Need new cell phones

WNYBob wrote:
Hi, anyone using Visible as a cell phone carrier? They are a MVNO, a carrier that uses Verizon network. They have one plan unlimited! $40 all in a month no contract! They only support iPhones and Samsung S9 or 9+. Should I switch?

I currently have Blackberry phones and T-Mobile, can't add apps to the phone and signal is spotty. I pay $70 /month all in for 3 lines unlimited.

Verizon quoted $120/month for two phones!

I am partial to iPhone. Also check for phones that have been traded in for people who want to up grade their old phone. But more importantly, what carrier gives the best coverage in the areas you most frequently traveling in or located.

I am partial to android phones.

I am on my second unlocked android phone that will work on most if not all carriers, currently using a Google Pixel 3 on Verizon network. Will never go back to a carrier provided phone that locks me into a contract and carrier apps that cannot be uninstalled.

Depends on your type of phone usage and how much you travel and how much coverage you expect...unless it's just about the all in money.

I just switched to Visible. $40/month for unlimited everything. Their data is limited to 5 Mb/s and you can only connect one device at a time to the hotspot. You can only have one cell on an account. If you want two phones you will need two accounts, each costing $40. If you can live with these limitations, it's a great bargain.

Porting my number was a simple process, BUT you better hope you never have a problem because their customer support is a joke. The only means of contacting them is by chat session or text message. You can not call them.

You need a WiFi connection to get started. I activated my phone on Tuesday and all seemed to go well until I discovered I had talk and text but no internet. I was using my old phone for my internet connection and since that phone now has no service, I no longer have internet and there is no information on how to text message them. I head for my library to get a WiFi connection and start a chat session. After about an hour of trying various things with no resolution, it is deemed that I have a serious problem and my case will be "expedited" and someone will contact me in 3 to 5 days. Yes that's days not hours. It is now Saturday morning and I have been to the library three times to check status of my ticket. Each time I get the same run-around stating they are working on my problem. During my last chat session Thursday I asked if a factory reset might be an option. After several chat sessions and text messages no one had suggested a factory reset. I did a reset and all is good. I haven't told them that I fixed the problem. It is now Saturday morning and have not heard from them yet.

So, if you intend to keep your existing phone number, DO NOT port it over to start with. Once everything is working then port your number.

AsheGuy wrote:
I am on my second unlocked android phone that will work on most if not all carriers, currently using a Google Pixel 3 on Verizon network. Will never go back to a carrier provided phone that locks me into a contract and carrier apps that cannot be uninstalled.

Amen to that!

Folks, if you haven't done so already, dig into your phone app permissions and see what you are allowing those apps to do. Scary.

I personally like iPhones due to their simplicity and solid hardware.

macjom wrote:
I personally like iPhones due to their simplicity and solid hardware.

Tech support is outstanding for Apple iPhones & Lap tops. I have 7/24 support via phone or chat room. I especially like the "screen share" feature where I can permit tech support to temporarly take control of my computer in order to resolve any issues. This feature is much more efficient and less frustrating for me.

The same thing is true of windows. I first used that feature in 1993.

I favor Samsung and have received top notch support. But then, I only need it once every 3 years.

MarkTwain wrote:
Tech support is outstanding for Apple iPhones & Lap tops. I have 7/24 support via phone or chat room. I especially like the "screen share" feature where I can permit tech support to temporarly take control of my computer in order to resolve any issues. This feature is much more efficient and less frustrating for me.

Lot of people can't believe that I spend $20 a month for 2 androids.
It is prepaid from Tracfone, so good for people who use the phones for fast communication, not for spending "quality time" on them.
Since I have them for years, I accumulated several thousands of minutes and couple of Gb for data, that I use for emergency directions, or email check.
They did offer free phones for years, but last time I wanted android, so spend hefty $29 for Samsung with them.