A Few Ways to Save on Phone Service…

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Looking for a way to save on phone services?! Here are a just a few ideas that Hip2Save readers have sent in recently. If you have any of your own tips and suggestions, please share them with us in the comments below!

Ooma

Ooma, a phone service that you operate through your internet and existing home phone (instead of a headset or computer), gives you free calls within the U.S. and low rates on international calls. You must first buy the Ooma Telo Device (pictured above), which is currently priced at $149.99 at Amazon.com. Then hook it up and you will pay only tax each month from then on! In fact, check out this email that I received from Hip2Save reader Nicole about Ooma…

Last June, I quite my part-time job as an L&D nurse because of your site and my new found passion to pay less for things. We no longer needed my nursing income because I was now generating nearly the same by saving on everyday items.  In this adventure of a new life I came across a phone service called Ooma (we’ve been using it for nearly a year now with not one issue).  At first I was a little skeptical of the buy in at $169, but after the initial investment (which for us was about 3 months of phone service), the unit was paid for and now we pay $4.17 a month to have a perfect land-line in our house!

Magic Jack

MagicJack is a phone service that you can use through your computer for as little as $39.95 per year. Currently, MagicJack is offering up a limited number of FREE 1-Month MagicJack Plus trials. Also, you may be able to get a discount if you sign up for a longer period of time all at once (Be sure to ask as my mom was able to get 5 years of service for just $100 total!).

netTALK DUO

With netTALK DUO, the original “no computer needed” VoIP telephone device, you can make FREE calls to the U.S. and Canada (and ultra low-cost international calls!) from anywhere in the world, with no contracts and no monthly bills. One year of service is included with the DUO purchase; each additional year is only $29.95 plus tax.

The netTALK DUO is a sleek and versatile VoIP telephone device that connects directly to your router or computer, creating a fax-friendly phone line with all of the same features as your phone company. You can enjoy clear call quality and free calling features such as call waiting, conference calling, Enhanced 911, 411 directory assistance, visual voicemail, and a videophone application. Choose a phone number or keep your own. Flat-rate, low cost international call plans are available and the netTALK DUO is supported by live U.S-based, technical support, seven days a week.

Go here to get started…all you need is high-speed internet and a traditional telephone!

Straight Talk

Straight Talk offers unlimited data, talk, and text on your cell phone for just $45 per month – and, there are no contracts to sign! You can either purchase a phone from Straight Talk, or use any T-Mobile compatible or unlocked GSM phone (including smart phones) that you already own. Plus, you can keep your own number. Straight Talk works with SMS, IM, social networks, email, and the web. There are also additional plans available. Go here to learn more.

Do Not Call List

Be sure to register with the Do Not Call List to prevent yourself from being charged minutes for incoming calls from solicitors! You can get on the list by calling (888) 382-1222 or just head over here. Keep in mind that once you register your phone number, telemarketers covered by the National Do Not Call Registry have up to 31 days from the date you register to stop calling you.

If you know of any additional ways to save, please share in the comments!

(Thanks, Michelle, Gina, and Nicole!)

Join The Discussion

Comments 116

  1. Kathy M

    Magic Jack was the best thing we ever got! Needed another line in the house, and the cable guy mentioned it to us. It is great. You just need a halfway decent PC to run the original Magic Jack (you don’t for the Plus). Every month or two I need to reset it – but at that price, I can live with that!

  2. Emilytwinmom

    One of our neighbors has magic jack and omg does it drive us nuts. It cuts out CONSTANTLY and we can never hear anything they’re saying, they can’t hear half of what we say… we usually just give up and call on cell phones instead. I would not recommend it to ANYONE! It is the most frustrating thing when a friend is having an emergency and you can’t hear half of what she is saying!!!

  3. Kathy

    For free texting, check out pinger.com I’m a SAHM and have limited texting on my phone. I can get away with texting friends online most of the time and it’s free! It’s also free with an ipod connected to wi-fi.

