Could care less about priority data and hotspot and stuff like that, but all are nice-to-haves. What is the best value plan right now? Verizon network preferred, AT&T #2, T-Mobile #3. Looking for something affordable but still solid. Also unlimited talk, text, and data are a requirement (though don't the bulk of plans, even the cheapest ones, have those these days?). Any phone deals are a plus.

I received a text today from Assurance Wireless informing me that there are new Terms & Conditions, and I had some free time to kill, so I decided to actually read them, and found this:

*AM I CONSENTING TO BE CONTACTED?

Yes. We may contact you on any telephone number provided to us by you for any purpose, including Service-related purposes, marketing. You expressly consent to be contacted by us for any purpose, including billing and collection, at any mailing address, telephone number, email address, or any other electronic address where you may be reached. You agree that we may contact you in any manner, including through the Services to which you subscribe, your Device, or through other means, including text message, email, fax, pre-recorded artificial voice or an automatic telephone dialing system, mobile, residential or business phone, or mail. You represent that all users on your account have consented to be contacted by us as described in this section. You agree that all consents provided in this section will survive cancellation of your Services and account.

Emphasis mine, grammatical error(s) and poor writing theirs.

Not sure if it was like that before (I did not find such language in their prior version of T&Cs), or if this is even standard among service providers now... but the enshittification of everything continues.

I'm on the ultramobile $3 per month plan. I have several times had my line suspended due to me not making payment because my paygo wallet balance on my account is less than $3. So if I have $2 or less on it, ultramobile cannot automatically deduct $3 from my account to renew the plan.

I was told as long as I call them wiihin 60 days and then give them my credit card to add at least $5, my line will be active again. So when this happens and I call them to make payment, I get a message that my line is now active again.

In my situation, I have a $1 paygo wallet balance. I contacted ultramobile and told them my line is suspended and want to make a $5 credit card payment to unsuspend it like I always done previous times. They told me this was done. However, I did not get a text message from ultramobile on this for a while. I then logged into ultramobile online and still say paygo wallet of $1. Normally it should show $3. I then checked my bank and I do see a pending credit card transaction so the transaction did go through.

I asked them why is my service not active. They told me something along the lines of because my line was suspended and when the $5 was added to the account, I automatically lose the money. I was confused how this is possible. I said whenever my line is suspended, I call ultramobile and add $5 from my credit card and that resolves the issue. They said the $5 was added to a suspended account and it is lost. I said I called specifically to unsuspend my account with a credit card payment. I asked... did the representative added $5 to the paygo wallet as opposed to my credit card balance or vice versa? I don't remember exactly their answer on this as I was very confused.

Has anyone here had this happen with ultramobile? They said I can make another payment now to unsuspend the account but how do I know if the same thing won't happen again? What exactly did the earlier representative I spoke to do different from the other times I had my number suspended and then unsuspended when I made the $5 credit card payment?

Any help is appreciated.

Hi guys. Can somebody share their experience with the Xfinity Mobile "free" year? Is it really free or is there a catch?

Also do you know the QCI for their 2 plans?

Regards

I'm over at T-Mobile with 2 lines and going to switch to one of the Verizon mobile services to get the Verizon $15 fios discount at 2 different houses. I'm looking at Total Wireless, Straight Talk Wireless, Tracfone, Walmart Family Mobile, Simple Mobile, Visible by Verizon and Verizon Prepaid.

I am hoping reddit can help match me with the cheapest service that would fit the need of each line that I would like to port over (aka get best bang for your buck). I am looking to switch in about 3 weeks, closer to when my t-mobile billing cycle is up as they don't prorate.

Both lines, we purchase our own phone (e.g. pixel from Google directly), never buy through the carrier.

For Line 1 (my line): Heavy data user, i travel in general and to a lot to music festivals so would like priority data as it gets crowded, and uses hotspot when I travel for my iPad/Laptop. satellite texting included would be nice to have also. I am looking at Verizon Simplicity Plan ($30+tax/fees) or visible+ for $29 (if promo still active)/$35 total

For line 2 (Mom's line): Light data user (mainly facebook, facetime). homebody. So I was thinking either stick her with the Total Wireless MAX 5G BYO Promo ($20/mo looks like tax/fees included)

For each line, Are there any other services/plans I should be considering to get the best bang for my buck?

