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Best (cheapest) prepaid GSM plan?

Hello-
I am trying to figure out what is the cheapest GSM prepaid plan in the United States. So far, the cheapest I have found is either AT&T's $25 unlimited talk and text plus $5 for 50 MB data or T-mobile's $30 Monthly4g unimited talk text, adn 5gb data. What plan are you guys using to get the most amount of data for the least amount of money? I don't mind going with an MVNO because they have pretty good coverage in my area. (Albuquerque, NM)
Thanks,
wws12

Anyone?

Theoretically speaking, if your main concern is data then you should probably choose an unlimited data plan to get the most out of your money. (Assuming you use that much data).
I can give some good suggestions if you could tell me your average calling, texting, and data usage. Also if you must have GSM, most prepaid just happen to be CDMA *shrugs*
Sent from my DROID2 using xda premium

gagdude said:
Theoretically speaking, if your main concern is data then you should probably choose an unlimited data plan to get the most out of your money. (Assuming you use that much data).
I can give some good suggestions if you could tell me your average calling, texting, and data usage. Also if you must have GSM, most prepaid just happen to be CDMA *shrugs*
Sent from my DROID2 using xda premium
Click to expand...
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It doesn't have to be GSM, but in my investigations those plans were the cheapest. I mainly want to use it for VoIP with GrooveIP for calls and GVoice for texting. Thnaks for your help!

Let's see... Virgin Mobile has unlimited data and texting, 100 minutes calling for $35 a month. The T mobile plan you found is cheaper but 5GB of data. This depends on if you are going to use more than 5GB or not...
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I want to use a phone such as the Motorola Defy as prepaid. I was going to get the Droid X but found that it couldn't be flashed to other carriers than Verizon.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

Are you sure you want the Motorola Defy... ? Republic Wireless has the Defy XT as their only available phone, but they have a different business model.
$20 a month unlimited everything, but depends on WiFi. However nothing is stopping you from sticking to their 3G (Sprint) full time. Big problem is that they are in beta and if you sign up now it could be months until you get the phone. (I'm sure once you are up and running it rocks, but the limited phone choice and waiting time is way too long).
Do you want a rugged phone or a Motorola phone or what? Why do you choose the Defy?
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I chose the Defy because it had a stable ICS ROM and for the fact that it was GSM which I had thought was the best deal at the time. Thanks for the information about Republic Wireless
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So you have decided to go with Republic?
I was mainly wondering about why you wanted the Defy because it has pretty old hardware. If you still want to consider Virgin and want ICS they have the HTC EVO V, HTC One V, and soon to be released Samsung Galaxy Reverb.
(That t mobile plan you found is actually very good, 5GB is plenty of data. Virgin just has a better plan if you use more than that, which is quite rare in fact)
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I want GSM because that will allow me to easily switch carriers at a later date if I need to. Are there any better phones than the Defy that are $150 or less on Amazon? Thanks for all your help, BTW!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

No problem glad to help
I understand that, in that case that t mobile prepaid plan definitely seems to be a good deal.
As for a phone, I don't go on Amazon since prices are usually higher, but I do know on eBay you can get a galaxy s (for 4g you need the Samsung galaxy s 4g but it has less dev support than the Samsung vibrant which only has 3g) for $150 or less. Any galaxy s variant blows the defy out of the water for sure
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I usually don't shop eBay because of the possibility of scammers. I'll look at the galaxy s variants though. Which would you say has the best dev support? I need at least a stable ICS, if not JB. Thanks!
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All galaxy s were very popular and all have great dev support. Since you were looking at the defy I'm going to assume 4g isn't big on your requirements list and in that case the Samsung vibrant is the phone for you!
Most popular galaxy s from my general knowledge is the cappy aka Samsung Captivate. Unfortunately since it is at&t 3g it will only work on t-mobile 2g (ugh!)
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How much is the Vibrant online?
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On amazon it appears to be $200+
On eBay they go as low as $120 and the Captivate gets even cheaper like $110.
What I like to think of eBay is the whole virus thing on Android. More scams/viruses happen on ebay/Android, but that is because there are more sellers/is more open. You just have to be smart and look at feedback/permissions. Does that seller/app have low feedback score/want to manage your sms and calls? Then don't trust him,her/it
Sent from my DROID2 using xda premium

OK thanks. Quick question that maybe you can answer. On at&t, their prepaid go phone plans include a 100 minute/unlimited text plan for $25/mo. For smartphones you need a data plan which they have in various denominations, but the one I'm interested in is the $5 for 50MB one. If I don't renew the $25 plan, will I lose the data also? Or will it still continue? Thanks!
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They require you to be using the $25 or $50 plan in addition to data every month.
They actually used to have a rule of having $25 in your account every 90 days with whatever data plan you feel like tacking on, but since April 2012 they require to have a monthly text / call plan.
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Moved to Networking section.

