Tracfone Alternative

pirate1122 · #1 10-27-2015

So it seems tracfones are out of the picture. Just used one a few weeks ago so this is really sad. Have 6 sitting under my desk right now. So what's the current alternative you plan to immediately turn to?

I know Skype charges per minute/text or $3 a month for calls and text to US and Canada. Anyone have experience with it? Do you have to buy a phone. Can you use the number, make a google voice, use the GV on paypal and the Skype on ebay?

jeffweico · #2 10-27-2015

Tracfone can still be used, they just got more expensive.

#3 10-27-2015

Many stealthers are currently looking for a cheaper alternative.

There may not be one. Paying $1 per new "real" phone number was dirt cheap. It may be time to move on.......

pirate1122 · #4 10-27-2015

Anyone know how trustworthy calling mart is? They offer $10 refills (instant with purchase)

Calling Mart - Tracfone Data Plan

newjerseymax · #5 10-27-2015

Phone with exchangeable sim cards is a good way to go.

I use tossibledigits for about 20 phone numbers around $30 a month. I have had same numbers for years and can change them anytime.

#6 10-27-2015

Quote:

Originally Posted by newjerseymax

Phone with exchangeable sim cards is a good way to go.

I use tossibledigits for about 20 phone numbers around $30 a month. I have had same numbers for years and can change them anytime.

Haven't heard somebody mention tossibledigits for years

jeffweico · #7 10-28-2015

The problem is, most VOIP providers WILL work to verify your eBay account (if the text does not work, they can call you) but your limits will always come out at 5/500.

I have been testing MANY providers. Some don't work at all, some work and the limits are 5/500, one even told me to take my business elsewhere as soon as they saw I was verifying eBay and PayPal - they called two hours later and closed the account.

I don't think VOIP is the answer, unless maybe you find a provider with GOOD NUMBERS.

Until I can find a better solution, I am still using TracFones. Yes, their new deal sucks, but what else can we do?

unkown5454 · #8 10-28-2015

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffweico

I don't think VOIP is the answer, unless maybe you find a provider with GOOD NUMBERS.

Until I can find a better solution, I am still using TracFones. Yes, their new deal sucks, but what else can we do?

First, VoIP issues have nothing to do with the numbers. It's the tech itself. VoIP can be detected by any system because of the signals sent when connecting.

Second, there's a ton of choices other than Trac. It has just become the go-to technique and has made everyone lazy with tunnel vision.

pirate1122 · #9 10-28-2015

Quote:

Originally Posted by unkown5454

First, VoIP issues have nothing to do with the numbers. It's the tech itself. VoIP can be detected by any system because of the signals sent when connecting.

Second, there's a ton of choices other than Trac. It has just become the go-to technique and has made everyone lazy with tunnel vision.

What do you suggest?

xradiatorman · #10 10-28-2015

Tracfone is only about $11 more to me it is worth it I make my accounts un-linkable

jeffweico · #11 10-29-2015

Quote:

Originally Posted by unkown5454

First, VoIP issues have nothing to do with the numbers. It's the tech itself. VoIP can be detected by any system because of the signals sent when connecting.

Second, there's a ton of choices other than Trac. It has just become the go-to technique and has made everyone lazy with tunnel vision.

OK, whatever it may be, but VOIP will not work for me. I have one VOIP provider that WILL work, but each n umber is an $8 setup fee and then $8.95 per month. So, it is a bit on the expensive side.

unkown5454 · #12 10-29-2015

Quote:

Originally Posted by pirate1122

What do you suggest?

$4.99 T-mobile SIM kit at Best Buy is a good and easy place to start. $3/month to keep the phone number alive.

glacier922 · #13 10-29-2015

First month included?

Quote:

Originally Posted by unkown5454

$4.99 T-mobile SIM kit at Best Buy is a good and easy place to start. $3/month to keep the phone number alive.

unkown5454 · #14 10-29-2015

Quote:

Originally Posted by glacier922

First month included?

No, but T-Mobile.com will run promos to get the same kit for 99 cents on their website. I just prefer picking stuff up in the store because usually I shop last minute.

Then you add $10 prepaid card plus $1 service fee/tax. But, that $10 card covers 3 months of service since you can keep the SIM alive for only $3/month. That will give you 30 minutes of talk time OR 30 texts each month.

