Ting for Cell Phone Service (Potential Cost Saver)

[Greg]

It's been a while since Ting was brought up (around January of 2013), see:

http://gyroscopicinvesting.com/forum/pe ... /#msg53573
http://gyroscopicinvesting.com/forum/ot ... /#msg51517
http://gyroscopicinvesting.com/forum/ot ... /#msg54238

Anyone had any recent experience with Ting? I'm looking at switching from Virgin Mobile over to it for the cost savings, either using an old Sprint or TMobile phone I'll probably be buying from Glyde.com or Swappa.com. You just have to make sure that you get the device's IMEI number to make sure it is compatible with Ting's service.

https://ting.com/
http://swappa.com/
https://glyde.com/

[dualstow]

I had a niece named Ting but I'm sticking w/ Virgin Mobile. I only pay $22 and change each month, including tax. Then again, I don't keep a data plan and don't go over my minutes, as I have a home phone.

[Greg]

I had a niece named Ting but I'm sticking w/ Virgin Mobile. I only pay $22 and change each month, including tax. Then again, I don't keep a data plan and don't go over my minutes, as I have a home phone.

I'm trying to:

1.) Only use a cell phone plan for my wife and I and also having my normal internet for my computer (so a bill to cell phone company and a bill to Comcast for the Interneties)
2.) With Ting, you pay for your data used, but if you go on Wi-Fi whenever you can such as in the home, you can use less data
3.) Figuring out a way to call people on my cell phone through VOIP, etc. over Wi-Fi so that I don't need to use minutes on my cell phone.

[dualstow]

You have no landline that you could link Google Voice to, correct? Because I used that for long distance and it worked like a charm.
What about Skype Out?

I'm always leery of some of the super cheap options because for me the sound quality becomes an issue.

[l82start]

I have been using ting for quite a while... still happy with it.

have been using skype to land-line for long distance (one country) 5 bucks and change per month, also works great.. unlimited calls to landlines in that country.

[WiseOne]

My setup is exactly what you're planning:  cell phone plus internet and nothing else.  It works great, although you have to be willing to trust Google with a good deal of personal data...if you don't want to do that then this solution isn't for you.

Get a Google Voice number to use as your "public" number (e.g. that you hand out to credit card companies and online merchants who require a phone #), and only give out your cell phone # to friends and family.  Forward your cell's voice mail to Google Voice.  Install the google chat plugin to Chrome or whatever your preferred web browser is.  Make sure your cell phone stores contacts to gmail.  While you're at home, make all phone calls on your computer, via the gchat plugin.

Good luck!

[MachineGhost]

I switched from Ting to http://www.ringplus.net to save money last year.  After that, Sprint made a recent change that made it very problematic to bring your own device that you buy elsewhere.  You better read this: https://ting.com/blog/changes-to-the-by ... -the-ugly/

Google's service will probably be the best of the lot when it debuts.  It should offer transparent roaming WiFi and use either the Sprint or T-Mobile network depending on what is best for any given location.  Neither Sprint nor T-Mobile are anywhere as good as Verizon or A&T in terms of in-building penetration or coverage.

Dualstow, there's nothing special about Virgin Mobile.  They're just another Sprint reseller as is Ting, RingPlus, FreedomPop, RepublicWireless, etc..  No sense in overpaying.

[dualstow]

There have been some articles about this trend by the way. The theme is, first they cut the cord and now some want to cut cellular. Of course not everyone can live on wi-fi alone. I didn't have a cell phone at all until a few years ago.

[Greg]

I switched from Ting to http://www.ringplus.net to save money last year.  After that, Sprint made a recent change that made it very problematic to bring your own device that you buy elsewhere.  You better read this: https://ting.com/blog/changes-to-the-by ... -the-ugly/

Google's service will probably be the best of the lot when it debuts.  It should offer transparent roaming WiFi and use either the Sprint or T-Mobile network depending on what is best for any given location.  Neither Sprint nor T-Mobile are anywhere as good as Verizon or A&T in terms of in-building penetration or coverage.

Dualstow, there's nothing special about Virgin Mobile.  They're just another Sprint reseller as is Ting, RingPlus, FreedomPop, RepublicWireless, etc..  No sense in overpaying.

Looking through the Ringplus website. Looks like it currently uses just Sprint/CDMA stuff. Ting now uses GSM stuff as well due to it seems like T-Mobile. You can bring a T-Mobile device over there with no real issues from what I've read versus Sprint stuff has more hit/miss due to these new regulations.

I'm also wondering if you're having two people on a plan, if it is cheaper to have a single Ting plan versus what looks like RingPlus only has single person plans.

I found this post which seems to have a lot of useful information about different MVNOs

http://www.reddit.com/r/NoContract/comm ... _ringplus/

US Mobile seems to be getting good reviews from this reddit post at least.