Tmobiles $30 plan.
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http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/prepaid-phone/Samsung-Exhibit-4G-Prepaid

Best Deal Around YO

http://www.walmart.com/ip/T-Mobile-Pre-Paid-Samsung-Galaxy-S-II-w-30-Airtime-Card/21631986

jeffreygtab said:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/T-Mobile-Pre-Paid-Samsung-Galaxy-S-II-w-30-Airtime-Card/21631986
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That is a little much for a Galaxy 2 IMO.....
but I agree that the plan cannot be beat. 100 minutes, unlimited text and unlimited data with no throttling for $30, you cant touch that. Plus you can use their unlimited WiFi calling feature on that plan.

**** that's unlimited no throttle?!?!? I need a 4G Tmobile phone now! I'm on that plan but I'm using an ATT phone so no 4G for me, and I don't want for the refarming to finish.

jeffreygtab said:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/T-Mobile-Pre-Paid-Samsung-Galaxy-S-II-w-30-Airtime-Card/21631986
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jeffreygtab said:
**** that's unlimited no throttle?!?!? I need a 4G Tmobile phone now! I'm on that plan but I'm using an ATT phone so no 4G for me, and I don't want for the refarming to finish.
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There is ZERO fine print anywhere stating throttling. On every other plan that has it, it is easy to find out when you get throttled. A call to customer service confirmed this. It is only available online on tmobile.com and walmart.com. It is pretty new.......just saw it about a week ago.
Plus, remember, Tmobile just announced true unlimited data for post and pre paid, but this is the cheapest/lowest minute one I can find.

Gvndeb60 said:
There is ZERO fine print anywhere stating throttling. On every other plan that has it, it is easy to find out when you get throttled. A call to customer service confirmed this. It is only available online on tmobile.com and walmart.com. It is pretty new.......just saw it about a week ago.
Plus, remember, Tmobile just announced true unlimited data for post and pre paid, but this is the cheapest/lowest minute one I can find.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've known about this plan for months, but they used to throttle at 5gigs but I just checked my account and now it's unlimited! Yeah I need a new Tmobile phone now for sure. I get great service here, but only 2G because of my device.

jeffreygtab said:
I've known about this plan for months, but they used to throttle at 5gigs but I just checked my account and now it's unlimited! Yeah I need a new Tmobile phone now for sure. I get great service here, but only 2G because of my device.
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The funny thing is, how could we even complain about throttling at 5gb for that price??? But for true unlimited? WOW!

I'm not complaining, because this is about the only good plan in the entire US. But I'm for sure getting a phone to take advantage of it, Tmobile is the underdog, they need to be the mass sales/low margin company!

unless they changed it without updating my account here's what mine looks like.View attachment 1346761
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Used ones on CL and eBay people want more than the wallmart price and then its used no warranty and you have to wonder if it will get turned off for non payment or whatever by T-Mobile
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954wrecker said:
unless they changed it without updating my account here's what mine looks like.View attachment 1346761
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Mine shows that but it also show this....
http://imgur.com/XGkMh

Great plan regardless. Skip wallmart and get the sim for .99 and activate the plan yourself.
http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/prepaid-phone/T-Mobile-Prepaid-SIM-Activation-Kit
http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/monthly-4g-plans
---------- Post added at 07:11 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:08 PM ----------
jeffreygtab said:
Mine shows that but it also show this....
http://imgur.com/XGkMh
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it just goes to 2g for the rest of the cycle when you go over 5gb

jeffreygtab said:
Mine shows that but it also show this....
http://imgur.com/XGkMh
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Click to collapse
You have unlimited data... But they throttle it at 5gigs. They count ye throttled as still being unlimited.
Sent from my HTC One S using Tapatalk 2

Gvndeb60 said:
Plus you can use their unlimited WiFi calling feature on that plan.
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Click to collapse
WiFi calling still uses your minutes, its not unlimited. Unless however, you do have unlimited minutes.
Sent from my sexy white Motorola Atrix HD

theking_13 said:
WiFi calling still uses your minutes, its not unlimited. Unless however, you do have unlimited minutes.
Sent from my sexy white Motorola Atrix HD
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That makes no sense at all, what's the point then for the consumer?