  4. Lori H.

    StraightTalk also has a home phone option. The unit you buy (on-line or in Walmart stores) costs about $100. If you buy on-line go through shopathome.com for 22% cashback! The unit runs from a cell signal and you plug your home phone into the unit. This costs $15/month with no contract. I have not been able to tell the difference between this phone and my old phone service which cost me $40/month. You can also port your number so you don’t have to change phone numbers.

  5. Patricia

    My family currently use net10 this works great prepaid, 25 a month for 750 min, and they have $50/month unlimited , Sometimes we cant pay so we skip a month and still have our number. Its best to put minutes online rather than talking to representive.

    • veronica4healingv

      My mother switched from Sprint to Net10 and absolutely love it! She has auto pay so she pays $45.00 a month unlimited which is quite a lot cheaper than she was paying with sprint. I totally agree to use online services rather than their customer service!

  6. justme

    Yes I have a Tracfone! It only costs me $8 a month on average so that I can have a cell phone for emergencies. I joke with all of my friends that it’s my ‘dumbphone’ since it doesn’t do anything but make or take calls.

    • Bev

      Same here! It works for us and it’s frugal. 🙂

    • Jul

      I also have a tracfone, but they now have phones with keyboards for easy texting, etc. I purchased a phone which gets triple minutes for $50. Now I can get 1200 minutes (which is the tripled minutes) and a year of service for $100 a year. Texts count as .3 of a unit/minute so that also is very reasonable. There are other, also cheap, options for those who need more minutes. I think it’s a great deal.

  7. Mo

    We use Straight Talk for our Iphones for mobile service and Vonage for our house phone, we make a lot of calls to Mexico and with there mexico unlimited plan we pay $22 a month for unlimited calls to mexico and us and we get one free extension that we can use on our cell phone so we can call to mexico when we are out and about! we love it!

    • C

      Hi Mo…I know this is an old post, but do you still have Vonage? I am thinking about signing up and looking for someone to refer me – we both get a $50 gift card. If you still have Vonage, can you send me a referral? Thanks!

  8. julie

    We don’t have a landline. We just use our cell phones.

    • Renee

      The problem with that is if you have an emergency and need to call 911, the responders don’t know where you are. A landline shows your exact location and help is on the way while we’re still on the phone with the emergency operator. Those precious minutes can and has meant the difference between life and death. I pay $40 a month for my landline, don’t plan to switch, and for me, it’s money well spent.

      • Em

        I’m a paramedic. I work in an extremely busy city. It’s extremely rare that an address is not know by the caller or they can’t provide one for whatever reason. Also, generally if people are that sick/hurt they arent able to get to their phone anyway. Cell phones triangulate a nice location. The whole “need a landline for emergencies” thing is pretty much a myth.

        On that note: The best thing you could possibly do for a family member without a cell phone (think grandma) is get them a life alert. They really, truly save lives.

    • rae

      Haven’t had a landline since BellSouth refused to repair it in 2001! Haven’t had to call 9-1-1 in 39 years.

  9. Meredith

    We just switched to Straight Talk form Verizon a month ago and love the money it saves! If you buy your monthly plan or phone online and go through ShopAtHome, you’ll also get 22% back, making the $45/month only $35/month:) If you haven’t signed up for ShopAtHome yet, I would appreciate it you would sign up under me. https://www.shopathome.com

    • Ashley

      Say what?! I never would have thought to check shopathome….we’ve used Straight Talk for 2 years. Thanks for the tip!!!

    • Rainy

      We use straight talk with our iPhone & I didn’t know this either!! Do you have to actually have the card shipped or just add air time & go through shopathome? Does Ebates offer this as well?

    • Jessica

      Do you get the 22 percent on refills? Shopathome says on phone purchases only.

    • earline

      I’ve been using Simple Mobile for about 2 years now. Love their service and have not had any problems with the service. I was paying $40 a month and now they are adding taxes and fees. I have a smart phone and don’t have to pay for a data plan. Can I use shop at home?

