Posted by MistarellaFL on 9/11/12 11:03am
Msg #433890

Anyone using StraightTalk for cell service?

I've been using Boost Mobile for a couple of years now, and often have blackouts and there are more than a few areas where I don't get coverage her in SWFL.
Verizon has the best coverage in my area, but I can't spend 4X the cost for Verizon.

Someone suggested I try StraightTalk, telling me that ST uses Verizon towers.
Just wondering if anyone could offer any advice or a testimonial for StraightTalk.

Reply by LindaD/NJ on 9/11/12 11:07am
Msg #433891

I have it. I will give it a good not great. n/m

Reply by Eva75Eva on 9/11/12 11:11am
Msg #433893

I have Straight Talk. It works great for my business. I buy the $30 plan (1000 minutes/1000 texts) which more than covers my normal call volume. The only downside is that the minutes do not carry over. Otherwise I think this is the cheapest prepaid phone service around.

Reply by JPH13/MO on 9/11/12 12:39pm
Msg #433907

I use T-Mobile - again $100 for 1,000 pre-paid minutes BUT they carry over to next year with a small new fee, I think it was $15 last year and gave me more minutes as well. Ultimately want an i-phone, but this works for now. They do have minor dead zones, I know of one in Iowa my husband drives thru to get to his favorite fishing spot, but coverage in my area (MO/KS) is very good.

Reply by SharonMN on 9/11/12 12:55pm
Msg #433912

I use Tracfone (same company). They run on either Verizon and ATT depending on the phone, so ensure the phone you select uses the network you want.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 9/11/12 1:07pm
Msg #433914

I am...am very happy n/m

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 9/11/12 1:09pm
Msg #433915

Just talked about this earlier today

See Msg #433870

Reply by Doris_CO on 9/11/12 1:44pm
Msg #433923

Re: Just talked about this earlier today

Is Straight Talk through Wal-Mart? And, can you carry your phone number with you when you switch?

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 9/11/12 3:37pm
Msg #433937

Re: Just talked about this earlier today

Walmart sells the phones and can set it up or you can go directly to the StraightTalk website, get a phone and set up a plan - that's what I did.

And yes, you can port your number.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 9/11/12 3:49pm
Msg #433939

The only thing is - and some may not like this

it's a prepaid plan - minutes do not roll over - of course if you have the unlimited plan at $45/month that's not an issue. However, No contract...unlimited talk, text and web - $45/month - can't beat that with a stick.

If you do not refill the phone by the service end date (and they give you plenty of warning), obviously the phone won't work - if you wait too long (maybe it just slipped your mind) you can reactivate the phone but be careful - you'll get a new phone number. That happened to me - I'd let the phone lapse on purpose - when I reactivated I had a new number so I just called them, told them the number would not work and they gave me my old one back.

Beware what phone you get - research them - phones ending with a G bounce off Sprint/Nextel towers....phones ending with a C bounce off Verizon towers....smartphone bounces off Verizon (cdma I believe).

Hope this helps.

Reply by Doris_CO on 9/11/12 4:15pm
Msg #433944

Re: The only thing is - and some may not like this

Great info Linda. Thank you.

Reply by linda/ca on 9/11/12 4:57pm
Msg #433955

Re: The only thing is - and some may not like this

I am now using the straight talk service, as well. Had no idea such a service existed until I heard about it on this forum so I thank them for that because, thus far, I am extremely pleased! As a Verizon customer for so many years I was somewhat skeptical.

As a few mentioned, make sure you purchase the phones that use Verizon towers if you want the best possible reception. The phone should come with a map with orange and blue colors indicating which tower it use; of course you can always ask.

Reply by MistarellaFL on 9/11/12 9:34pm
Msg #434008

Thanks for your feedback everyone! n/m