So, to get started with kit and service for 3 months costs $16 from Best Buy or $12 when T-Mob runs their promo. Get cheap GSM phones on Crai/gs/list or use ones you already have. Or, you can can even buy big bulk lots of used/damaged but still working phones on EB.

glacier922 · #15 10-29-2015

Gotcha. Still a bit expensive when you need even less than that. I'm using a prepaid cell provider that's about 6 bucks for a month, for one phone number. The thing is that I usually know how to get limits, sometimes higher than 10/1000 about 60% of the time with tracfone so far. Sometimes tracfone gives you the 10/1000.

The thing is with this simple mob is that the max I have gotten so far is 10/1000, and one I got 5/500! A new low. But I only tried 3 phone numbers with simple mob.

Maybe tmobile would be more like tracfone.

Quote:

Originally Posted by unkown5454

No, but T-Mobile.com will run promos to get the same kit for 99 cents on their website. I just prefer picking stuff up in the store because usually I shop last minute.

Then you add $10 prepaid card plus $1 service fee/tax. But, that $10 card covers 3 months of service since you can keep the SIM alive for only $3/month. That will give you 30 minutes of talk time OR 30 texts each month.

So, to get started with kit and service for 3 months costs $16 from Best Buy or $12 when T-Mob runs their promo. Get cheap GSM phones on Crai/gs/list or use ones you already have. Or, you can can even buy big bulk lots of used/damaged but still working phones on EB.

unkown5454 · #16 10-29-2015

Simple Mobile runs on T-Mob. But, this is just something you will have to experiment with on your own. That's all I have ever done. I have other cell providers in my stable, but for various reasons and each have their own benefit. Another one, which runs on AT&T, is H20 which you can get almost anywhere and has been recommended by a few users here. I have not used it myself, but it's readily available and cheap and I see some of their cheap phones in gas stations.

You just have to look around to see what fits you best. And as I have said previously, there are different prepaid services all over the USA who are region specific. So, you may be able to find a good one that no one else can use.

parhoon · #17 10-29-2015

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffweico

OK, whatever it may be, but VOIP will not work for me. I have one VOIP provider that WILL work, but each n umber is an $8 setup fee and then $8.95 per month. So, it is a bit on the expensive side.

Is it top secret. please pm me which provider is it!

dealagreeproceed · #18 10-30-2015

people theres so many options especially in the usa

Hercules · #19 10-30-2015

This is not the subject but tracfone is even bigger than Verizon when it comes to IP addresses. They have a deal to use everyones service/cell polls I've read. So if you can find a way to jail break a tracfone or whatever app and keep the most cheapo service with them it can be cost effective for internet service.

pirate1122 · #20 10-30-2015

Quote:

Originally Posted by unkown5454

No, but T-Mobile.com will run promos to get the same kit for 99 cents on their website. I just prefer picking stuff up in the store because usually I shop last minute.

Then you add $10 prepaid card plus $1 service fee/tax. But, that $10 card covers 3 months of service since you can keep the SIM alive for only $3/month. That will give you 30 minutes of talk time OR 30 texts each month.

So, to get started with kit and service for 3 months costs $16 from Best Buy or $12 when T-Mob runs their promo. Get cheap GSM phones on Crai/gs/list or use ones you already have. Or, you can can even buy big bulk lots of used/damaged but still working phones on EB.

Is this the card for 3 months?

(Email Delivery) T-Mobile $10 Wireless Service - Walmart.com

Also does the sim kit include any free time or do you need the card to active?

unkown5454 · #21 10-30-2015

Quote:

Originally Posted by pirate1122

Is this the card for 3 months?

(Email Delivery) T-Mobile $10 Wireless Service - Walmart.com

Also does the sim kit include any free time or do you need the card to active?

SIM Kit is just for activation. $4.99 at best Buy or 99 cents at T-Mobile.com from time to time. Normally they will charge $15 for the same exact kit.

Then, airtime must be bought at a minimum of $10, but the service is $3/month so you are basically covering for 3 months.

pirate1122 · #22 10-30-2015

Quote:

Originally Posted by unkown5454

SIM Kit is just for activation. $4.99 at best Buy or 99 cents at T-Mobile.com from time to time. Normally they will charge $15 for the same exact kit.

Then, airtime must be bought at a minimum of $10, but the service is $3/month so you are basically covering for 3 months.

I already have a gsm phone. So If I complete the following order, I'll have a new number, 30 minutes, and 3 months of service?: (also checked tmobile your right. I could get 3 sims for $2.97 :D )