  10. Marty

    I use ooma and its great. It will cut out if there is a big network blip but that’s really an Internet service provider problem not theirs. Other than that clarity is perfect and its just like having a regular landline

  11. Laura

    Make sure to check if your employer has a cell phone discount. My husband works for part of Mayo Clinic and we get 18% off our sprint bill. Every little bit helps. My employer is a much smaller company but has the same discount.

    • ns55

      Sprint gives a lot of employee discounts. My hub works for a Chicago based construction company and they give him 10 percent. So he has a phone through work and i have a phone in his name with his work discount..

      • mommy1

        Yes! We have Sprint and are also in the Chicago are 🙂 LOL. Small world!

        • mommy1

          oops “area” not “are.” 🙂

    • Nicole

      I get a 21% discount with pnc thru att or vzw. 🙂 love it!

  12. Danielle

    Careful with unlocking your phones. There was just a new law that went into effect that makes it illegal.

    • Nicole

      What law is that because federal courts ruled against apple in their lawsuit. Apple and other providers can’t come after you for unlocking your phone, it’s considered the property of the consumer. Also, the iPhone 5 is already unlocked from the factory on Verizon.

  13. Jen

    I also love our magic jack plus. I turned in credit card points for a Best Buy gift card and bought one last year so there was no initial investment and it’s $60 per year for us because we port over our old land line number otherwise it would be $40 per year.

    • Mar

      Im with you Jen my husband works for At&t in the technology side of it! We do have their cell phones because we get a discount and free cell phone upgrades every year. However, when he found out about magic jack about two years ago, he went with it. He did it more for our boys because cell phone rates can be expensive for a family plan through At&t even if he gets a discount. So we option for magic jack. We love it!

  14. Kristen

    We love Ooma. I like having a non-cell line that I can give businesses (who might need to legitimately call me, but who I would prefer not to have my cell #). It’s also nice if you have limited minutes on your cell phone and need to call someone that might put you on hold for a while. The only problem is that I’m not sure you can still get free voicemail. We were “grandfathered” in, but I think now they charge $10/month for the “premium” service, which includes voicemail. Not a huge deal, but I do like having the ability to get messages.

    • Sarah

      We just got Ooma and love it! The voicemail is free with the regular service, no need to get premium for it. Just wanted to let you know 🙂

  15. Lisa

    We don’t have a home phone either, just use cell phones. We get a military discount through Verizon, although it’s still expensive and I’m planning on switching companies at some point or at least get a different plan.

  16. Sarah

    We also have a cell phone discount through my husband’s company (UTC) and I think it was 25%.

    When he worked for Home Depot he got one too. He just had to bring in proof of employment (pay stub).

  17. Anita

    Magic Jack is amazing! We have used it for years, and gave up our home service a long time ago. Their app that rings your cell phone is great too! We even used Magic Jack when traveling to another country. We took it with us and people from the US were able to call us on it for free. I highly recommend it!

    We have also utilized the Do Not Call list, and it has worked well for us.

    • lmwynn

      I get T-Mobile prepaid unlimited talk, text, and data for $50 per month. I love it and would never dream of leaving T-Mobile!

      • lmwynn

        Woops didn’t mean for that to be a reply. Sorry!

        • kristie

          Is the internet good? We had Virgin prepaid and Internet was pretty horrible. It never really worked and we were wondering if T-Mobile is better.

          • Yoko

            You may want to look into Straight Talk from Walmart as they use AT&T and Verizon towers. I just can not remember if it’s depend on your location or your cell phone. It’s $45 for unlimited data plan.

  18. Sarah

    We also have Ooma and love it! I just got it a week or so ago, but we haven’t had any problems and the quality is great. Don’t need to leave your computer on or anything for it to work. If anyone is thinking of getting it, you can get $40 off and free shipping if you go through someone’s referral link. Today is the last day for that promo. If anyone wants to use mine I’d appreciate it! https://go.ooma.com/referral2/?referral_code=LOB9072&utm_campaign=refer_Jan2013&utm_medium=email&utm_source=referral_email&utm_content=coupon#.UQrCyB3LS8A

    • Yoko

      How long does it take for Ooma to transfer my existing home phone number? Do I need to keep the current phone service (AT&T) while they work on transferring the number?