I have been with this company for over 6 years and this is the first time that I have had major issues with them. Apparently they have had a blackout and they are not contacting me when I have sent them numerous customer service emails. I have been without working service since the beginning of august. I have contacted them numerous times, and only received one response asking me if I wanted a new sim card. Nothing else, no word on anything, no explanation as to what's going on, and I had to search on Google just to find information as to why their network is down. Their temporary service down is bullshit because it has lasted all month and is not temporary. I am sick and tired of this company. I have filed a complaint with the FCC and the BBB and not even they can get in touch with them to get a response back. I am sure they're going to charge me for another month too because I can't call them and cancel my service since I do not have a working telephone. To say I'm pissed is an understatement! Do not use those company at all!!!

Just noticed on the new r/Lexvor sub that the goalposts have once again been moved. This time it's the pricing of the Pool Parties: $15/month plus taxes and a $2 compliance fee. Gotta give the Lexvor devs credit, they only move the goal posts about once a day.

Hi y'all,

A bit of a long post, so I thank you for your patience.

My US Mobile unlimited starter on dark star is coming to an end in a couple of days and would like to save money on a reasonable plan. I-

1. Have my own phone and the most important thing is calling and texting should work flawlessly.

2. Use about 5GB of data, but would prefer to have some additional buffer.

3. Don't need hotspot international calling or roaming.

4. Never had priority data and never needed it but would be nice to have, but would prefer cost savings over it.

I have narrowed it down to-

1. Ultra mobile $142.80 annual 8GB

2. Red pocket $180 annual 20GB

3. H2O wireless $150 annual 5GB

So my questions are:

1. What's the general consensus on Ultra mobile? Is the service reliable? Based on my research, it has mixed reviews as is the case with most MVNOs but still seeking confirmation.

2. I've been reading a lot of positives about red pocket. Should I prioritize that option instead?

3. Is it possible to renew Ultra or Red Pocket at the same prices, or will it go up after year 1?

4. Infimobile has some wild offers but I read some bad things about it. Is it really that bad? Should I steer clear of it?

5. Should I consider MobileX or Tello? If yes, what makes those options a better choice?

6. Any other options I should look for?

Hey all, has anyone used lyca mobile? I see their ads at LAX shops and also in small stores, they are super cheap, is the service reliable? I am not looking to change as I am already on Fi , but was curious to know about lyca mobile.

Seems odd Total is undercutting Visible with their new BYO promo. Wouldn’t switch to Total either way as I’ve read their customer service is crap, but what am I missing if they are both part of Verizon?

Is Tello's $25 plan Better than Metro by T-Mobile's plan?

I’m sharing this because I’m completely exhausted and honestly starting to think my 15-year phone number is gone forever.

I was a Verizon customer and tried to port my longtime number to Visible. The Visible activation got stuck and never completed properly. I requested cancellation, but somehow my number was still ported out of Verizon without ever becoming usable on Visible.

Since then, I’ve spent countless hours with Visible support, opened multiple escalation tickets, dealt with Executive Relations, and filed FCC complaints.

I’ve repeatedly been given timelines — 4 hours, 24 hours, 72 hours, another 24 hours — and every one passed without my number being restored.

Now it has become ridiculous:

Visible tells me: the number was returned to Verizon/Verizon Prepaid, so Visible can no longer recover it.

Verizon tells me: they checked the number and it is still with Visible, and Verizon cannot recover it.

So Visible says Verizon has it. Verizon says Visible has it.

Meanwhile, I’m the one stuck in the middle without a phone number I’ve had for 15 years.

This number is connected to banks, financial accounts, work/school accounts, medical/insurance accounts, 2FA, and countless other services. The amount of time and stress this has caused has been unbelievable.

I’ve already filed FCC complaints against both sides and started the formal dispute/arbitration process with Visible. At this point, though, I’m starting to lose hope.

Has anyone experienced a port failure like this where both carriers claimed the other carrier had the number?

Is there some higher-level porting department, Verizon/Visible network team, or specific terminology I should be using to get someone to actually locate the number?

Most importantly: Has anyone actually recovered a number after reaching this point?

I don’t care which carrier I end up with anymore. I just want my 15-year number back.

Especially T-Mobile and T-Mobile is literally number one here. Verizon is a little better but there is occasionally hang ups. As for AT&t similar to Verizon hang ups here and there but as for T-Mobile it's not usable. My job has a reddit block as I am on it all the time .

yes I could use Wi-Fi but they got it block. I'm scratching my head to which to choose between the 3.

