberry, Android, Windows Mobile, Palm, and the Instinct family of devices. The Premium Data add-on charge previously applied to HTC EVO 4G, HTC EVO Shift 4G and Samsung Epic 4G devices.

So the 'premium data add-on' simply now applies to ALL smart phones not just 4G smart phones like before.

[onebadmollafolla]

A whole bunch of people in here need to learn how to read the press release...



So the 'premium data add-on' simply now applies to ALL smart phones not just 4G smart phones like before.

Which falls under the category of the OP's 8530.

[Jeremy C]

Verizon did this a while ago. I won't be upgrading my phones with them until I can afford to buy phones outright and move to another carrier. I have a 2-phone plan that shares 700 minutes, 500 texts, and no data. I still pay $78/mth for our plan, and to get any new phone would tack on $20 a month for data plans I won't use. I refuse to allow them to force plans on me that I don't intend to use.

[IPD]

Verizon did this a while ago. I won't be upgrading my phones with them until I can afford to buy phones outright and move to another carrier. I have a 2-phone plan that shares 700 minutes, 500 texts, and no data. I still pay $78/mth for our plan, and to get any new phone would tack on $20 a month for data plans I won't use. I refuse to allow them to force plans on me that I don't intend to use.

pretty much exactly what i'm paying sprint for the exact same thing. and that's AFTER my discount. fml.

[Chris GTO TT]

right but many people were talking about how it was $10 for the 4G then $10 more for the smart phone which is not at all the case.

[tabasco122]

right but many people were talking about how it was $10 for the 4G then $10 more for the smart phone which is not at all the case.

This, its the same fee that was applied to 4g phones, its just applied to all smartphones now.

[Chris GTO TT]

This, its the same fee that was applied to 4g phones, its just applied to all smartphones now.

didnt i say that?

[mb3000]

Fuck smartphones, someone get me a pager! :p

[tabasco122]

yes, but judging by the previous posts in this thread, people may have difficulty understanding, so i figured i would state it once more.

[IPD]

still....it would be a 100% increase in my bill--and just so that i can randomly "google" shit when i'm not at home. that's a very hard sell.

[Alex3000gt]

Haha.

I still don't own a cellular phone.

Suckers.

[tabasco122]

I use 7-8 gigs of data a month, so its well worth it to me. sprint has a 5 gig cap on normal "unlimited" data plans, the premium data addon has no cap.

[mk_]

rofl you guys get punked by sprint, just pay it and stop whining...

do you realize how much money sprint loses? Its going to go broke its run by such fools.

I like my verizon 15$ a month data plan... although im coming close to the 150 meg limit.

seriously I laugh when I see someone on sprint or an iphone contract...


!!!!! I just checked, I'm at almost 4.5 gigs data usage on my sprint plan, with 22 days til new usage starts everything over. Then again, poor folk, like me, am using my Sprint 3G connection as my primary internet connection for my laptop :)

150 meg limit is crazy!

[MADMarc]

Thanks for clarifying, Chris. I just came across this as well:

"Currently, the $10 per month charge applies only to the HTC Evo 4G, HTC Evo Shift 4G and Samsung Epic 4G smartphones, but it will be expanded to all smartphones Sprint activates and supports beginning Jan. 30."
Sprint adds $10 monthly data charge to new smartphone users - Computerworld (http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9205406/Sprint_adds_10_monthly_data_charge_to_new_smartpho ne_users)

Those who already pay the $10 charge for 4G will NOT be charged any additional $10 bucks. Really, I don't understand the huge deal. It's still a much better deal than both Verizon and ATT. Verizon tacked on an extra 30 to my current blackberry and by moving to Sprint with two phones I get to pocket that extra $40. I know, it does suck for those who are going to renew their plans in the future and are not familiar with the charge yet but you have to option to move to VZW or ATT when your renewal comes. Holy hell, I'm stoked to finally be leaving VZW.

[Goallie11]

Fhew I'm glad I don't have to pay an extra $10 on top of my $10 already for my evo. I'm paying $88.75 a month right now for unlimited everything so I'm not complaining about it, but I would like a discount somehow.

However if that had been on top of the $10 fee already then I most likely wouldn't stay with them in 19 months when my contract is up. ATT is getting a new dual core beast of a phone that is absolutely ridiculous so I would go back to my family plan with ATT if it had been an extra $10.