      • Gretchen

        We got an Ooma system about two weeks ago and I LOVE IT! I had looked at the system for a couple of years and finally decided to purchase it. I had our landline ported over and it only took one week from the time I received the Ooma system. We could not cancel our landline until the porting was complete. You can following the porting process via Ooma.com when you set up your account. We get 911 service included in their program. Just make sure your change your address through Ooma if you ever move. I went through Shoptathome.com and received $40 off. If our internet goes down our phone is automatically forwarded to my cell phone. I paid for the system, $39.99 to port my landline number and only pay $3.73 in taxes each month. I declined the Premier upgraded, which is free for the first 60 and $9.99 per month thereafter. I canceled the trial service for Premier just in case I forgot after the 60 days were up…I am notorious for that! There are so many features with just the basic stuff, including voice mail. My favorite feature is automatically sending a telemarketer to my voice mail without my phone ever ringing. We were on the do not call list but it really does not seem to help. My phone rings a lot less now and when it does it is someone I WOULD like to talk to!

      • Susan C.

        I had AT&T and had Ooma port my number. Ooma guides you as to the process. You do keep your AT&T service until your number is ported and you get a confirmation from Ooma, then you cancel your AT&T service. For me the process took 3 days. HTH

  19. Jennifer

    There is also free phones in Texas too! I think one of the sites is safelink.com!

    • Willa

      Not free in Texas—-no cost to you, thank you taxpayers.

        • Stephanie

          Get your facts straight. If you aren’t paying for it, someone else is. It’s not rocket science.

          • sarah

            That’s exactly right! There is NOTHING that exists thats free…someone has to pay for it. Makes me sicks to see a generation that thinks they deserve things!

            • Pat

              It helps some people. I know taxes pay for it but my brother can’t talk and when I am at work he can text me if something happens. He does drive to the store down the street sometimes and if he was to break down he could at least text my brother or myself if something happened. he usually texts about twice a month and on disability he can’t afford to pay for a phone that he hardly ever uses. There are special circumstances where I think it is a good idea but then again I understand how others think about the free government phones.

  20. Steph

    I want to cancel our home phone but we have an alarm system that has to have a phone line. Unfortunately were under contract with them for 2 more years :(((

    • Clair

      Have you checked with your alarm company? Most of them can run your service through a cell now.

      • steph

        no I didn’t know that Thanks ! I’ll check 🙂

  21. April Cavaness

    Is there any initial fees for the Magic Jack and does it run off your internet service? Been considering this but wasnt sure of everything. If I disconnect our house phone now, our internet will go up $9 a month but my house phone is over $30 a month. I really need a land line for my daughter so that she can call someone when she is home but dont really want her to have her own cell phone yet. But looking for ways to save a little money every month.

    • Jo

      What about a prepaid simple cell phone for your daughter with your #s programmed in and she is only allowed to use it to call when she gets home to check-in? Just a thought. I am loving reading all these ideas from everyone because I would love to cancel our home but want it for the added security since we don’t get great cell reception where we live.

      • April

        We considered that but the cell signal again came into play. Plus, there are sometimes when making certain calls that I would rather do from a landline as well if it is going to take long. So I guess it would be for both.

    • Jen

      April if you go with Magic Jack it does run off you internet and be sure to get the magic jack plus which runs about $70 the basic model requires you to have computer on at all times and isn’t as clear. They you will pay $19.95 a year. If you want to port and existing number is $19.95 the first year and $9.95 each year after So for the first year you will have fees of about $110 on the high side and about $30 a year after if you want to keep your current number. There are also more expensive plans that include overseas calling but it doesn’t seem like you need that at all.

