this post was submitted on 14 Aug 2024
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chapotraphouse
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I'm in the U.S. This is TMobile. When I used Verizon I had a flip phone that cost me maybe $80. I just did a quick search and found flip phones for AT&T for $60. That covers >90% of the U.S. cell plan market share.
That's great. I'm checking right now and I may be in that <10% area. Glad you got yours.
Even if you have a smaller carrier they probably still use one of the big three networks , in which case the cheap phones will be compatible.
I want to be clear that I'm not saying "fuck you, I got mine." I didn't get a special deal or win a raffle or anything. You're certainly right that they do try to hide the fact that it's at all possible to get a cheap phone. But contrary to appearances, you can probably save money here. If not now, then the oligopoly will probably invade your section of the country soon enough.
I may have to dig around if it really is possible in my area to get a cheaper not-smart phone. If I can keep my current number, even better.
I had to order mine separately from my carrier, but I verified with them that they could activate it and all that - I think you'd use the same SIM card and therefore wouldn't have to change your number but I don't really know how that works. When I've had to change phones I just tell the people at the carrier store that I have certain red lines I absolutely will not cross (budgetary and otherwise) and whatever their misgivings or confusion they've worked with me on that. They still try to upsell me whenever I have a technical support question, of course.
I'm in a fairly remote area, but I may take a little trip and see what I can do.
Good luck!