TracFone - Activation Error

[kvncsta]

Purchased a brand new TracFone and have been attempting to activate it.
After entering the IMEI number on the site, it asks for a zip code.
I have tried literally 50 zip codes and every single one comes back with an error stating "There is no coverage in the zip code you provided".
I have used the same zip codes before so not sure what the deal is.

Anyone else ever gotten this error?
Cant move forward without a number.

[bjammin]

I have never had this issue in all my years. I actually activated a tracfone today with no issues. Best thing I can suggest is call tracfone:
800-867-7183 and speak to a representative.

[123]

Yeah call their support, I only had one issue with them in the past and they were helpful

[nickopedia]

Tracefone's site is sometimes buggy. Try clearing your cookies and/or using a different browser to activate. Failing that, they can activate over the phone.

Have had errors with TracFone in the past. Could be worth it to throw away/return the phone if it the customer service never replies.

Too much hassle for the funds involved

[kvncsta]

Originally Posted by Speeder33

Have had errors with TracFone in the past. Could be worth it to throw away/return the phone if it the customer service never replies.

Too much hassle for the funds involved

Yeah, planning to simply get another one today, hopefully the error doesn't occur with this one too.

[nickopedia]

Tracefone is just plain flaky, and their customer service usually isn't that much better. They are certified idiots.

[kvncsta]

Originally Posted by nickopedia

Tracefone is just plain flaky, and their customer service usually isn't that much better. They are certified idiots.

Perhaps but what other service would you recommend?
To be fair, I have used them for years and this is the first problem I've had with their service.

[nickopedia]

Do some research into prepaid plans, there are many out there.

There's a new cost-effective prepaid player on the block called Ting Mobile that may work for you.

[kvncsta]

Update. I bought another new one, getting same error...WTF

[nickopedia]

Originally Posted by kvncsta

Update. I bought another new one, getting same error...WTF

Did you call Tracfone customer service and ask them what's going on?

[kvncsta]

Called them and was told the TracFone I was buying was 'brandless' ... ?! ... bought these brand new from Best Buy...
Anyways they were able to activate it over the phone, but still not sure what the deal is. Cant spend 40 minutes on the phone every time I pickup a new TracFone.

[Payelectronica]

"Cant spend 40 minutes on the phone every time I pickup a new TracFone".

This why i struggle to call Tracfone for a number change. I fear it may take just as long as the over the phone activation process.

[nickopedia]

I'd rather goto the dentist for a root canal than deal with Tracfone's customer service. When possible, I order pre-activated sim's or phones from eBay, saves a lot of hassle.

[Omgoozle]

I just want to chime in and say I had this same problem 2 weeks ago and spent 2 hours on the phone with a woman who barely knew english who insisted on SCREAMING into the phone to talk to me. It was one of the most frustrating customer service calls ive ever placed in my life.

I am currently researching tracfone alternatives.

[robjobs]

Sims + Prepaid phones = Saves a lot of hassle.