    • KV

      I use to have 8×8 voip and changed to magic jack plus. The continually removing features and customer service lack in magic jack when compared with other companies or landline. Like they removed call forwarding and will start charging. The caller id only shows the number (storing numbers in phone will fix this). They are a bit deceptive in their wordings like You get free long distance first year when you purchase. The $40 is cost of the adapter while the remaining $30 is your first year. When renewing, the $19.95 price is on a 5 year plan. $29.95 if renewed once a year. I choose do to the yearly because of it breaks, i might not get a refund. The calls are limited. I get disconnected after talking for an hour. Neither the caller or I can call each other. There are more complaints but it’s ok for basic use. I did not get rid of the landline because in case of emergency or if internet goes down or no electricity. You can use mj adapters with google.

  22. mommy1

    Also check with companies to see if your employer qualifies for an additional discount. My husband’s job gets 24% off our bill each month! Sometimes they will also give veterans a discount or active duty as well.

  23. Catrina

    I currently use Straight Talk and bought one of their phones and pay 45.00 per month for the unlimited talk, text, and data. I love it! It cut my cellphone bill in half and now they offer an apple iphone but you would have to pay full price for it but I am seriously thinking about getting one. The phone I currently use, a samsung runs off of the Verizon towers

    • Erin

      How fast in the internet with straight talk? I currently have Verizon and get 4G were I live and am afraid that if I switch to straight talk that my phones internet will be slow. If their service is good I will make the switch.

      • Rainy

        3G is what I get with straight talk in town.

    • Kait

      We have been using Straight Talk for 6 mths and love it! We switched our old “dumb” phones with Verizon to refurbished IPhones (bought off ebay) with Straight Talk and STILL come out ahead each month! I was shocked that we could go from a text/talk only plan to an unlimited data plan and actually save money. We have been nothing but satisfied with the new service.

  24. Yvonne

    We have Verizon and get a 15% discount because my husband works for a county hospital, it’s still expensive though :/

  25. shanshan

    Net10 and Straight Talk are both from Tracphone, and both have unlimited data plan for $45. I went with Net10’s Samsung Galaxy Proclaim because this particular model runs off Verizon Network. So you get the greatest coverage with the lowest rate!

  26. lpmousse

    A Star Hip2Saver is a recognized member of our Hip2Save community hand selected by our team for demonstrating a long history of engagement with helpful & friendly comments across Hip2Save.com and our social channels. Our Star Hip2Saver badge acts as a verification for readers who know the ins and outs of all Hip2Save sets out to accomplish — assisting our community to live extraordinary lives on ordinary budgets. Readers cannot pay or provide any sort of exchange in order to earn this badge. Rather, they are invited to participate by a member of the Hip2Save team and opt to have the Star Hip2Saver badge added to their profile & comments.

    I just recently got a Google Voice number. It’s free to call anyone in the United States, and supposedly cheap to call overseas. You do need a cell phone and the app to use it, or I think you can use it on your computer if you want to, but I haven’t explored that option.

    It works perfectly when I’m in wifi hotspots, and OK on the road. I cancelled my “home” phone with AT&T and am saving $40 a month! My fiance also got it, and is going to cut back his cell phone plan from 900 minutes to 450. 🙂

    • Jo

      I use google voice for work, but you have to have it call your cell or go to voice mail when you receive calls. So I mostly have my cell off and get the messages and then call people back through my computer that way to save on using my cell minutes.

    • Annie

      You can use google voice through your computer. We use it when we post things on craigslist so that we don’t have to give out our cell numbers.

  27. liz8k

    Ooma and Majic Jack won’t let you call 911 during a power outage so my husband won’t let me switch 🙁

    • Sarah

      Don’t forget unless you have a corded phone you won’t be able to make a call with a power outage on a land line either. I’m sure he’s thought of that, but just wanted to make sure since so many people only have cordless phones only!

      • Theresa M

        See that is why I have been so hesitant to cancel our house phone. We have a corded phone we plug in during power outages and there is comfort knowing there is a phone that works in the house when we aren’t home (like when the babysitter is here) I don’t know if I’m super comfortable relying on the internet for phone service.

        • Mel

          I’m with you Theresa. During Hurricane Sandy it was comforting to be able to call my family with a corded phone when the power was out and let them know that we were okay. Our cell phones died the 1st day of the hurricane and we were without power for almost a week.

