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Are there any free line rental deals in the US?


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Old 10-01-2007, 05:14
AlexD
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My other half is in the US and has a crappy PAYG mobile that uses credit to receive calls!

Are there any good cashback line rental deals available in the US, like the ones you get in the UK from companies listed on nocostmobiles.co.uk?

Failing that, where can you get a good deal on a mobile in the US?
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Old 10-01-2007, 15:22
prking
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You will still pay to receive calls with a contract. I'm afraid the US, is quite expensive compared to Europe. The cheapest route is to buy a block of call time on top of your contract minutes.
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Old 10-01-2007, 15:28
hobbes79
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Cingular and T-Mobile are both good places to look for deals in the US. Like has been said already, best way to go is to buy a block of mins (that is used for receiving AND making calls). I was there at the beginning of the year, and was paying about $40/month for 3000mins/month.

Failing all that, get Skype

EDIT: How long is she staying there? Most contract involve a 2 year minimum commitment, though she might be lucky and find an 18 month one.

Last edited by hobbes79 : 10-01-2007 at 15:33.
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Old 11-01-2007, 09:12
jaydun68
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I would recommend Cingulars Go Phone (But like has been previously said you have to pay to receive calls @ 10c a minute)

Outbound to anywhere in the US is again 10c a minute.
Calls to the UK are 49c a minute.

In addition there is a $1 a day usage fee, but only on the days you use the phone to make or recive a call.

SIMs are available from most Cingular Stores.

Top Up on Line or at most convenience stores (7-11 etc)

Minimum Top is $15 and is valid 30 Days, Top up $25 or more and its valid 90.

Hope this Helps
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Old 12-01-2007, 01:08
AlexD
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Originally Posted by hobbes79
Cingular and T-Mobile are both good places to look for deals in the US. Like has been said already, best way to go is to buy a block of mins (that is used for receiving AND making calls). I was there at the beginning of the year, and was paying about $40/month for 3000mins/month.

Failing all that, get Skype

EDIT: How long is she staying there? Most contract involve a 2 year minimum commitment, though she might be lucky and find an 18 month one.
Thanks for all your replies, everyone.

Unfortunately my other half is an American

Hasn't lived there for years, worked on an Aircraft Carrier touring the world before finally finding our beautiful island utopia and making a home here. Unfortunately had to go back last year for an unspecified period of time.

Sympathy and offers of comfort gratefully received!
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Old 12-01-2007, 03:31
Mr Cable
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Originally Posted by jaydun68
I would recommend Cingulars Go Phone (But like has been previously said you have to pay to receive calls @ 10c a minute)...
Sorry to confuse things, but I'd suggest that Virgin Mobile USA have a better deal for their 10c in/out calls.

Originally Posted by jaydun68
Calls to the UK are 49c a minute....
20c on Virgin Mobile USA

Originally Posted by jaydun68
In addition there is a $1 a day usage fee, but only on the days you use the phone to make or recive a call....
Compared with $6.99 per month on Virgin USA Pay as you go. Would they use the handset more than 7 days out of a month? If not, Cingular might be better after all.

Just like the UK, there's always a better deal for Contract Customers however allowances rarely include international calling.

If you've gone without this long, a Prepay Virgin Mobile USA handset sounds good.

Not trying to dump on Anyone here, honest! I just feel that Virgin could offer a better deal. We've used them while stateside and never had a problem.
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Old 12-01-2007, 09:16
jaydun68
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Yes on the face of it Virgin are cheaper but as I am only state side 4 or 5 times a year there are periods when my phone is not in use, so for me Cingular works out more economical.

I can use my Cingular SIM in my UK Mobile/PDA so I have continuation of my contacts and dont have to relearn how to use a different mobile

Cingular offer GPRS and in some areas VERY high Speed 3G Service at a reasonable tarriff.

I can top up my cingular phone online using a UK Credit Card or Pay Pal.

I originally used Virgin Mobile in the USA but found the coverage was poor, esp when in buildings or out of town.

My 2c worth anyway
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Old 12-01-2007, 13:50
hobbes79
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If you get a contract with say 3000mins, you should also consider getting a calling card. Sams Club did the best deal when I was there. The cards are $20 each and let you call the UK for 9cents/min. You dial a toll free number to use the card, which will count towards your included mins. But I never even got CLOSE to using up all 3000 mins/month (50 hours), so considered it a worthwhile thing to do. Just another option you could consider.

Last edited by hobbes79 : 12-01-2007 at 13:56.
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