Tracfone?

[cntrydude]

I am considering getting the Admiral a Tracfone for Christmas. We do not presently have a cell phone (don’t laugh). This phone would see limited use. We live in the country and have 2 teenage boys involved in sports and church functions. Trying to coordinate rides with neighbors and friends would be easier with a cell phone. Also in the winter I would feel better with the Admiral having a phone when she travels up and down the hill into town. I am just wondering if any of you use a Tracfone and what the pros and cons would be. I definitely do not want to be tied up into an agreement with a phone company, nor do we want an ongoing $50 or more per month bill.<br />Thanks for any input.

 

[LadyFish]

Re: Tracfone?

Click on some of these reviews cntrydude, maybe that'll help wth your decision.<br /><br /> http://www.epinions.com/TracFone_Online_Service/display_~reviews <br /><br />Also, make sure that you can pick up Cingular Service good in your area. My Mom just bought a cell phone and it works up at the St. Lawrence but won't work at her house on the lake because of all the mountains.

 

[technostingray]

Re: Tracfone?

Not sure what kind of contract you are getting but I think that your minutes start when the phone starts to ring and even if you don't connect you are charged on minute.

 

[TexomaAv8r]

Re: Tracfone?

I had tracfone for a while and found the service a bit inconsistent in even semi rural areas. I had to drive to the nearest highway to get a usable signal and their per minute rates were excessive IMO

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Tracfone?

Originally posted by TexomaAv8r:<br /> I had tracfone for a while and found the service a bit inconsistent in even semi rural areas. I had to drive to the nearest highway to get a usable signal and their per minute rates were excessive IMO

That's applicable to ANY cell phone. I'm rural and get better reception than most with my Tracfone. And the rates are NOT excessive if you only need 20 minutes a month for $10, not for 2000 ya don't need at $45 amonth. I'm going on 5 years with mine, and zero problems. Just buy the phone on sale before Christmas. Then get the 40 minute card, $20, good for 2 months. If ya don't like it, what have ya lost? I just signed up on line for a years service with forgot how many minutes, and they screwed something up. Ended up with another 100 free minutes, AND A SECOND YEAR free. Go for it! Just keep it short and quick...those minutes go fast. If you talk a lot, go regular monthly service. I carry mine everywhere, for emergency only. And the occasional meet up with some one. And for that its just fine.

 

[Drybo]

Re: Tracfone?

Tracphone works great, roams great, receive calls from anywhere a signal is available, have some problems in areas controlled by verizon.<br /><br />minuses-must renew card monthly or you can buy 1 year prepaid with I think 400 minutes for $100. Also have 2 month 3 month and so on cards.<br />If you talk a lot it uses minutes fast. Not good if you plan to talk a lot.You can add unlimited prepaid minutes though and renew online. They also send courtesy calls when your about to expire.<br /><br />Pluses, as you said, no contract, minutes roll over if not used, overall good deal for someone not going to spend hours talking. I got the 1 year deal for $100, no phone bill for a year!

 

[one more cast]

Re: Tracfone?

I have a Tracfone and my wife has a cell phone... no differance in service, they use the same towers. I average somewhere around $20/month and use it maybe 10 times a week. You have to renew your minutes every 2 months and I don't use many minutes so I pay the extra $6 and get 3 months instead of 2. They have lots of different minute options to choose from. They also send you an email when your renewal is up plus the renewal date is on the front of the phone. I buy my minutes online and it is simple to do.

 

[ZooMbr]

Re: Tracfone?

When I go to the states I sign up with Verzron (?) on there pay as you go - min $10.00 card lasts 30 days; but, if you add to it the $$ roll. We use it as we travel. <br /><br />I think several Co's offer this kind of plan. Up here we have a travel phone that costs min $10 month -- as it is just for travel. It has built up to over $110.00 avail. so who cares the $ oer min. Only problem - won't work in US.

 

[Bassy]

Re: Tracfone?

I love my Tracfone! I've had it for two years and it was a used one when I got it. I live in the mountains and reception depends on where I am. But I have it for emergencies and those"Honey, do we need milk?" kind of calls. I pre-paid for the year and that's the way to go. That way it comes out to about 9 cents/minute. I'll continue to use tracfone because I'm not a big talker and hate those locked-in agreements and monthly bills. Good luck.<br />Bassy

 

[kenimpzoom]

Re: Tracfone?

If your wife is any kind of talker like mine, you will be better off with a monthly plan.<br /><br />Also, we use cell phone a lot cause the land line is tied up on the internet.<br /><br />Ken