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jimates
- Senior Member - 1K
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posted: Jun. 1, 2008 @ 10:48p 
disposable said:.
has tacfone managed to find human beings to answer the phones that understand english in the last year or so?
I haven't had a problem with them understanding me. I do have much better luck with the female CSRs, and can understand them a little better.
When the men answer the phone they just sound like they would rather be somewhere else, doing something other than helping me. |
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jimates
- Senior Member - 1K
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posted: Jun. 1, 2008 @ 10:58p
WingsOverVirginia said:
That hasn't been true in many if not most areas for over a year now. T-Mobile service uses the service and antennaes from all three (Cingular/AT&T/TMobile) interchangably. Service throughout Virginia was spotty at best when it was just T-Mobile but with the merger first the Cingular towers came on line and then the AT&T ones. We now have service most everywhere and it is mostly on AT&T towers (it will tell you on the phone's display). For the price for having phones for the kids the T-Mobile prepaid ToGo service is the cheapest option with the best reception.
I don't know if you are referring to Tracfones coverage or TMobile to Go.
My reference is to Tracfone based on my experience and research. In my area I have both TMobile and AT&T. TMobile is only good along the main road. AT&T is by far the best signal in my area. I can activate a phone on TMobile and it does not roam to AT&T even when the TMobile signal is near nothing.
What I said was, if a Tracfone is activated on TMobile, it will not roam to AT&T (even though AT&T has a better signal) as long as TMobile service can be picked up. |
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jimates
- Senior Member - 1K
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posted: Jun. 1, 2008 @ 11:06p
JimBones said:
It might not be an issue for you depending on your usage, but from what I understand, The minutes you add to your TMobile phone don't carry over. Once that year on the 1000/1Year card is over your unused minutes expire. Assuming you have a Tracfone with "Double Minutes For Life" and you add the 400min/1year card (400 normal minutes + 400 DMFL + 200 Bonus minutes = 1000 minutes) to your phone, those minutes will last as long as your phone has airtime. ex. add a 60 minute card with 90 days of airtime to a phone after adding a year card and you'll now have 455 days before your minutes expire. Using that senario it is also more expensive to text, and possibly MMS.
I don't know what jimates meant by convenient, he knows more about these things than I do (I don't know alot), but I thought I'd put that out there.
You can activate your TMobile to Go and if you add a $100 card you immediately get Gold Rewards status. This will give you 1150 (1000 + 15%) minutes and 1 year of service. Anytime within that year you can add a $10 card and get more minutes and another 1 year of service starting from the date you add the $10 card. All unused minutes carry over to the new expiration date.
You can add a $10 card on the last day of service and your unused minutes, and the new minutes will carry over for 1 year. The longer you keep the service the cheaper your average monthly cost is.
The first years cost would be: The phone & $100 card.
The second years cost would be: $10 I wish TMobile service was better in my area, I wouldn't be using Tracfone and Net10. |
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JimBones
- Member
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posted: Jun. 1, 2008 @ 11:21p
alohamora said:JimBones said:
It might not be an issue for you depending on your usage, but from what I understand, The minutes you add to your TMobile phone don't carry over. Once that year on the 1000/1Year card is over your unused minutes expire.
I'm just going to quote from the T-Mobile FAQ on that subject, see the last line especially --
When do T-Mobile Prepaid minutes expire?
Unused T-Mobile Prepaid minutes expire over a given amount of time. That time varies based on the dollar denomination of the last refill applied to your account and/or whether or not you have reached Gold Rewards status. For non-Gold reward customers, unused minutes will expire 90 days from the date you applied a $10, $25, or $50 refill to your account.
If you applied a $100 refill to your account or have already reached Gold Reward status, all unused minutes won't expire for one year from the date you last applied airtime to your account.
To help ensure that you never lose your unused minutes, T-Mobile will send you a text message when your account is within 5 days of expiring. That way, you'll have plenty of time to refill your account and carry forward any unused minutes to your new expiration date. Thanks. I looked for that information but couldn't find it. |
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jimates
- Senior Member - 1K
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posted: Jun. 1, 2008 @ 11:27p
alohamora said:
Hi jimates, great job starting this this thread!
I do wish to take issue with your statement about GSM5AT however. My zip code was originally GSM4, although T5 SIMs would also work if activated here.
Stores still only sell P4 phone packages around here. But a few months ago, this zip was changed to GSM5AT.
And some of the 2fers I ordered using my own zip code were fullfilled with retail T5 (not refurbished) phones. My guess is they have gotten a better deal on airtime from T-Mobile and are now more willing to activate on T-Mobile than they were in the past.
although T5 SIMs would also work if activated here.
They would work but Tracfone prefers AT&T, that is why it was GSM4 Stores still only sell P4 phone packages around here.
That is because Tracfone prefers AT&T But a few months ago, this zip was changed to GSM5AT. And some of the 2fers I ordered using my own zip code were fullfilled with retail T5 (not refurbished) phones.
