# Unlimited talk, text and data for $49 / month no contracts

Category: Cell Phone Talk

## Post 1 by LeoGuardian (You mean there is something outside of this room with my computer in it?) on Thursday, 14-Feb-2013 15:53:42

Hello all,
I have a contract-free cell phone plan option for you that will especially be good for people on lower incomes and / or college students: $49 per month for unlimited talk, text and data, no contracts, and backed by the T-Mobile network.
I've been a T-Mobile user for five years, and so have watched the network improve in the U.S. quite a bit. Now, in many urban areas, iPhone users are getting 3G, soon to be LTE coverage for iPhone 5 users this March. Of course, Android users have had 3G coverage on T-Mobile for years.
This offer is not from T-Mobile, but is backed by T-Mobile's network.
Click here to learn more about Solavei.
I'm especially excited about this, because for us, whatever Android or iPhone smartphone you use right now, we as blind people use them for a lot more things than your average sighted person, be it object recognition, GPS or any number of other tasks that have improved our lives. Unlimited talk, text and data at $49.00 per month without a contract and no prepaid refills for domestic calls, I think is a really good idea.
There is an opportunity side to this, should you choose to go for that, which will mean you could soon be paying nothing at all for your service. I want to post that to a separate topic.
But I will personally help any of you who private messages me or otherwise lets me know you're signing up. To me, this is not just me getting you to sign up for a discounted talk, text and data plan: I get it. It's often harder for us with some of these sites and having to activate your phone, and similar types of things. You'll find a phone number on the link listed above, or you can just private message me or see how to contact me in my profile.
I want to be especially transparent, in light of recent scams that have been posted here: I will respond to any questions you've got.
I hope many will be able to take advantage of this, and cut their mobile costs.
Leo

## Post 2 by Smiling Sunshine (I've now got the bronze prolific poster award! now going for the silver award!) on Thursday, 14-Feb-2013 16:49:06

Makes me wish I weren't in a current contract. It'll be up in August though so I'll talk to the hubs and see what he says about switching.
I'm a little nervous only because I'm grandfathered in on the unlimited date for $29.99 with AT&T but if I ever change anything, I'll lose that and they won't be bringing it back.
I'll pm you with my zipcode to see how the coverate is in our area though because this would allow me to get my son an iphone which he despirately wants but I refuse to get him because he's a data hog. lol
For $49 we would all 3 have phones and still pay less than we're currently paying.

## Post 3 by DevilishAnthony (Just go on and agree with me. You know you want to.) on Thursday, 14-Feb-2013 16:56:57

Do you know how this differs from the Straight Talk Walmart plan? I've heard that they're coming out with a deal where you can get an iPhone and unlimited everything for 45 a month. I haven't read the specs, only heard the rumors and thought you might already know something about it.

## Post 4 by Dana (Veteran Zoner) on Thursday, 14-Feb-2013 17:01:26

I use straightTalk and have the Iphone 4s. yes, it's $45 per month for unlimited talk, text, and data. it uses both t-mobile and AT&T towers. i love it and don't plan on changing. not sure about what phones they are offering at walmart as, i just bought my own phone and purchased the sim online. i have heard that you can get an Iphone cheap though but it's either the 3GS or the 4 and 8 gig.

## Post 5 by LeoGuardian (You mean there is something outside of this room with my computer in it?) on Thursday, 14-Feb-2013 17:17:48

If they're giving you an iPhone, and you're not paying full price, you will be in contract.
The advantage to this situation is you get your plan for $49 a month no contract at all. Of course, if a carrier is going to susidize your phone, that is going to mean you owe them a 2-year contract.
Also, the way in which AT&T and StraightTalk are partnered is different from T-Mobile and Solavei. With Solavei, you get the full t-mobile coverage. Do a google on StraightTalk and its users and you will find people who switched from AT&T to StraightTalk got degraded performance. That would have more to do with how they're sharing the network, and I obviously don't have the inside on that one. But for Solavei and for T-Mobile this is a valuable partnership because instead of using big box stores and advertising dollars, Solavei uses direct marketing to do this. StraightTalk does not.
With StraightTalk, you would not, for instance, be able to get your friends to sign up and then pay no phone bill at all.
DomesticGoddess, I can appreciate your situation. I will describe how I solved this in my topic on the Job Board for the opportunity side of this. In summary though, I kept my old number and am still paying for it. I am getting a new number via Solavei, so I don't break contract. Because I am into this for the opportunity, I will first get my network built so I pay nothing on the new Solavei service, and then continue to build until I can buy out my old number's contract from T-Mobile. I told my daughter also that if this works, and she wants to get extra income while she's just starting out, I will buy out her contract on T-Mobile also so that she can start. Because she is an Android user and doesn't care about accessibility, she could get a new phone for a hundred bucks from them which would serve her well. It doesn't have what a blind person needs: it's Gingerbread, and limited memory, but still more than her four-year-old phone has.
Anyway too much about the opportunity on this thread probably, since this is for people who just want the service.
But if you want a carrier to subsidize a phone like AT&T or perhaps StraightTalk, yes, you'll need a contract.
Also DomesticGoddess I will check the coverage map for you from your PM and write you back.

