Reunited (with Verizon) and it feels so good!

[ttpadilla]

When I was preparing for this lifestyle back in 2012, I switched to Verizon based on the recommendations here and, I believe, in Bob's book. Last year I switched to US Cellular, because my smartphone had been seriously damaged, I was two months away from my "free" upgrade, and Verizon wanted me to pay more than $500 for a new phone. US Cellular gave me my first iPhone for about $50.

Yesterday, I went in to US Cellular to discuss data plans, jet packs, and coverage areas, and was dismayed to learn that they only had borrowed coverage in pretty much all the areas I plan to be, meaning that even if I payed for 8GB a month, they would cut me off at 200MB because it costs more money (for them) to borrow beyond that. They were also charging me about $20 more per month for my 1GB plan than Verizon had been.

So, I went around the corner to Verizon and told them what I needed. Got my first MiFi Jetpack, a new phone, a shockproof/waterproof/dustproof case for the phone, and my first tablet, paid cash and still had $7 left over from selling my old jewelry, DVDs, PS2 and games earlier that morning. 6GB will cost me about $115 (before taxes) a month, with the jetpack, phone, and tablet on it. I also have a $50 rebate coming in about 6 weeks (fingers crossed).

Of course, I will be penalized for breaking my US Cellular contract (I'm only six months into it). Considering that I went slightly over my US Cellular 1GB usage and was billed $107 for just one device, I think it's worth it in the long run.

 

[mockturtle]

While I still use Straight Talk for my phone, I changed over to Verizon Jetpack for my data. I was with Verizon for years and years but left them several years ago as the bills kept getting higher and higher. Still happy with ST for my voice needs. While I don't enjoy Verizon extended coverage, I get most of their network.

 

[ttpadilla]

That sounds like a good option for you. I rarely talk on the phone, but do a lot of text messaging and email checking on my phone, so I figured it would be easier to have all my coverage in one place.

 

[cyndi]

I know verizon is more expensive. But I rely on their coverage. I've been a customer for going on 15 years and there service is reliable and CSRs are always friendly and speak English clearly.

When I've broken or lost a phone I just go to ebay or amazon and buy a refurbished phone for way cheaper.

 

[Canine]

Had AT&T. Bills kept going up, up, up. They wouldn't help, just a number. So broke the contract, let T Mobile pay the fees, and went on a cheap $50 plan with them. Limited LTE data as I am urban and can always find wireless free somewhere. But, and it's a big but (like mine), their coverage outside of major cities is poor. About 50% of the lower 48 is white, meaning nothing. If you drive from say, Phoenix, to Denver, a good 8 plus of your 14 hours is on E or no service. A lot of Az, Nv, NM and southern Co are without any cell service at all with them. If it's cheap you want, go T Mobile. If you drive a lot and need the coverage, go Verizon.