  28. Sarah

    I would vouch for straight talk if you do enjoy talking, texting, and browsing the web on your phone. If you just use a phone for emergency situations, then a prepaid tracfone or something similar would be the better bet.

  29. dubois420

    in MN we get assurance wireless for low income or people on government programs. It’s just like the Lifeline program but in different states. same free 250 talk and 250 text plus they send you a free phone. we just got ours. super EZ, just google assurance wireless.

  30. kristie

    I was wondering why people still have landlines. Any advantages? It doesn’t replace cell phones, so to me, it’s like a supplementary expense. Could someone please explain what’s it good for? Thanks!

    • Sarah

      We don’t have cell phones that we use regularly, just a prepaid that we take with us on trips and stuff. That’s why we have a land line (with Ooma). Plus, when my daughter gets older (she’s 3) I want her to be able to get/make calls at the house and not need a cell phone at a super young age. So as hard as it is to believe, not everyone relies on their cells! 🙂

  31. Cannielle

    No landline here, we skype our families who live overseas, FREE!
    I am a SAHM, I use Textfree on my iPod( FREE).
    DH has a iPhone but I don’t need one, we pay $100 for both cell phones.
    Just a note: most company offer 15% discount to military.

  32. abc

    we found the best way ever to save phone $$$$…..we have none,zero,zip and have never been better off with something we simply didn’t need and the money saved goes to things we do need utilities,groceries,gas in the car and have been doing fine without one for years now

    • Kristen

      You don’t have a phone at all?? How do people get in touch with you?! 🙂

      • abc

        they don’t and it’s fantastic….if truly necessary e-mail can be used

        • Kristen

          Wow, that’s “off the grid” 😉 I would worry about the kids’ school or my credit card company or something, haha.

        • Susan C.

          If we did this, we would not be able to communicate with our parents, and some of our older relatives as they do not have computers let alone email. We do phone wellness checks with them every day.

    • jessica

      Reminds me of my family. My parents, myself and two brothers lived without a single phone, landline included until I was in high school lol. My dad is 47 and just got his first cell phone a few years ago, it was never a necessity to my family more of a nuisance and waste of money, the only reason they did eventually get one is because of a business they started, i will admit if I didn’t have my own business I would do away with my phone too, its a source of frustration for me most of the time with the lack of service and it dying so quickly and not working during the times I actually need it!

      • Pat

        I agree. I haven’t had a landline in 20 years. I have never missed it. I went without a cell phone for a few months and it didn’t bother me but it bothered my boyfriend and family. they could only call me at work. I have never called 911 (except from my cell when I called them about a man passed out in a ditch full of water in the middle of winter (guess he was just passed out cause I never heard about it on the news) .

    • justme

      I think you are awesome! It is the best way to save money! I just have my cheap tracfone I keep for the school to call me for emergencies etc. I have a child with a disability so I always need to be reached however if I didn’t need to be reached I would do away with my phone entirely. We were out to dinner last weekend (with coupons of course) and we saw this family where every member had a smart phone including a 7 year old. Every time we looked over at them the entire family was disconnected on their phones the entire time.

  33. Gaurav

    For home phone line we can use Google Voice. Google Voice is free in 2013 for US and Canada. All you have to do is buy OBI110 or OBI100 which is about 40$ on amazon.

    • Jo

      Thanks for sharing. I already sent the amazon link to my spouse to look into since we already have google voice #s for our work that rings to our cells. So the google # would just ring to the home phone using this device if I am understanding it correctly? Thanks.

      • Gaurav

        yes. i am using it little over 2 years now. no complain.

  34. Tracy

    I was just researching this topic last night as we want to get rid of landline but still want “landline” for emergencies. My friend told me about Sprint phone connect which you can plug your regular phone in to and said it will last several hours after power outage. Any feedback on that?

