So.. what is the catch with prepaid cell phone plans?

[CS800]

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@guiness56 wrote:

It all depends on the zip code you enter but the ones ending in C use Verizon, androids use Sprint, ending in G use either T-mobile or AT&T depending on the area The reason is that since they are basic phones not 3 g they can be used in either network And all the Nokia smartphones are 3G and they only work on AT&T 3G network that's why they send you a sim for them.

And yes, it works perfectly fine.  I have a WalMart IPhone and it works just like the one from AT&T for a whole lot less.

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Right now I have a contract phone (2 year contract) and for 900 minutes, unlimited text and unlimited data, I pay with tax around $105. I have ATT. That's why I was curious as to how good the quality of the reception ,data speed etc

[guiness56]

I can't tell any difference with it being a Straight Talk phone.  It works just as well as when I actually had AT&T.  Unlike with AT&T, I've never had a dropped call, data speed is excellent and so is reception.

[blitz]

I also use Straight Talk, and I have the AT&T sim card. Never in a place without any signal, data speeds are great (I've even used my phone as a mobile hotspot with no problems a few times). Been a customer with them for over two years now. 

[kroberts67]

When my contract ran out finally with Tmobile, I switched to Virgin last December to save money.  Got a $50 phone (you get what you pay for) and basically it did the job with just a few major annoyances.  Saved money and I just got onto my boyfriends AT&T plan, activated my new iPhone last night.  Ahh much better!!

I found 2 catches:

1. Pay crazy amounts for phones. If you want an iPhone from 3 seasons ago you're till paying $400 or $500.
2. Coverage is not the same even though they tell you it is.  You may not notice it but I definately did.

In the end, it was only temporary for me and I could have gone longer had I splurged for a better phone.  It did the job, but only the basics. It was nice to have a break and only pay $35 month.