Mobile Phone plans

[banana21]

Hi guys,

Didn't see this on the forum though I'm sure it exists somewhere (can someone pls point the thread out to me?): I'm scouting around for mobile phone plans in the US and have narrowed it down to 2:

1. Verizon

2. AT&T

My question is, care to share what network provider you are with and which plan you're on and why? Normal phone or smartphone? Pre-paid or Contract?

I've got an iPhone from my residence country (Singapore) but was told I can't use it with the SIM Cards here. Also, I will be getting a social security number but was told that even if I have one, I can't wriggle out of the security deposit if I don't have any credit history.

Anyone have the same questions?

Thanks!

-banana21

PS: All those in the way of Hurricane Irene, looks like the worst is over, but stay safe nonetheless!

[Strangefox]

I am using AT&T. I am an international student and I was told that my cell phone would not work with US sim cards. However, it works so I did not have to buy a new one - which is awesome. There is a chance that your iPhone with work with ATT's sim. I was told, actually, that iPhones usually do work with American sims, no matter where they were bought. I give no guarantee but there is hope If it does not work though you will have to buy a local cell phone. And most probably you will not be able to use a contract because you have no credit history in the US so you would have to deal with deposit. And deposits are huge here. ATT wants 500 bucks! If you want to use your iPhone with American sim card, Verizon is out of the question because they have no sim cards at all. So go to an ATT office and ask them to try putting their sim card in your iPhone. If it works - you are lucky Then you can use their unlimited prepaid plan (no contact) which is 50 bucks a month for unlimited talking, texting and data (internet), which is not a bad deal compared with other plans that are out there.

If you have more questions, feel free to ask

[newms]

I'm using Virgin Mobile's prepaid plan. I'm international too and would have needed to put down a huge deposit like Strangefox, if I were to get a contract phone. Virgin Mobile has $35, $45 and $55 monthly plans with unlimited data. They have a couple mid range Android phones that, while more expensive than what you would pay for with a contract plan, work out to be a lot cheaper in the long run, considering there's no contract involved and it's only $35 - $55 per month.

Edited August 29, 2011 by newms

[banana21]

Thanks guys!

To add on, I heard from my friend today that T-mobile also has unlimited data for $50 per month, without contract. Virgin plans sound great with unlimited data at $35 though I guess with the plans you would need to purchase a mobile set.

I am also tempted with AT&T. I guess with this, at least I have narrowed down to 3 network providers cost-wise(I heard Verizon has the best coverage, but in general, Boston is pretty well covered already by the rest of the network providers as well):

1. AT&T

2. T-Mobile

3. Virgin

Verizon is a bit pricey and I am forced to buy a mobile set with that because of the SIM card issue.

Thanks guys. I'll scout around and if I find out anything new, will post here for the benefit of other readers.

-banana21