We could lower our cell phone bill by going to consumer cellular through aarp.We don't tether, we hardly use our cell phones, just emergencies, and a few phone calls to family. Does anyone use it? If so, how is the coverage? Any hidden or surprise charges? We have at&t now, and have had no problem while traveling. We'd like to save some $$. Thank you for any help.

I tried them and all was well for just past the 30 day guarantee. My wife and I both lost cell service at the same time but the timing was awful because my best friend was dying in CA and we are in FL and I just couldn't afford to miss what might have been the last time I would talk to him.I was told to send back both phones and they would be repaired and returned; taking no more than 3 weeks. It was the only phones we had and couldn't take that chance. I ran back to Verizon to have my old phones reactivated. Consumer Cellular basically told me "You are past the guarantee period so we can do nothing for you". I was stuck with both phones and kept Verizon until I found Tracfone. This is absolutely the best cell deal there for me. Like you, I don't use it too much and I am not a smart phone kinda guy. My cell bills are now less than $10 per month.

I switched from AT&T to consumer cellular was able to keep my number and reduce my monthly charge by $29. and have 200 minutes could go lower as I seldom use those.If you have a AT&T phone you only need a new sim card from Consumer Cellular.

We've had Consumer Cell for years. Saves us about $45 a month at least. We just recently started using a couple of their smart phones and like them. They use AT&T as the carrier so coverage is pretty good in most cases. I would recommend them overall.Dave

My dh would get the 200 minute plan. Would I be able to get the second phone and share his minutes?

As an alternative, you can get 250 min per month plan on PagePlusCellular for $12. month using the Verizon Network. No activation charge if porting your current phone no. Can use most any existing Verizon phone, including Android/Apple 3G smartphones. Their customer service is rated higher than most service providers.

consumer cellular aarp | Good Sam Community

BuckBarker
Explorer
Mar 03, 2014
I tried them and all was well for just past the 30 day guarantee. My wife and I both lost cell service at the same time but the timing was awful because my best friend was dying in CA and we are in FL and I just couldn't afford to miss what might have been the last time I would talk to him.
I was told to send back both phones and they would be repaired and returned; taking no more than 3 weeks. It was the only phones we had and couldn't take that chance.
I ran back to Verizon to have my old phones reactivated. Consumer Cellular basically told me "You are past the guarantee period so we can do nothing for you". I was stuck with both phones and kept Verizon until I found Tracfone. This is absolutely the best cell deal there for me. Like you, I don't use it too much and I am not a smart phone kinda guy. My cell bills are now less than $10 per month.
stickdog
Explorer
Mar 03, 2014
I switched from AT&T to consumer cellular was able to keep my number and reduce my monthly charge by $29. and have 200 minutes could go lower as I seldom use those.

If you have a AT&T phone you only need a new sim card from Consumer Cellular.
harley-dave
Explorer
Mar 03, 2014
We've had Consumer Cell for years. Saves us about $45 a month at least. We just recently started using a couple of their smart phones and like them. They use AT&T as the carrier so coverage is pretty good in most cases. I would recommend them overall.

Dave
charlysmom_dad
Explorer
Mar 03, 2014
My dh would get the 200 minute plan. Would I be able to get the second phone and share his minutes?
1492
Moderator
Mar 03, 2014
As an alternative, you can get 250 min per month plan on PagePlusCellular for $12. month using the Verizon Network. No activation charge if porting your current phone no. Can use most any existing Verizon phone, including Android/Apple 3G smartphones. Their customer service is rated higher than most service providers.
tvman44
Explorer
Mar 03, 2014
I left AT&T and went with Net-10, $25.00 a month for 30 days & 1,000 minutes. Have been with them about 6 months and happy with them especially since AT&T was useless at our S&B, now I can use my cell at home. :)
Gulfcoast
Explorer
Mar 03, 2014
Read my lips... If anyone needs just a simple phone with no frills, I'd get a PagePlus phone and use their 2000-minute card which is good for 12-months. The $80 card with 2000-minutes divided by 12-months equals $6 and change per month... what a deal.
Shadow_Catcher
Explorer
Mar 03, 2014
Coverage out west is not good https://www.consumercellular.com/Home/CoverageMap
NEOK
Explorer
Mar 03, 2014
We changed from AT&T to Consumer Cellular and have been very pleased with the coverage and cost savings. You can increase or decrease your minutes and data plan anytime which gives great flexibility depending on your usage requirements.
rockhillmanor
Explorer
Mar 04, 2014
7 years traveling with ATT and have never been without service. While fellow campers with other providers each had their own no phone service problems.

I did go Iphone last year but then went from 65 to 105.00 then to 110.00 for JUST phone and text 900 minutes.

I went back to my old standby gophone, NO contract, ATT, 45 bucks/mo for unlimited text and calls.

And when I can find that little tray to accommodate the small sim from the gophone to be able to stick in my iphone for the same rate it will even be nicer.:C