[whatchamacallit]

I have been really happy with cricket.

They are owned by ATT now so it uses their network.

https://www.cricketwireless.com/cell-phone-plans

[hoost]

I have a friend on republic wireless who seems pretty satisfied.  Wifi calling is integrated.  There are different tier levels depending on what kind of data you want.  You will have to buy one of their phones.

[sapperleader]

Last year, my wife switched to Republic Wireless and I switched to Ting.  We are both thrilled, and save a ton, while having great service.  Neither of us is a heavy cell phone user,but the nice thing about ting is I have a busy month with work or family, it automatically ramps up without me thinking about it.

[Greg]

Last year, my wife switched to Republic Wireless and I switched to Ting.  We are both thrilled, and save a ton, while having great service.  Neither of us is a heavy cell phone user,but the nice thing about ting is I have a busy month with work or family, it automatically ramps up without me thinking about it.

Any reason you both didn't switch to the same company (both Republic or both Ting?)

[Jay-UMN]

I have a friend on republic wireless who seems pretty satisfied.  Wifi calling is integrated.  There are different tier levels depending on what kind of data you want.  You will have to buy one of their phones.

^ This would be me. After using both Sprint and Verizon based carriers, I ended up giving Republic Wireless a try due to their Wifi integration. I had issues with both Verizon and Sprint signals at work, and Sprint at home (i.e. in building). With Wifi access at work, home, pretty much anywhere I go, I can connect to wifi and use it for talk/text/data. If the wifi signal isn't strong enough, it automatically changes to cell, if the wifi fades during a call, it seamlessly hands the call over to the cell tower. I've played around with several of their plans. I used the 4G plan (~40/mo+tax) for a bit, but didn't notice any appreciable difference over the 3G plan (~29 with tax included). This is due to the Sprint network I'm sure. Since I spend most of my time in areas with Wifi, I decided to try the cell talk/text and wifi data plan (10/mo, or ~12/mo with tax). I started this experiment yesterday. We'll see how it goes. The nice part about it is you can switch plans twice/month so no real long term commitments there.

[sapperleader]

I didn't like any of Republic Wireless phone's was the main driver for me going with Ting.  Republic is also unlimited at a flat rate, whoch appealed to her.  Going forward with Ting adding CDMA to thier capabilities, I envision we will both end up at Ting at some point.

Last year, my wife switched to Republic Wireless and I switched to Ting.  We are both thrilled, and save a ton, while having great service.  Neither of us is a heavy cell phone user,but the nice thing about ting is I have a busy month with work or family, it automatically ramps up without me thinking about it.

Any reason you both didn't switch to the same company (both Republic or both Ting?)

[Greg]

I have a friend on republic wireless who seems pretty satisfied.  Wifi calling is integrated.  There are different tier levels depending on what kind of data you want.  You will have to buy one of their phones.

^ This would be me. After using both Sprint and Verizon based carriers, I ended up giving Republic Wireless a try due to their Wifi integration. I had issues with both Verizon and Sprint signals at work, and Sprint at home (i.e. in building). With Wifi access at work, home, pretty much anywhere I go, I can connect to wifi and use it for talk/text/data. If the wifi signal isn't strong enough, it automatically changes to cell, if the wifi fades during a call, it seamlessly hands the call over to the cell tower. I've played around with several of their plans. I used the 4G plan (~40/mo+tax) for a bit, but didn't notice any appreciable difference over the 3G plan (~29 with tax included). This is due to the Sprint network I'm sure. Since I spend most of my time in areas with Wifi, I decided to try the cell talk/text and wifi data plan (10/mo, or ~12/mo with tax). I started this experiment yesterday. We'll see how it goes. The nice part about it is you can switch plans twice/month so no real long term commitments there.

How does that work for WiFi though? Can it connect to a wifi point even if the wifi is password protected? Or is it only free wifi spots that get it? For instance, would the device use my neighbor's wifi for a signal even if I don't have the password to physically log on to their wifi source if I wanted internet on my cellphone/computer/etc.

[Mountaineer]

For those of you who do NOT use a mainstream nationwide broad coverage carrier such as Verizon or ATT:  If you look at the over all value you receive from your non-mainstream carrier, how would you rate them on:

Value = An optimum overall balance considering:
* Cost of monthly service,
* Voice Quality both listening and speaking,
* Service if you have a problem with billing etc., customer service quality and convenience,
* Effect in Use meaning do you get service everywhere you travel. 

Also, could you please mention whether you are using CDMA or GSM equipment.  The reason I'm asking is it seems most of the comments have been about cost.  Does that mean the other 3 components are satisfactory?

