Low-cost smart phone plans

Other discussions not related to the Permanent Portfolio

Moderator: Global Moderator

murphy_p_t
Executive Member
Executive Member
Posts: 1675
Joined: Fri Jul 02, 2010 3:44 pm

Re: Low-cost smart phone plans

Post by murphy_p_t » Tue Dec 08, 2015 11:39 pm

freedompop...totally free data 500 MB / month...use wifi and google talk for unlimited free calling, texts...i bought a used samsung siii through groupon, already installed with the freedompop software...couldn't be more happy...no more phone bills!
User avatar
Pointedstick
Executive Member
Executive Member
Posts: 8864
Joined: Tue Apr 17, 2012 9:21 pm
Contact:

Re: Low-cost smart phone plans

Post by Pointedstick » Wed Dec 09, 2015 10:36 am

murphy_p_t wrote: freedompop...totally free data 500 MB / month...use wifi and google talk for unlimited free calling, texts...i bought a used samsung siii through groupon, already installed with the freedompop software...couldn't be more happy...no more phone bills!
Does GPS/maps/navigation work transparently on your phone while it's connected through a FreedomPop device?
Human behavior is economic behavior. The particulars may vary, but competition for limited resources remains a constant.
- CEO Nwabudike Morgan
murphy_p_t
Executive Member
Executive Member
Posts: 1675
Joined: Fri Jul 02, 2010 3:44 pm

Re: Low-cost smart phone plans

Post by murphy_p_t » Wed Dec 09, 2015 1:05 pm

yes...i've used google maps on road.

for extensive use, you may need to purchase more data...

the default setting on my phone was to add more data, automatically billed to credit card...i naturally disabled this.
User avatar
Pointedstick
Executive Member
Executive Member
Posts: 8864
Joined: Tue Apr 17, 2012 9:21 pm
Contact:

Re: Low-cost smart phone plans

Post by Pointedstick » Wed Dec 09, 2015 1:07 pm

Brilliant. FreedomPop seems perfect for the high-data use case of GPS navigation.
Human behavior is economic behavior. The particulars may vary, but competition for limited resources remains a constant.
- CEO Nwabudike Morgan
murphy_p_t
Executive Member
Executive Member
Posts: 1675
Joined: Fri Jul 02, 2010 3:44 pm

Re: Low-cost smart phone plans

Post by murphy_p_t » Wed Dec 09, 2015 6:06 pm

i should clarify that my freedompop device is a samsung phone...its a second hand phone (sprint network) that came pre-configured with freedom pop...freedompop works over the sprint network (or wifi)
User avatar
vnatale
Executive Member
Executive Member
Posts: 9422
Joined: Fri Apr 12, 2019 8:56 pm
Location: Massachusetts
Contact:

Re: Low-cost smart phone plans

Post by vnatale » Thu Jan 23, 2020 8:26 pm

What is everyone's update on this?

In June 2018 I finally broke down and not only bought a phone (I'd bought several prior) but actually activated it (a first!).

My choice was Google Fi and bought a $200 Motorola phone. The plan costs $25 (all in) a month for unlimited text / phone and $10 month per GB of data (and would be only $2 if you used only .2 GB) that month.

I went with it because you can make calls over WiFi. I tried to go with Ting a year or two prior but the only place I could get service on my property was my driveway, which was not practical. And, in my office, I was frequently seeing people either go into the entrance vestibule or outside to make calls. Using WiFi my calls are fine in my office.

I've never paid for any data as I will only use data if I have WiFi access.

Today while I was eating out I put out my phone and my iPad mini on the table. I looked at the two of them. I put the phone on top of the iPad mini. Looking at them, in comparison, the phone represented a low information device compared to the iPad mini (and its larger cousin, the full iPad). And, it's infinitesimal information compared to being at this or any other computer.

https://fi.google.com

Since I started with it they now offer plans for three people.

Vinny
Above provided by: Vinny, who always says: "I only regret that I have but one lap to give to my cats." AND "I'm a more-is-more person."
User avatar
InsuranceGuy
Executive Member
Executive Member
Posts: 425
Joined: Sun Mar 29, 2015 1:44 pm

Re: Low-cost smart phone plans

Post by InsuranceGuy » Thu Jan 23, 2020 11:17 pm

[deleted]
Last edited by InsuranceGuy on Mon Mar 08, 2021 5:47 pm, edited 1 time in total.
User avatar
ochotona
Executive Member
Executive Member
Posts: 3353
Joined: Fri Jan 30, 2015 5:54 am

Re: Low-cost smart phone plans

Post by ochotona » Fri Jan 24, 2020 5:43 am

We use Mint also. It's fine. Motorola (Lenovo) phones
User avatar
InsuranceGuy
Executive Member
Executive Member
Posts: 425
Joined: Sun Mar 29, 2015 1:44 pm

Re: Low-cost smart phone plans

Post by InsuranceGuy » Fri Jan 24, 2020 8:31 am

[deleted]
Last edited by InsuranceGuy on Mon Mar 08, 2021 5:46 pm, edited 1 time in total.
User avatar
Xan
Administrator
Administrator
Posts: 4392
Joined: Tue Mar 13, 2012 1:51 pm

Re: Low-cost smart phone plans

Post by Xan » Fri Jan 24, 2020 12:21 pm

Doesn't it use T-Mobile's network?
User avatar
InsuranceGuy
Executive Member
Executive Member
Posts: 425
Joined: Sun Mar 29, 2015 1:44 pm

Re: Low-cost smart phone plans

Post by InsuranceGuy » Fri Jan 24, 2020 6:31 pm

[deleted]
Post Reply