  35. natalie

    I love magic jack, I sent one to my friend in Japan and Australia, the sounds is very clear, I feel like we are neighbour. Also try Metro PCS, the cheapest one I thing $40( unlimited text, internet, call, voice) but if u have other peolple joint with u (family plan), they give u discount $5 each line. I have $60 plan (with family discount $5 off) that I can call arround the world 24 hours a day (as long as you call a land line or CDMA , not GSM phone). Also with my plan I get unlimited text, call, voice, unlimited International call , free GPS, unlimited internet. The service is working pretty good.

  36. Sasha

    We gave up land lines about 9 years ago.
    We’d been held hostage with Vz for 10 LONG YEARS! Finally broke the chains last month and stepped into freedom with VIRGIN MOBILE.
    I bought 2 androids-HTC-one of them is a Hot Spot-so no need to be tethered to still another device. I can connect multiple pc’s thru my android’s HS quickly. I have the options of both 3 and 4g.
    Clark Howard had been telling folks to get out of their “stinkin contracts” for ages-we did it!
    Hubbs and I both have 1200 anytime minutes for voice, unlimited texting and data. I can watch a movie on the HTC while enjoying my lunch at Panera if I like (and I like!).
    We pay $45. a month per android, and there is an additional $15. pmonth for the hotspot on one phone. That’s it.

  37. kelly

    I use Solavei, its a cell phone service that gives unlimited talk, text, and data at 4G speed for $49 a month. But for every three people you refer, they knock $20 off your bill. The best part is there’s no limit to how many people you can refer, so you can actually get PAID by them. Plus, right now they’ll give you a free smartphone! You can go to solavei . com /kellaphin or email me at kellaphin @ yahoo . com for my information. (Take the spaces out of the address.)

    • Bones

      Kelly, I went to the site however its not available in IL or WI. So guess this won’t work for me. 🙁 But sounds like an awesome plan!

      • Kelly

        Aw, too bad! I think they’re constantly adding more areas, so keep checking back! 🙂

  38. May

    FYI – those “free government cell phone programs” aren’t free. Taxpayers do have to pay for them. I’m one of those who get by just fine with a cheap prepaid Virgin Mobile cell phone and Magic Jack, then I get to pay 40% taxes in order to fund those “free government cell phone programs”.

    • Sasha

      Amen to that, May.
      You hit it right on the noggin 🙂

    • Alice

      Thank you! I was about to post this. We all are paying for these “free” phones with our taxes.

      Personally I do NOT consider a cell phone a necessity. Food on the table, shelter, medical expenses paid-yes, cell phone – no.

      • Em

        I hate that she even mentioned it. It needs to be abolished.
        Anyone who is pro these programs needs to work in the ER for a day. They’ll get to see the folks with Medicaid, free cell phone, food stamps, etc.
        They’ll also get to see their nice tattoo work, the vehicles they drive, the soda and candy from the machine, their nice shoes, their gaggles of children, their BS complaints, their nice nails and hair, their jewelry, makeup, etc.
        I really don’t mind helping people for periods of time when people are down. This is America, it’s what we’re meant to do. The cycle of being born into Medicaid and then at 15 or so producing more Medicaid dependent…it’s amazing. The sad thing: they don’t see anything wrong with it.

        • Morna

          FYI https://m.factcheck.org/2009/10/the-obama-phone/ it’s not paid for with taxes and being one of “those” people that have had to use one of the free phone services, I’m offended. You don’t get unlimited minutes AND I needed some way to be available if my son’s daycare had to reach me. Don’t be so preachy and judgmental.

          • Stephanie

            FYI…I pay a surcharge on 3 phone lines to help provide this service. Yes, it is a tax. I make $15,000 per year working full time. It’s not my job to pay your phone bill, and it’s not your job to pay mine. Let’s all grow up and start being financially responsible.

            • Morna

              It’s not a tax. It’s a fee. You don’t like it then go to a provider that doesn’t charge you a universal service charge. I don’t use it any more but when I needed it I was able to use it. It really irks me that people are so quick to judge those that don’t have. Not everyone is trying to live off of the system. As a matter of fact most of us use public assistance for what it’s intended, assistance temporarily.