## Post 6 by LeoGuardian (You mean there is something outside of this room with my computer in it?) on Thursday, 14-Feb-2013 17:21:05

Oh ok the StraightTalk deal requires you to get your own phone, or provides you an older phone like the iPhone 4 or 3GS then.
Does StraightTalk pay you for letting your friends know about this? Or credit your account when others sign up?
That's good to know that StraightTalk is now using both T-Mobile and AT&T towers, the best of both worlds in that department then.

## Post 7 by DevilishAnthony (Just go on and agree with me. You know you want to.) on Thursday, 14-Feb-2013 17:33:24

Ah, okay, so this would be better since there would be no contract, and the fact that you pay less each time you get someone else to sign up. I'll probably be talking to you about it somewhere near mid year.

## Post 8 by rat (star trek rules!) on Thursday, 14-Feb-2013 17:43:29

hate to tell you, what they say is umlimited isn't unlimited at all. They claim it is, but people have already discovered it's not true

## Post 9 by LeoGuardian (You mean there is something outside of this room with my computer in it?) on Friday, 15-Feb-2013 15:46:09

MysticJeff private messaged me on here, with a lower rate. This is for Canadian users, which reminded me. I did not ever state that this is for U.S. users only at this time. Solavei will be rolling out international full support but I don't have a time on it and so will not post conjecture.
International folks, especially from Canada, looking to go low-cost no-contract may want to talk to MysticJeff on here, though I don't know the background or qualifications of that user, I was just informed: you'll have to talk to him for specifics and how / where to sign up for that one from Canada.

## Post 10 by BryanP22 (Novice theriminist) on Friday, 15-Feb-2013 19:51:54

Well I'd have to get out of my contract withAT&T but I did a little looking into this and it sounds like it would be worth it. It sounds like it's te same price I'd be paying for Straight Talk.I say I'd have to get out of contract with AT&T because I can't afford to pay two phone bills. But tis would cut my phone bill in half and I'd still be able to keep my phone. My only question would be what if I wanted to upgrade to an IPhone 5?

## Post 11 by LeoGuardian (You mean there is something outside of this room with my computer in it?) on Saturday, 16-Feb-2013 5:11:06

If you want a subsidized device, that will cost you a contract. That is how carriers can afford to subsidize. Of course, then they pass on the cost of that subsidy to you.
Were I you, I'd put money away in a pillow case every month, and when the iPhone Next comes out, start searching Craigslist for a dependet kid half your age looking to ditch the "old" iPhone 5 in favor of the newest and shiniest.
Just a suggest.
StraightTalk is a good option, but of course you'll never have your bill reduced by referring others to use it.
Most important thing is to check your coverage area. T-Mobile has a partnership with Solavei, so they're working together to get their LTE support rolled out, which means iPhone 5 to you. I did quite a bit of research on StraightTalk, and it seems at least from some online reports that AT&T users found a degraded situation when they moved to StraightTalk. I don't know anything about the relationship between AT&T and StraightTalk or what kind of a partnership it is.
I'm just glad there's competition in the mobile contract-free space. I personally would love to see every person, especially every blind person, going completely mobile and free, and not worrying about data throttling like some carriers have on their unlimited data, or expensive contracts.
Of course if you want to explore the income side of this situation, you could buy into Solavei now, start referring people into it, get your bill paid for, and make your goal to earn enough to buy out your AT&T contract. Since Solavei is contract-free, if it just doesn't work for you, throw away that SIM card, stop paying, and be done with it. Just don't throw away your AT&T SIM until you're sure it's a go financially for you.
I'm not talking out my ass on this one. That's precisely what I am doing with T-Mobile. Truth is, nobody can afford two phone bills.
Now, if the opportunity side isn't your thing, forget I just said that: no need for you to be paying two bills. I just know how much you and everyone else has struggled to get work, and also I know when I've been in business for myself, it's a whole different thing. People are looking at your product, service and delivery, not your disability. This I know from firsthand experience. And the social networks, which you use with Solavei to make money, are really the great equalizer for us. Especially people who understand these things, and people who have something of a communications or writing or similar type of background. Those are all things I had to learn later, usually the hard way.

## Post 12 by forereel (Just posting.) on Saturday, 16-Feb-2013 10:45:26

No this service is not exactly unlimited, but 4 GB of data is pretty much. I don't think many people use that much anyway.
The next thing to remember is you need to have a GSM handset. A Verizon phone won't work. Other then that, this is a good deal for general use I'd say.
I am thinking as time goes on more companies will lower the pricing. With this you're not stuck iin a contract, so for now it works.

## Post 13 by BryanP22 (Novice theriminist) on Saturday, 16-Feb-2013 11:03:58

I already know my area is covered. I checked. But I might as well stick with my contract so I can get a new IPhone relatively cheap when the time comes. I mean I like my 4S but I've noticed it can be rather sluggish when texting.

## Post 14 by LeoGuardian (You mean there is something outside of this room with my computer in it?) on Saturday, 16-Feb-2013 14:24:45

It's not 4GB of data: it's on a 4G network.

