PagePlus just did some major renovations, allowing 4g phones and sim cards, but as a result they also killed the ability to root CDMA phones.
I got a Moto G and was tempted to get another via Boost Mobile after the first screen shattered, but the inability to use those phones anymore kinda put an end to that idea.
JohnRW: I was really on the fence about Fi, but the coverage maps are a lot better than when I first asked about this a few months ago. If I find it doesn't work for me, I can just go back to Straight Talk. I am a Google fanboy, so I just have to try it.
Off-topic: have you tried the new google photos??? unlimited photo storage and some pretty cool search/recognition for "filing".
Off-topic 2: I have a Pebble Time coming next week. Pretty excited about a smart watch with real battery life.
So here's a related question, if I were to buy an unlocked GSM phone and switch to whatever, will I be able to keep my phone number? Seems like the info I've found so far varies.
Yes, you should be. Some providers may make it more awkward than others but IIRC you're allowed to port your number from every provider to every other provider.
We moved from Verizon to T-Mobile and took our numbers with us, no problem at all.
Cool, thanks! I'm thinking that for now at least, I'm going to Straight Talk with the phone I have. It seems to work well enough still. But I may change my mind at the last minute.
slowride wrote: So here's a related question, if I were to buy an unlocked GSM phone and switch to whatever, will I be able to keep my phone number? Seems like the info I've found so far varies.
GSM vs CDMA:
These are two types of digital signal transmission. You need the right kind of handset to work with the right company.
GSM companies: ATT and TMo
CDMA companies: VZ and Sprint.
Buying an unlocked GSM handset will only give you the ability to be a ATT of TMo customer.
When it comes to CDMA, VZ is pretty darn territorial. There pretty much needs to be a VZ logo somewhere on that handset for it to work with VZ.
Keep phone number:
This is known as "porting" your phone number.
Lets say you are leaving VZ and going to ST. The port is completed through the new company, in this case ST.
You provide ST with your VZ account number and account passcode. All the info has to match exact such as name spelling and address. This way, ST can prove that you are the genuine customer since you provide this security info. If you do not know this security info, call VZ and get this info WHILE YOU ARE STILL A VZ CUSTOMER. Better yet, even if you think you know the info, before leaving VZ, call VZ and confirm the info that they have on you.
Once you have this info, give it to ST. ST will contact VZ on your behalf, discontinue your VZ service and begin your new ST service with your old number.
Be sure that WHILE YOU ARE STILL A VZ CUSTOMER you verify with VZ that you will not incur any early termination fees or other penalties if you quit them at this time.
I am on Fi now!
I just ordered an Alcantel Idol 3. Busted my last phone this week in my pocket and decided it was time for an upgrade. The Idol has some really good reviews and solid midrange specs. I am little worried about the size though. Will be continuing on ATT sans contract with pre ATT Next discounts. If I get tired of their E36 M3, I will likely try out Ting's GSM network or something similar.
slowride wrote: So here's a related question, if I were to buy an unlocked GSM phone and switch to whatever, will I be able to keep my phone number? Seems like the info I've found so far varies.
Yes. Weather you are with CDMA now or GSM now, you will be able to keep your number. If you can't, get with a different company.
Still recommending Ting to you. Especially if you're able to be on WiFi often.
I was just checking Ting out, but my phone is not compatible. Thanks though!
slowride wrote: I was just checking Ting out, but my phone is not compatible. Thanks though!
What phone do you have?
Galaxy S3. I put in my IMEI and it said no dice.
slowride wrote: Galaxy S3. I put in my IMEI and it said no dice.
That is quite surprising.
slowride wrote: I've been looking around for a way to lower my cell phone bill (currently on Verizon but my contract is over) and am thinking about using Consumer Cellular. However, the phones they have aren't the greatest. They have a "bring your own phone" thing, and I've noticed there are a lot of phones I've never heard of (ie, Asus Zenphone, Plum, OnePlus One, Oppo, etc). Are any of these worthwhile? fwiw, I have a galaxy s3 right now.
I absolutely LOVE my OnePlus One. However, as a carrier, T-Mobile sucks around here. Half the time I forget how much I hate them with my OnePlus One. Other times I wish OnePlus One supported verizon, I'd take my phone there in a heartbeat. I also had a Galaxy S3. I replaced the USB port in it not once, not twice, but three times. It still has issues. Thankfully all I use that phone for is for music in my car. The OnePlus one does literally everything I want, super fast, lots of memory, great phone. But I think that verizon has amazing service, so you'd be leaving a good carrier for the phone. The S3 sort of feels like a big grumpy creature that craps itself every time you push a button. It just takes a giant steamy dump in your hand, reboots itself, cries every chance it gets, and then once in a while it throws a tantrum and USB stops working, and the only solution is replacing the port.
The OnePlus One feels like I'm holding an extremely thin version of a texas instruments calculator (because it is huge, but thin), that shoots laser beams and could potentially solve world peace and hunger since it's so powerful. On the other hand... carriers are unlimited, even though it's unlocked.
You'll need to log in to post.