[MADMarc]

Goallie, you should check out their huge lists of discounts. I work for the government so I get 20% off (had a discount at VZW as well) but they offer other discounts like I could have had 10% off just for being with AAA.

Or hell, I just came across this link. Worth a shot? ;)
25% Sprint Discount on Sprint and Nextel Service (http://www.hustlermoneyblog.com/25-sprint-discount-on-sprint-and-nextel-service/)

[IPD]

it says i'm signing up for a new 2 year contract. no thanks.

[Hammer]

Haha.

I still don't own a cellular phone.

Suckers.

You know I used to be like this as well until my local and long distance phone service climbed into the $130-150/month range.
Now I have 4 cell phones with unlimited nationwide calling no text no data for $109/month. Advantage me, my wife and my kids all have our own phone and I can call them or they me anywhere and we get phone message service for free. I do not have to wait til I get home. I do not have to play phone tag with someone that is trying to reach me.
In short many advantages and less money for my family anyway. The only downside is the constant phone charging. One is still tethered to an electrical outlet every so often. I canceled my landline phone service as well.

For data I may get an USB 4g aircard for my laptop. But wifi free wireless is almost everywhere these days and my laptop can connect to the internet almost anywhere I use it all ready so the aircard is almost pointless.

[TonyM]

I use 7-8 gigs of data a month, so its well worth it to me. sprint has a 5 gig cap on normal "unlimited" data plans, the premium data addon has no cap.

Glad we're all subisidizing the network for you.

How the hell do people use that much data on a cell phone? I can understand your home internet line, but on your cell? Are you just streaming video all day everyday? I don't get it. I use 50MB a month and I think that's excessive given how much I actually use it, it's probably apps in the background I don't even know about.

[tabasco122]

Glad we're all subisidizing the network for you.

How the hell do people use that much data on a cell phone? I can understand your home internet line, but on your cell? Are you just streaming video all day everyday? I don't get it. I use 50MB a month and I think that's excessive given how much I actually use it, it's probably apps in the background I don't even know about.

Im on the road 50 hours a week, and tether constantly, plus I have it linked to my work and personal email, calendar, and contacts through exchange and google. And rhapsody/pandora while driving. Dont be a dick, I pay for unlimited data, so im going to use it however I want.

[TonyM]

Im on the road 50 hours a week, and tether constantly, plus I have it linked to my work and personal email, calendar, and contacts through exchange and google. And rhapsody/pandora while driving. Dont be a dick, I pay for unlimited data, so im going to use it however I want.

Makes sense given you tether, I don't tether at all so that's why that much data is mind boggling to me.

And I wans't being a dick, but forgive me if that much data usage comes across as a bit shocking to those of us who's monthly bills are increasing due to your level of usage. Personally, I think tiered pricing or per MB usage charges are the future. We pay by the KWh for electricity, cu.ft for gas, and by the gallon for water - data will and should follow.

[tabasco122]

Makes sense given you tether, I don't tether at all so that's why that much data is mind boggling to me.

And I wans't being a dick, but forgive me if that much data usage comes across as a bit shocking to those of us who's monthly bills are increasing due to your level of usage. Personally, I think tiered pricing or per MB usage charges are the future. We pay by the KWh for electricity, cu.ft for gas, and by the gallon for water - data will and should follow.

Maybe ATT would be more to your liking with their new data plans.

[i3igpete]

right but many people were talking about how it was $10 for the 4G then $10 more for the smart phone which is not at all the case.

right, i was confused in post #2, hence i asked for clarification.

[TonyM]

Maybe ATT would be more to your liking with their new data plans.

I was with ATT for 8 years, their coverage sucked ass when I moved to Houston. If Sprint tries to hit me with this charge I'll probably go to VZW.

[prop7459]

You guys needs to understand that you are signing over wallet every time you want an upgrade or replacement phone. With Sprint and VZW ESN BS you can only use a device that they permit so they can control the extra mandatory services. Right now, Sprint and VZW are activating non branded carrier branded phones. In past, I would buy unlock GSM phones and use it on Tmobile and would not be subject to mandatory services on a smartphone device. I had 1st gen Iphone running the basic internet package from tmobile for $5.99 which was slow but unlimited. I am with VZW but will go back to Tmobile and buying unlock handset again. Thank God I only signed up for a 1 year contract with them.