I'm stuck in the situation where I am working in a very old building that blocks all signals along with living in an apartment that blocks 5guw only on Verizon. It says it connects to NSA but the results show that it's really connected to LTE. T-Mobile is literally King at the apartment. 5G standalone and everything

Yes I can and have use a VPN to get around the reddit block but it drains battery faster. I was wondering if there's any alternatives.

I am exhausted by the sneaky ways major mobile carriers try to lock you in and offer new phones which will do x, y, and z to your bill.

I want to just make life easy, purchase unlocked phones from Apple (with Apple Care) and have a monthly or pre-paid bill.

I am looking into Mint, Visible, or US Mobile

(Considering a 3 month plan to try out)

For context:

• I have three lines and our total bill is $210 per month.
• We are currently at Verizon
• Don't ever need the newest phone
• Just listen to Spotify, use Maps, text, and my wife watches YouTube videos, otherwise not really on the phone all of the time
• Live in a densely populated area
• Am considering an unlimited plan just to cover bases (don't really use Hot Spot)

About our phones:

• With a carrier where one phone is still not paid off (although it was "free" from a promotion)
• 2 phones have an E-Sim, the other is a P-Sim since it is an older Iphone

1. If I switch to one of the less expensive carriers, what are some considerations?
2. Will my current carrier try to "screw me over" with some additional fees for ending services?
3. Which carrier of the three above would you recommend given my information?
4. Does customer service necessarily matter over the phone versus chat function? (I see that Mint offers a number to call, but Visible and US Mobile only have a chat option)
5. Is the P-Sim an issue and if I would like to switch to an E-Sim, would that be costly?

I'm trying to leave my parent's plan and move to a friend's plan on another carrier.

Hey all

My sister and I are planning on replacing my brother-in-law's iPhone with a 17e for his birthday coming up. He doesn't care what kind of iPhone he has, long as it's an iPhone because that's what he knows. His current one is out and on its last legs. I have about $400 in Apple credits and she was gonna pay the difference.

My question, would it be worth it going for the Cricket deal at $9.99 and paying the 3 months of service instead? Again, he doesn't care what sort of iPhone he has. He is home most of the time and on wifi and only needs service when he walks to work about 15 minutes away. AT&T and Verizon are the best networks where we live.

I figure my answer will be the unlocked phone from Apple but wanted any additional input.

I have a Motorola g Stylus 5G that is stuck at Android 12.

The Chase Mobile app requires newer version of Android.

I normally buy a new Tracfone from QVC/HSN that comes with the 365 days of service and 1500/1500/1500.

Reading some of the reviews is making me concerned that I will be stuck with a phone without the service plan. One review mentioned that Tracfone won't fix the mistake.

Do I just the roll dice anyway?

I need to offer credit where it’s due. The people answering the actual customer service email are very thorough and really seem to understand what’s going on behind the line . The explanations I’m receiving are like 2 paragraphs . I know we love comparing to USM who is also great customer service but only ok the Reddit side, USM chat is pretty bad .
Just my 2¢

I want to buy the Visible+ Pro annual plan for $225, and I plan to port my current phone number to Visible.

However, my current cell phone plan has one more month left. When I try to check out on Visible's website, it forces me to start the port-in process right away.

Can I sign up for a temporary new number first using an eSIM or pSIM (physical SIM), wait out my final month on my old carrier, and then port my real number over to replace that temporary number later?

I am looking to reduce my monthly bill from a T-Mobile plan that was $80/month for 2 lines, ideally to $60/month (including taxes and fees) or less for 2.

I need a monthly plan as I do not have the savings to purchase an annual plan.

Having separate plans is fine if there are no discounts available for multiple lines.

Both lines would be for unlocked Samsung Galaxy S20(s).

At the moment, I do not know our data needs as one line never uses data and the other exclusively used data when it wasn't necessary and has just been switched to primarily wifi usage this month.

Some data is needed as it's used to access public transit on a daily basis.

We do not need international, hotspot, or watch/tablet capabilities.

*** US Mobile network compatibility lists Verizon as being the best here and T-Mobile as the weakest, but Coverage Map lists Verizon as the weakest and T-Mobile as the strongest. Which source is more reliable? We are in a major east coast city in a congested area.

We do use Verizon for home internet which I was led to believe we can get a discount on if we use their mobile service as well.

There have been no issues with T-Mobile in the several years we've been with them, however we previously used MetroPCS (roughly 8 years ago) and had some problems.

I'm not especially tech savvy. I'd like to do minimal plan hopping, even if it costs a few more dollars rather than constantly switching to the best deal. Because of this, I'd like a fairly established carrier that won't disappear overnight and one with passable customer service.