Americans, mobile provider?
 

I've been using Verizon since the 4s, am considering switching. Was looking at my bill yesterday and after speaking with one of their representatives, they seem to charge a monthly fee simply for being with them. I have my data plan, $40 a month, and then a $25 a month "connection" fee. I thought that seemed really strange, do all of the providers do the same thing?

Any thoughts on Virgin Mobile? Network any good? They have a 3 gigabyte plan for $45.

Virgin Mobile is Sprint, so if the Sprint Network in your area is strong...Virgin runs in the same network.

I checked the Sprint chart, it seems pretty good nationally. My whole area is solid green.

I've been on Sprint for about 15 years now and have had no complaints. If the service is good, I'd recommend it. Virgin has used their network for years, so I don't suspect they're going anywhere.

I use AT&T here in the NY/NJ area. Fucking expensive but I have the family plan with 4 phones.

Besides Sly, haven't you learned not to go with a virgin by now? I mean really man.....LOL

I have as well, for 15 years, and have zero complaints about Sprint.

I too have been using Verizon for years, since 2001 or so - when I first got my cell phone. I used to have a great deal with unlimited data, but over the past two years the price has shot up. We are spending $350 for four phones with 12 gigs of data - and our data plan is clearly not enough.

I saw a commercial for Sprint this morning and have a plan for four phones at $100 a month. That's a lot less than what I am paying.

I use Virgin mobile works great, half the price of T-Mobile

Sly,

Check out Moto X (2nd Gen.), Moto E (2nd Gen.) No contract cell phone plans | Republic Wireless.

Page plus.. Verizon network reseller.

I have heard of this network but I don't know anyone using it. I'm guessing it's like the various Cricket style networks? I've heard that Cricket coverage is sort of weak, I'm guessing some of these are as well?

Network strength is an issue for me. I know that Virgin Mobile works at my place, I will probably go with them. It's a nice package too, better than what I have for about 30% less.

Thanks for the input everyone. Any other networks nailing you with that connection fee?

I finally got away from contract phones a few mos back. My verizon bill got out of control. I now use Total Wireless and it's on verizon's network. I get 2 lines for $60 total with 5 gigs shared data. For 3 lines it's $85 with 9gigs.

Wow that's pretty good, I'll check them out.

the only bad is it's 3g and it doesn't allow roaming off other networks so be sure to check out verizon prepaid network map for coverage.

I haven't had any issues with it so far. Here is the phone I went with. Wow it's a lot cheaper than when I bought mine.
Total Wireless LG 41C Ultimate 2 Prepaid Android Smartphone - Walmart.com

The Moto E is a joke of a phone cause that was going to be my 1st choice. No flash or auto focus so you can't use the scanner apps.

I use cricket wireless. They are an ATT reseller so you won't get any roaming but ATT has really good coverage.

I get 20gigs of data and they don't care if you tether for $55/mth, which is the main reason I use them.

Not like Cricket. Republic uses Wifi first then falls back to Sprint. Virgin uses Sprint as well. Republic is betting that you will be using Wifi primarily since it is ubiquitous. I pay $35/month for TWO phones on the service. I use about 1/2 GB of cell data per month per phone because I am either on wifi at home or my office, or in restaurants, or in stores. You can buy additional 1/2 GB blocks for $7.50 per month and they refund you back whatever amount under those blocks you don't use.

That seems way to high.:(
I'm paying Verizon $110 a month for a plan with 10 GB shared data for an iPhone & an iPad with no monthly contract. I bought the hardware outright when I signed up with Verizon. Initially I thought there would be a 2 year contract, but my account says I'm just on a month to month plan. Maybe this is a mistake and I should just keep my mouth shut...

If you are paying that much, you should call them up and tell them you are thinking about changing providers and ask them if they have a more competitive pricing plan available for you. It doesn't hurt to ask. Good luck.