It's not unlimited, it's 5 gigs of data, I have it n
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using Tapatalk 2

What about this? Do you actually have to pay for the contract bill or just the $15 bucks? I'm confused, watch the vid.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SW4h1tOAsg4

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.talkatone.android
Everyone that gets this deal 100 minutes... Mann go unlimited with this app.. makes Me want to quit on sprint LOL
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app

gmangut said:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.talkatone.android
Everyone that gets this deal 100 minutes... Mann go unlimited with this app.. makes Me want to quit on sprint LOL
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app
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I will try that out.
Sent from my LG-P999 using xda premium

jeffreygtab said:
That makes no sense at all, what's the point then for the consumer?
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Click to collapse
In case you have less than perfect reception in your home. Or want to make call with bad signal, but there's WiFi around. Says like in a very urban area.
Its to have better service, not save money.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

Sorry I'm not sure if you are referring to only the prepaid plans but tmo has wifi calling that no longer uses minutes noq
Sent from my HTC VLE_U using xda app-developers app

Best short term plan

I will be in the US in jan for about 10 weeks, rather than roaming with my UK sim I want to get a pay as you go plan that I can top up but also have data and international talk and text if possible.
I have looked at SIMple and it looks OK, any other recommendations that won't break the bank?
I will be in Syracuse, NY
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

T-Mobile has a $30 prepaid plan that 100 min, unlimited data, and unlimited texting. You could use Google voice or another voip client to make calls.

To add, I also need to be able to pay for it with cash prefarably
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pkrboo said:
To add, I also need to be able to pay for it with cash prefarably
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Click to collapse
You can walk into a T-Mobile store with cash.

Cool thanks
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Straight talk has a $60 international plan (unlimited talk, text & data). I do believe it is available at walmart, but not totally positive.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

You can also buy refill cards everywhere
estallings15 said:
You can walk into a T-Mobile store with cash.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To add to that, it's super easy to refill your account.
All you have to do is walk into any grocery/convenience store and buy yourself a T-Mobile refill card (I usually buy the $30 ones, but that's just me)
Then you can use the code on the card to add money to your prepaid account.

Sweet that's the sort of thing I need
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OP doesn't use the thanks button

Sorry can't see it on tapatalk
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Found it!
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

Any Difference in the Tmobile nexus 4?

To anyone that has a nexus 4 from T-mobile. Is there any difference in there phones? OS, add in's, junk? Quote
"The T-Mobile version costs less -- $199 for the 16-GB version -- but it requires a two-year contract with T-Mobile. It also has some applications and services from T-Mobile that aren't part of the stock Jelly Bean experience offered by the Google version. Other features, such as the 4.8-inch HD display, 8-megapixel camera and NFC, are all the same".
www.informationweek.com/mobility/smart-phones/nexus-4-availability-expands-but-total-s/240145463

All the same.. Bought mine through T-Mobile, bloat free too, no T-Mobile branding
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

capcanuck said:
All the same.. Bought mine through T-Mobile, bloat free too, no T-Mobile branding
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
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Thank you!!! Mines is on the way and a wanted to be sure that this news story was full of it !!!!

happyG2er said:
Thank you!!! Mines is on the way and a wanted to be sure that this news story was full of it !!!!
Click to expand...
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How did you order it? Want to order one also. Can you please tell?

+1
I also got mine from T-Mobile, it's definitely bloatware free pure Android. You have nothing to worry about!
Sent from my Nexus 4

tmo has a $50 restocking fees I guess ..

Is T-Mobile still charging $200 with contact with the addition of $15 a month for 20 months?
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Yes
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no difference. except you're paying more to t mobile

capcanuck said:
All the same.. Bought mine through T-Mobile, bloat free too, no T-Mobile branding
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
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This.