All the 2fer deals were filled with phones that had TMobile sim cards, no matter what the zip code. The 2fer was only available in GSM5 and GSM5AT markets because they all had TMobile sims and could only be offered where TMobile service was available. That is why I mentioned about the 2fer possibly being offered as an aid to reduce the inventory of c139s with TMobile sims. AT&T is steadily expanding service, and the need for the TMobile phones is far less than it was. Your zip code could have changed for several reasons.
They could have expanded or combined your market area to include areas that were GSM5 before. We don't know what the geographical boundaries are for the market areas. If you notice the only GSM phones offered in the GSM5 and COGSM5 areas are the C139 and the 2 new Motorola phones. AT&T is not available in those areas and therefore there is no web or MMS service in those areas. The nicer phones will work in those areas with the proper sim card, but you would not get the use of the features of the phones. |
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jimates
- Senior Member - 1K
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posted: Jun. 1, 2008 @ 11:41p
I added links for coverage maps for the major carriers.
you will find them in the 1st post and the Quick Summary |
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JimBones
- Member
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posted: Jun. 1, 2008 @ 11:47p
jimates said:
You can activate your TMobile to Go and if you add a $100 card you immediately get Gold Rewards status. This will give you 1150 (1000 + 15%) minutes and 1 year of service. The website says that the 15% bonus is already included in the 1 year card. "A $100 refill value already includes the 15% more minutes bonus." It shows that in a chart as well. |
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WingsOverVirginia
- Senior Member - 3K
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posted: Jun. 2, 2008 @ 12:03a
jimates said:WingsOverVirginia said:
That hasn't been true in many if not most areas for over a year now. T-Mobile service uses the service and antennaes from all three (Cingular/AT&T/TMobile) interchangably. Service throughout Virginia was spotty at best when it was just T-Mobile but with the merger first the Cingular towers came on line and then the AT&T ones. We now have service most everywhere and it is mostly on AT&T towers (it will tell you on the phone's display). For the price for having phones for the kids the T-Mobile prepaid ToGo service is the cheapest option with the best reception.
I don't know if you are referring to Tracfones coverage or TMobile to Go.
My reference is to Tracfone based on my experience and research. In my area I have both TMobile and AT&T. TMobile is only good along the main road. AT&T is by far the best signal in my area. I can activate a phone on TMobile and it does not roam to AT&T even when the TMobile signal is near nothing.
What I said was, if a Tracfone is activated on TMobile, it will not roam to AT&T (even though AT&T has a better signal) as long as TMobile service can be picked up. I am refering to T-Mobile service. A T-Mobile phone will use any Cingular, AT&T or T-Mobile tower for service without roaming. The T-Mobile phone will use whatever signal is the strongest. Apparently your Tracfone unit does not do the same. We have 3 T-Mobile branded handsets that are activated on T-Mobile ToGo service. It sounds like anyone would be better off just getting a T-Mobile phone and not bothering with Tracfone. |
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alohamora
- Member
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posted: Jun. 2, 2008 @ 12:17a
jimatesYour zip code could have changed for severa said:l reasons.
They could have expanded or combined your market area to include areas that were GSM5 before. We don't know what the geographical boundaries are for the market areas.
There never were any GSM5 areas anywhere near here, this zip and all the surrounding areas used to be strictly GSM4. I agree that they were probably reducing inventory of retail phones with tmobile SIMs with those 2fers. Anything I order from Tracfone these days, I order with a GSM4 zip to be sure they don't send me a Tmobile SIM. (Tmobile may work, but the signal is weaker in some places I go.) |
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alohamora
- Member
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posted: Jun. 2, 2008 @ 12:29a
WingsOverVirginia said:
I am refering to T-Mobile service. A T-Mobile phone will use any Cingular, AT&T or T-Mobile tower for service without roaming. The T-Mobile phone will use whatever signal is the strongest. Apparently your Tracfone unit does not do the same. We have 3 T-Mobile branded handsets that are activated on T-Mobile ToGo service. It sounds like anyone would be better off just getting a T-Mobile phone and not bothering with Tracfone. I also have T-Mobile ToGo and I really wish it worked that way, using whatever signal is strongest. I've tried multiple sims and multiple phones and I can't even force the ToGo phone on to AT&T as long as there is any native T-Mobile signal to be found. Were your phones originally contract phones? I remember hearing once that contract phones could be forced onto a different carrier. |
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WingsOverVirginia
- Senior Member - 3K
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posted: Jun. 2, 2008 @ 11:26a
alohamora said:WingsOverVirginia said:
I am refering to T-Mobile service. A T-Mobile phone will use any Cingular, AT&T or T-Mobile tower for service without roaming. The T-Mobile phone will use whatever signal is the strongest. Apparently your Tracfone unit does not do the same. We have 3 T-Mobile branded handsets that are activated on T-Mobile ToGo service. It sounds like anyone would be better off just getting a T-Mobile phone and not bothering with Tracfone.
I also have T-Mobile ToGo and I really wish it worked that way, using whatever signal is strongest. I've tried multiple sims and multiple phones and I can't even force the ToGo phone on to AT&T as long as there is any native T-Mobile signal to be found.