[Dbeltran24]

Fhew I'm glad I don't have to pay an extra $10 on top of my $10 already for my evo. I'm paying $88.75 a month right now for unlimited everything so I'm not complaining about it, but I would like a discount somehow.

However if that had been on top of the $10 fee already then I most likely wouldn't stay with them in 19 months when my contract is up. ATT is getting a new dual core beast of a phone that is absolutely ridiculous so I would go back to my family plan with ATT if it had been an extra $10.

Sprint is getting the Dual core. Not ATT. Atleast not that I have read. So far the only dual core coming out is the LG Star Optimus 2x, which I believe is a sprint exclusive at first.

[prop7459]

Sprint is getting the Dual core. Not ATT. Atleast not that I have read. So far the only dual core coming out is the LG Star Optimus 2x, which I believe is a sprint exclusive at first.

You are wrong, They are a few vids LG Optimus 2x running on Tmobile AWS 3g band. I dont see this phone coming to a CDMA carrier since until there is proof an actually devices running.

[Dbeltran24]

I read an article that stated sprint is first to get it. I'll find it. give me a moment.

[Mikes2nd]

my verizon data plan... 15$ - 20%.... net 12$ per 150 meg a month...

unlimited is 30$ a month.... net 24$ a month for me.

[Dbeltran24]

Still haven't found it, but did find this

3D Glasses-Free Android Phone coming to Sprint
LG and Sprint to announce glasses-free 3d Android phone (http://www.intomobile.com/2011/01/17/sprint-lg-glasses-free-3d-android-phone/)

[Dbeltran24]

Well ... Sh!#. Looks like I was spreading mis-information. The LG Star Optimas 2x is rumored to be released on T-Mobile in March. But since the Optimas S was ported over to CDMA, there are talks of this phone also being ported over. Sorry for the confusion. I will double check my facts before correcting someone next time.

[onebadmollafolla]

I was with ATT for 8 years, their coverage sucked ass when I moved to Houston. If Sprint tries to hit me with this charge I'll probably go to VZW.

GSM is utter fail in the USA. It's signal distance is pathetic and there's far fewer towers than CDMA. I would take a regular flip phone on CDMA before I'd ever take a smartphone on GSM (AT&T or T-mobile). Not to mention, AT&T was ranked as the worst cellphone company nationwide for 2010 by consumer reports.

[Dbeltran24]

^ What he said. GSM coverage is horrible.

Listed by most coverage to least coverage in my area

VZW - Top
Sprint - Not much difference from VZW in coverage.
T-Mobile - If I went with GSM it would be T-Mobile, They are growing quickly.
AT&T - Amazing at how many people I know with Iphones that don't get signal anywhere. lol
Nextel - Bottom

I personally will not go back to VZW. There customer service is crap, they have billing problems constantly, and are overpriced in comparison with other carriers. Which is strange because Verizon Fios doesn't have these issues, yet they are owned by the same company.

[UTRacerX9]

I had Sprint for about 6-7 years when I lived in Austin, as they had the best coverage down there. Moved to Dallas, and they sucked, so I switched to VZ. Then, moved to Jacksonville, where I had a choice between either a company Sprint BB or Verizon BB. Stayed with Verizon because my coworkers said they got crappy coverage there with Sprint. Moved back to Dallas area and got a new company phone on AT&T, yes, it's an iphone. Coverage here is better with at&t than it ever was with VZ, so I'm happy for now. Coverage in north FL is ok in my experience, south FL is just fine.

I won't go back to VZ because of how difficult they make it to cancel a phone. I had my account set up online to do everything, but they make you call to cancel. Then, they give you a cancellation date about two weeks out. In about one week you get an email from them saying you owe your final payment, when you go to pay online as usual, you find that they've canceled your account and now you have to go to a store to pay, you can't pay over the phone either. Assholes.

[onebadmollafolla]

I won't go back to VZ because of how difficult they make it to cancel a phone. I had my account set up online to do everything, but they make you call to cancel. Then, they give you a cancellation date about two weeks out. In about one week you get an email from them saying you owe your final payment, when you go to pay online as usual, you find that they've canceled your account and now you have to go to a store to pay, you can't pay over the phone either. Assholes.