On contract costs more. You're paying more for it within your monthly fees.
As mentioned in the other threads here asking the same question; they are the exact same phone.
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clockcycle said:
On contract costs more. You're paying more for it within your monthly fees.
As mentioned in the other threads here asking the same question; they are the exact same phone.
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How is it more? I have a family with 5 lines, one of them had an upgrade, I took it.. Cost me total of 257.63 out the door. NOW the Value plan, you have to put down 200 with the $15 monthly charges for 20months. So it depends on what he has and not all contract will cost more.
Sent from my Nexus 4

Well let's just say after being with Tmobile for more than 10 years and being time for an upgrade. My nexus 4 was dirt cheap!!
I can't ever put how much I paid for it may start a riot! People hunting me down. Dogs chancing me! Oh the pain.

New customer

Hello all..been a T-Mobile customer for 11years..so I decided to switch to Verizon been waiting for the note 3...any word of advice..I wonder how good of a service it is, that's the reason why I'm switching...
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jr_718 said:
Hello all..been a T-Mobile customer for 11years..so I decided to switch to Verizon been waiting for the note 3...any word of advice..I wonder how good of a service it is, that's the reason why I'm switching...
Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk 4
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where im at in cincinnati nobody comes close to verizon reliability, coverage and speed. of course it is the most expensive but you get what you pay for!

Am in NYC...
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jr_718 said:
Hello all..been a T-Mobile customer for 11years..so I decided to switch to Verizon been waiting for the note 3...any word of advice..I wonder how good of a service it is, that's the reason why I'm switching...
Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk 4
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Click to collapse
It's the best, period. I am switching myself from sprint.
Sent from my SCH-R530C using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Call and get the 60 dollars for 2gb unlimited text and talk. I just switched from sprint and was approved for the plan.

oneandroidnut said:
where im at in cincinnati nobody comes close to verizon reliability, coverage and speed. of course it is the most expensive but you get what you pay for!
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+1 and Cincy too

I switched from tmobile about 6 months ago... I live in chicago area and havent looked back ... well besides unlimited data
Sent from my SM-N900V using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Verizon service is known to be the most reliable across the country. In heavily metro areas, you'll usually see stronger ATT service, but as you leave the metro areas, that service degrades quickly. Get to a massive rural area, and ATT frequently has no service. Verizon, on the other hand, has 4G almost everywhere, and where there's no 4G there is usually 3G. Significantly fewer dropped calls, too. At the moment, Verizon's LTE is faster than ATT's as well. (They go back and forth and each company likes to claim that they're always the fastest).
In terms of service, from what I've heard about T-mo, it's a trade up. I've never heard MUCH bad about t-mo, but I've heard that verizon/ATT are better. And I can say first hand that verizon is more reliable than ATT.

xBryan said:
Call and get the 60 dollars for 2gb unlimited text and talk. I just switched from sprint and was approved for the plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you share some details? Have not heard of this plan.
Sent from my released from customs Evo Lte!

njfoses said:
Can you share some details? Have not heard of this plan.
Sent from my released from customs Evo Lte!
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Click to collapse
Its 2gb, unlimited talk and text for 60 bucks for 1 year. Its called a loyaltly plan. It does not include hotspot.
Heres what you do:
Call: 1800-779-6269
Tell them your buddy told you about this plan.
If it does not work hang up and try again.
It is supposed to be for current customers but she let me have it.
It is only valid for single lines.

jr_718 said:
Hello all..been a T-Mobile customer for 11years..so I decided to switch to Verizon been waiting for the note 3...any word of advice..I wonder how good of a service it is, that's the reason why I'm switching...
Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Welcome to having signal. I had t mobile for 8 years.
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk now Free

leyvatron said:
Welcome to having signal. I had t mobile for 8 years.
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk now Free
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LOL.
Interestingly enough, I get good reception on AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon where I live, work, and play (and where my kids play). But I still use Verizon as my daily driver carrier.

yyhd said:
LOL.
Interestingly enough, I get good reception on AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon where I live, work, and play (and where my kids play). But I still use Verizon as my daily driver carrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You use an iphone...yuck.
Haha. Jk.
Yeah, I'm in Los Angeles and your in San Jose so signal is pretty good for us. T-Mobile has good signal here, it's until you leave... then you are screwed.
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk now Free

Thanks all..it's just that in the basement at my job I don't get service with tmobile and my job depend on it..anyways. .With all the inputs I finally got the phone from best buy. Couldn't belive the first Verizon store I went to didn't have it.. best buy did..Am part of the VZ family now..thanks again
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