Were your phones originally contract phones? I remember hearing once that contract phones could be forced onto a different carrier.
Nope, all ToGo phones most bought at Target clearance. The Nokia 2610 is the newest, picked up a few weeks ago. It doesn't matter if it is set to manual or automatic service select either way it chooses AT&T here at the house. It will switch over to T-Mobile only where the signal is strong like along major highways. It may have to do with geographic regions where the reciprical agreement is in effect, but I know it works this way on the East coast (DC, VA, NC) the Midwest (Chicago area) and Las Vegas (at least it did last summer when my son was out visiting my sister). |
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jimates
- Senior Member - 1K
rated:
posted: Jun. 2, 2008 @ 11:50a
WingsOverVirginia said:
I am refering to T-Mobile service. A T-Mobile phone will use any Cingular, AT&T or T-Mobile tower for service without roaming. The T-Mobile phone will use whatever signal is the strongest. Apparently your Tracfone unit does not do the same. We have 3 T-Mobile branded handsets that are activated on T-Mobile ToGo service. It sounds like anyone would be better off just getting a T-Mobile phone and not bothering with Tracfone.
It sounds like anyone would be better off just getting a T-Mobile phone and not bothering with Tracfone
I wish that statement were true. TMobile does not have even a small percentage of coverage compared to AT&T or Verizon. I tested TMobile to Go right here at home before going to Tracfone/Net10. The service is great at my house because I live on the only major East West highway across Southern Pa. But away from this highway and I had no service.
You are with the majority of TMobile to Go users that say they don't understand why everyone doesn't just go with TMobile to Go. But there are countless numbers of people that have tried it and the coverage is no good in comparison.
If you stay around the major metropolitan areas or the major highways you will probably have no complaints with TMobile service. But the overall service sucks when you consider the vast amount of rural areas in the US.
alohamora said:I also have T-Mobile ToGo and I really wish it worked that way, using whatever signal is strongest. I've tried multiple sims and multiple phones and I can't even force the ToGo phone on to AT&T as long as there is any native T-Mobile signal to be found.
Now this statement sounds more like the others that I have read concerning this matter. |
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jimates
- Senior Member - 1K
rated:
posted: Jun. 3, 2008 @ 6:34p
Tracfones At Radio Shack W370 for $29.99
Ad came out today, good thru June 14th, while supplies last.
No mention of double minutes. If anyone confirms please post the results. LG 3280 for $24.97 not available online Kyocera K126 for $9.99 in stock online |
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Rowan
- Tired Member
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posted: Jun. 5, 2008 @ 4:05p
The Dollar General here has the Motorola C139 and the Kyocera KY126 advertised on a promotional flyer I picked up for $15 each, and it also says there's a $5 rebate on each phone in their Book Of Mail-In Rebates...... |
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jimates
- Senior Member - 1K
rated:
posted: Jun. 5, 2008 @ 9:05p
New Tracfone Bundle offered today. Motorola C261 bundled with a FREE Double Minutes for Life Card
$39.99 and they are still offering free shipping. Currently only offered in AT&T service areas. GSM4 and GSM5AT markets. Note: Since the C261 is only $29.99, how can they offer it with a FREE Double Minutes for Life Card for $39.99. The c261 is now $39.99 for just the phone, so the card is now 100% free. |
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JimBones
- Member
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posted: Jun. 5, 2008 @ 11:39p
jimates said:
Note: Since the C261 is only $29.99, how can they offer it with a FREE Double Minutes for Life Card for $39.99. Both the phone and the bundle have the same promotional code applied to it so you may be able to get the phone and the double minute card for 29.99 instead of 39.99. I'm not sure how that all works though. |
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jimates
- Senior Member - 1K
rated:
posted: Jun. 6, 2008 @ 1:21a
JimBones said:jimates said:
Note: Since the C261 is only $29.99, how can they offer it with a FREE Double Minutes for Life Card for $39.99.
Both the phone and the bundle have the same promotional code applied to it so you may be able to get the phone and the double minute card for 29.99 instead of 39.99. I'm not sure how that all works though.The promo for the phone with the free card shows the regular price of the phone to be $39.99. So the phone offer by itself must be an unadvertised special.
Net10 has a Father's Day bundle. Tracfone better hurry up or the orders won't arrive in time.
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Kado
- Senior Member
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posted: Jun. 6, 2008 @ 1:05p
Never mind, I found it! Thanks Jim. |
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Kado
- Senior Member
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posted: Jun. 6, 2008 @ 1:10p
jimates said:New Tracfone Bundle offered today.
Motorola C261 bundled with a FREE Double Minutes for Life Card
$39.99 and they are still offering free shipping.
Currently only offered in AT&T service areas. GSM4 and GSM5AT markets.
Note: Since the C261 is only $29.99, how can they offer it with a FREE Double Minutes for Life Card for $39.99. OK, I guess I didn't find it. Does anyone know a zip code that will offer me this bundle? |
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