How to afford a data plan?

[Spirit4earth]

How do I get a cell phone plan with data that I can afford?  Meaning, very inexpensive?  Right now I have a flip phone, but when I’m on the road, I’ll want to be able to get online for directions, etc.

 

[Ken in Anaheim]

Check out this YT video : 

 

[DLTooley]

I have a refurbished iphone 5 on a tracfone plan. It comes with limited data, additional at $10 a gb. I use that data as backup for an unlimited verizon 3g hotspot, total well under $20 a month. Search the forum for info. There are also now verizon 4g plans, but with a steeper upfront cost. Both of these hotspots are historical contract gray market plans and have some risk. Lot's of folks are loving them now and it does not take long for the savings to pay for the hardware cost.

 

[Smrtshppr]

I'm not tremendously tech-saavy, so what do uou mean when you say this?

"Both of these hotspots are historical contract gray market plans and have some risk."

What is gray market mean? 

Thank you
Jean

 

[Firtree]

Check out the 2 threads in this forum on 3G and 4G MiFi unlimited at $5 a month. Both loooong reads but they give you background, people’s experiences with the setup and coverage around the country. There is the video above and a couple by jimindenver.

 

[pennic]

You need to upgrade get you a smart phone. I have a monthly plan and I have unlimited everything and I pay 55.00 a month. Then I bought me a booster. They don't cost that month.

How do I get a cell phone plan with data that I can afford?  Meaning, very inexpensive?  Right now I have a flip phone, but when I’m on the road, I’ll want to be able to get online for directions, etc.

You need to upgrade get you a smart phone. I have a monthly plan and I have unlimited everything and I pay 55.00 a month. Then I bought me a booster. They don't cost that month.

Sent from my LGMS210 using Tapatalk

 

[DLTooley]

I'm not tremendously tech-saavy, so what do uou mean when you say this?

"Both of these hotspots are historical contract gray market plans and have some risk."

What is gray market mean? 

It's not illegal or 'black market', but also not as straightforward as the typical plan.  You also won't find warranties, etc.  I chose a modem that is 4g compatible, but at the 3g level for the reduced upfront cost and risk.  At some point I will pay to have modem 'flashed'/upgraded to 4g.

If you aren't comfortable with risk at the price don't buy one.  Lots of folks have had good luck, so far.

 

[John61CT]

No risk for you except can be shut down at any time.