            • May

              Morna – all intrastate, interstate, and international providers of telecommunications within the United States have to pay an assessed fee to the Universal Service Fund to pay for this. These telecommunication companies then pass this fee on to their customers. You’ll usually see this as a “universal service fee” tacked on to your bill. So whether you call it a “fee” or a “tax”, it’s still money coming out of one pocket and redistributed in to another pocket. On top of that, a taxpayer funded FCC bureaucrat has to administer this program. All of this, for a non-necessity (albeit luxury) item. If you need a phone for emergencies, a cheap prepaid phone works great. Plus you don’t have to ask others to pay for it.

        • sarah

          Cell phones are a privilege not a right. We have every right to judge whomever and whatever takes our money. Especially if they claim they are doing so because “they have a right”. America is a land of great opportunity and everyone is capable of making their own money for the things they believe they need. This entitlement mindset is destroying our country. Freedom is a right but food and clothing is not even a right. Those are needs that each of us must work to provide for ourselves. But they are not rights in the sense that we can take from others to provide for them.

    • Michelle

      I was reading down the comments wondering when someone was going to post this. I use my cheap prepaid Virgin Mobile phone and get by fine with that and it irritates me to no end that my taxes go to pay for other people to have a cell phone, something that is not a necessity.

  39. Natalie

    My husband and I both have iPhones and were looking for a new plan. Would iPhones be compatible with Straight Talk? I can’t find a list of which phones are Tmobile compatible. Does anyone know if we could still use this program?

    • Kathy

      You can now bring your own phone to straightalk. You can bring your own Iphone and all you need to do is purchase a Sim card for them for $15. And then pay $45 a month for unlimited voice, text and internet.

    • Rainy

      As long as your iPhone is not Verision you can you it with straight talk. If its a iPhone 3 you’ll need the regular size sim & if it’s an iPhone 4 the micro sim. Order the sim & a phone card & go through shopathome for 22% cash back & when it’s time to set it up you’ll need to download the apn changer app & follow the instructions on the straight talk site. 🙂

      • angie

        I have an iPhone on virgin mobile. I pay $40 a month for unlimited data and texts and I get 1200 mins. It is way cheaper than att and sprint contracts. The service is good, it is ran through sprint. The initial investment for the phone was more than a contract plan($300…. a black Friday deal), but in the long run it is about $1200 cheaper a year.

    • kelly

      You could also look into solavei . com /kellaphin where if you refer enough people, you can get cell phone service for free!

  40. Emily Power

    Hi,
    I just posted before how much I love my Ooma and I have had it for 4 years, when I got home I just got an email for referring friends, they give you $40.00 off and free shipping, the code on the email was DON9943. The new system looks super pretty, I realized mine looks a bit outdated, but it does the job:-)

  41. Alma

    I was paying $120 a month 700 min on 2 cell phones with Verizon. When my husband started a new job, the company gave him a cell phone, so I decided to keep only one phone. Right know I’m paying $39 a month 200 minutes and 200 text. I don’t need more than that. It’s just perfect for me. For my two tenangers I got them iPods. They have an app where they can text for free to any cellphone or iPod. The only thing with the iPods it’s that they can only used them were there is Wifi. But it’s fine because most of the places have free Wifi. ( Mc Donald’s, Starbucks, the mall, school, their friends houses). Also I don’t need a smartphone to get Ibotta my favorite app. I can use my kids iPods to get my deals without having to pay for expensive phones and plans.

  42. Miranda

    Can you download apps to your phone with Straight Talk? How’s connection speed?

  43. mindy

    I have 3 cell phones with 450 min/month & unlimit weekend with AT&T (internet & text pay per use) and we only pay $67 per month (with 25% disc.)

  44. Stephanie

    Isn’t listing Lifeline as a way to save on a phone bill kind of like suggesting we save on groceries by signing up for food stamps? Please stick to responsible solutions.

    • missy

      Nothing wrong with suggesting food stamps either if someone needs them & is eligible.

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