Little protip should you ever go back to Verizon and need to cancel. Just get your BAN (Billing Account Number) that should be stated at the top of your bill. With that, you can just port your number/s over to whatever carrier you're planning on going to which in turn will cancel that line/s without you ever having to say a word to them. ;)

[Goallie11]

Still haven't found it, but did find this

3D Glasses-Free Android Phone coming to Sprint
LG and Sprint to announce glasses-free 3d Android phone (http://www.intomobile.com/2011/01/17/sprint-lg-glasses-free-3d-android-phone/)

My God that is awesome. I'll definitely stick with sprint if that comes around.

And here's the phone I was talking about: http://www.motorola.com/Consumers/US-EN/Consumer-Product-and-Services/Mobile-Phones/ci.Motorola-ATRIX-US-EN.overview

[Goallie11]

Goallie, you should check out their huge lists of discounts. I work for the government so I get 20% off (had a discount at VZW as well) but they offer other discounts like I could have had 10% off just for being with AAA.

Or hell, I just came across this link. Worth a shot? ;)
25% Sprint Discount on Sprint and Nextel Service (http://www.hustlermoneyblog.com/25-sprint-discount-on-sprint-and-nextel-service/)

Where's this list you speak of? I have AAA but that 25% through AIM is even better. I'm not too worried about adding another 2 years to my contract especially if its only at $66 a month.

[MADMarc]

Where's this list you speak of? I have AAA but that 25% through AIM is even better. I'm not too worried about adding another 2 years to my contract especially if its only at $66 a month.

http://community.sprint.com/baw/message/135440#135440

That seems to be outdated because my brother gets 10% off w/his AAA card but it's a good place to start. I cant find a master list, they all seem to be compilations.

[Goallie11]

Do they stack I wonder? Signing up for the 25% through AIM and then getting another 10% off through AAA membership would be fantastic.

[IPD]

no freaking way discounts stack. period. if they did, i'd have a 75% discount right now.

[onebadmollafolla]

Do they stack I wonder? Signing up for the 25% through AIM and then getting another 10% off through AAA membership would be fantastic.

No.



*excessive typing since I can't just reply, "no"*

[MADMarc]

Yea...unfortunately no stacking...if they did I'm sure they would at absolute least put a cap on it around 25-30%

[i3igpete]

i hope nobody has actually done that yet. *.delivery.net looks like a blank registered domain... i wonder if it's a phishing scheme

[Goallie11]

i hope nobody has actually done that yet. *.delivery.net looks like a blank registered domain... i wonder if it's a phishing scheme

Looking at the source code of both that site that you can get the 25% discount, and the site that you get to when searching "sprint discount" into google, they appear to be the same code and the submit button submits to the same url on both pages. I'm not a programmer but I would think the submit buttons would go to different sites if it was a scam.

And reading through the comments on the page it seems to work.

[Nytron]

What a rip off. The US has the worst pricing for internet/cell phone plans. Even with a corporate discount, I can't see myself ever justifying $80+ a month for a smartphone.

[tabasco122]

that site is the same site it links me to when i go through my sprint account page

[Hammer]

What a rip off. The US has the worst pricing for internet/cell phone plans. Even with a corporate discount, I can't see myself ever justifying $80+ a month for a smartphone.

Then don't. Vote with your wallet. Right now the early adopters are paying for the infrastructure to be built. After it is all up and running then the discounters come in and the prices fall fast and hard. Just wait for it. Soon they will be giving away free smartphones just to get you hooked on the package. After that stops working then the price for service falls.

[IPD]

Then don't. Vote with your wallet. Right now the early adopters are paying for the infrastructure to be built. After it is all up and running then the discounters come in and the prices fall fast and hard. Just wait for it. Soon they will be giving away free smartphones just to get you hooked on the package. After that stops working then the price for service falls.

sounds like a plan. that extra $80-100 per month i'm saving....well that's a new fuel system after 12 months....

[Alex3000gt]

You know I used to be like this as well until my local and long distance phone service climbed into the $130-150/month range.
Now I have 4 cell phones with unlimited nationwide calling no text no data for $109/month. Advantage me, my wife and my kids all have our own phone and I can call them or they me anywhere and we get phone message service for free. I do not have to wait til I get home. I do not have to play phone tag with someone that is trying to reach me.
In short many advantages and less money for my family anyway. The only downside is the constant phone charging. One is still tethered to an electrical outlet every so often. I canceled my landline phone service as well.

For data I may get an USB 4g aircard for my laptop. But wifi free wireless is almost everywhere these days and my laptop can connect to the internet almost anywhere I use it all ready so the aircard is almost pointless.

Whoa. My local & long distance is roughly $33/mo.