Thanks,  ... Mountaineer

[l82start]

ting.. based on my experience ...

cost- i pay for what i use and have two phones with them, for very little extra. excellent

voice quality- uses sprint network no different than theirs. good quality

service- called up and was i complete shock to have a live person with answers to my question pick up the phone... unbelievable in comparison to the lowered expectations that standard carriers have created..

effect in use- same as sprint, good coverage, no dead zones in my home, like some carriers have had. solid anywhere on the interstate system/in city's, towns, and acceptable on rural remote roads.. not sure about out of country travel..

edit to add --  phone selection was fine for me, i am not a telephonophile gadget guy, if you need the hottest thing YMMV.

[Jay-UMN]

I have a friend on republic wireless who seems pretty satisfied.  Wifi calling is integrated.  There are different tier levels depending on what kind of data you want.  You will have to buy one of their phones.

^ This would be me. After using both Sprint and Verizon based carriers, I ended up giving Republic Wireless a try due to their Wifi integration. I had issues with both Verizon and Sprint signals at work, and Sprint at home (i.e. in building). With Wifi access at work, home, pretty much anywhere I go, I can connect to wifi and use it for talk/text/data. If the wifi signal isn't strong enough, it automatically changes to cell, if the wifi fades during a call, it seamlessly hands the call over to the cell tower. I've played around with several of their plans. I used the 4G plan (~40/mo+tax) for a bit, but didn't notice any appreciable difference over the 3G plan (~29 with tax included). This is due to the Sprint network I'm sure. Since I spend most of my time in areas with Wifi, I decided to try the cell talk/text and wifi data plan (10/mo, or ~12/mo with tax). I started this experiment yesterday. We'll see how it goes. The nice part about it is you can switch plans twice/month so no real long term commitments there.

How does that work for WiFi though? Can it connect to a wifi point even if the wifi is password protected? Or is it only free wifi spots that get it? For instance, would the device use my neighbor's wifi for a signal even if I don't have the password to physically log on to their wifi source if I wanted internet on my cellphone/computer/etc.

Only wifi spots you have access to (i.e. have the password for if secured).

[goldfinger]

H2O wireless uses the ATT network too, the minute plan is 5c/min, saves a lot!

For those of you who do NOT use a mainstream nationwide broad coverage carrier such as Verizon or ATT:  If you look at the over all value you receive from your non-mainstream carrier, how would you rate them on:

Value = An optimum overall balance considering:
* Cost of monthly service,
* Voice Quality both listening and speaking,
* Service if you have a problem with billing etc., customer service quality and convenience,
* Effect in Use meaning do you get service everywhere you travel. 

Also, could you please mention whether you are using CDMA or GSM equipment.  The reason I'm asking is it seems most of the comments have been about cost.  Does that mean the other 3 components are satisfactory?

Thanks,  ... Mountaineer

[hoost]

For those of you who do NOT use a mainstream nationwide broad coverage carrier such as Verizon or ATT:  If you look at the over all value you receive from your non-mainstream carrier, how would you rate them on:

Value = An optimum overall balance considering:
* Cost of monthly service,
* Voice Quality both listening and speaking,
* Service if you have a problem with billing etc., customer service quality and convenience,
* Effect in Use meaning do you get service everywhere you travel. 

Also, could you please mention whether you are using CDMA or GSM equipment.  The reason I'm asking is it seems most of the comments have been about cost.  Does that mean the other 3 components are satisfactory?

Thanks,  ... Mountaineer

My wife uses PagePlus (via online dealer Kitty Wireless).  She has a Verizon iPhone 4S.  Monthly bill is $30.  PP uses the Verizon network, so the coverage/quality has been equal to Verizon.

I used page plus via kitty wireless for a short time after my Verizon contract expired and before I got a company-issued phone.  Coverage on the Verizon network was the same as regular Verizon.  The price was reasonable, but you do have to bring your own Verizon-equipped phone.  Billing/Customer Service/etc...you will need to be adventurous.  I never had any problems, but I wouldn't anticipate a lot of service, and would expect to do some googling to resolve problems.  All said, I'd get them again if my company drops my phone coverage.

[Mountaineer]

Thanks for all the replies to my questions.  Good food for thought for when my contract is up for renewal.

... Mountaineer

[hoost]

For those who are interested in alternative wireless plans: Google just launched a new wireless service yesterday, called Project Fi.

It's currently invite only.  You need a Nexus 6.  It uses Wifi + Sprint + T-Mobile and is supposed to switch seamlessly between them.  $20 base price, plus $10/GB, and you get a refund if you don't use all of the data.  It looks very similar to what Republic Wireless is doing, but adds T-Mobile towers as well and has a nice pricing scheme on data.

If you request an invite and get accepted, please let us know how it is.

https://fi.google.com/about/