## Post 15 by forereel (Just posting.) on Saturday, 16-Feb-2013 15:04:59

I understood the lemit to be an issue after 4GB of data used. The person that wrote this up was not able to get a rep on the phone about it.
Some people have experienced issues after that amount. Maybe ask and post the rule?

## Post 16 by starfly (99956) on Saturday, 16-Feb-2013 20:48:29

I have a question, what if you or love one has drop or the phone is defectibe, what then do you do? Will This carier offer wireless insurance? My wife and her S2 has been down a bumpy road, heck the last one she cracked the screen when she dropped it on the apartments Tennis Cort. :) If not I will stay with t-mobile but this is a good deal it sounds like so far.

## Post 17 by dragons lady (Zone BBS Addict) on Sunday, 17-Feb-2013 7:51:56

I am with verizon and my bill is outragious. Would I need to have my phone unlocked wich I heard you can no longer do or buy there i phone? Also, I looked at straight talk, I can not aford there i phones so would the provider give me a better deal on the i phone. Money is a issue. I got to get my phone bill down.

## Post 18 by LeoGuardian (You mean there is something outside of this room with my computer in it?) on Sunday, 17-Feb-2013 18:27:59

I can answer both the last two posts in one: Yes, the phone needs to be unlocked. No, they do not carry the iPhone, though like T-Mobile they do support it. You can't get a Galaxy or Nexus or any of those either, Starfly, though again, I would personally be searching Craigslist in your area for someone's unlocked phone. The androids tend to unlock easier anyway, since the iPhone requires that the carrier update Apple's white list with your phone's International Mobile Electronic Identification (IMEI) number
You are right, T-Mobile has good phone insurance. The daughter has had her MyTouch 4G replaced a couple times at minimal cost to me. Now my iPhone isn't covered since I bought that off Craigslist and unlocked it. Neither is the Chick's T-Mobile Dash since I also bought that online and had used it myself a couple years and now she uses it.
Solavei does have phones, and you can click my link and look at them, but if you Google them you'll note they carry Gingerbread and many are HTC with custom interfaces on them, so at least for us, they would simply not work.

## Post 19 by forereel (Just posting.) on Monday, 18-Feb-2013 10:47:29

Also remind customers Leo the phones must be GSM, and her Verizon, Sprint, or WMA will not work on this service.

## Post 20 by forereel (Just posting.) on Monday, 18-Feb-2013 10:58:10

Not WMA, I meant CDMA.

## Post 21 by LeoGuardian (You mean there is something outside of this room with my computer in it?) on Monday, 18-Feb-2013 13:34:15

True that is, and I do point that out on the blog and on our site.
For those interested in the opportunity side, there is a Solavei Social webcast event at %PM Pacific time here:
http://www.SolaveiSocials.com/

## Post 22 by ProudAFL-CIOLaborUnionGirl (Account disabled) on Monday, 18-Feb-2013 15:45:19

Why not just get an Obama phone?

## Post 23 by starfly (99956) on Monday, 18-Feb-2013 16:40:59

Obama phone, because that would just be helping our country go to crap in a hand basket faster lol.
"US"

## Post 24 by LeoGuardian (You mean there is something outside of this room with my computer in it?) on Monday, 18-Feb-2013 17:58:29

Are you for real? I didn't know there was a real Obama phone. I'd have to read up on that first. No, this is for people who want to be independent from contracts. A government-sponsored phone would probably require some sort of contract, even if it is subsidized in part. And if it's a government thing, it could be dropped at any time, as opposed to private business. Check out my link and see if it's right for you. To be fair I will see what this Obama phone is, but again, if it's a subsidized situation, subsidies and the public trough are by nature very tenuous situations into which I would not want to place my mobile communications needs. This isn't just about kids texting anymore: people's whole livelihoods are more and more dependent on their mobile communications capability, being plugged in to the Internet anywhere.

## Post 25 by LeoGuardian (You mean there is something outside of this room with my computer in it?) on Monday, 18-Feb-2013 18:13:04

OK here's a basic fact sheet on the so-called Obama phone. Apparently an extension of the Lifeline program started during the Reagan administration, only available to those on Public assistance.
And you get whatever phone you get, one per household. And for people on this site, I doubt those phones talk. Also limited to 250 wireless minutes a year. It is an emergency and job-hunt-related phone only. Just like the landline fees we all paid went to Lifeline, the new cell phone government fees we pay - a dollar or two per cell phone bill - go to the cell phone program.
Again, this is no comparison to my offering, and as I suspected, it is a relief type situation: beggars can't be choosers and so you will get what you get, but this is for the destitute. Not a comparable situation to you making a choice and getting inexpensive data, text and voice.
The differences between the two are staggering.

## Post 26 by forereel (Just posting.) on Monday, 18-Feb-2013 23:12:15

Leo never mind that. You research was good, but your gut was correct.
Obama phones are basic and for helping people to find jobs, or such things. These are usually used handsets and older models.
She doesn't have one trust me. Smile.
Puls they are only paid for for a limited amount of time. I know people that have had them, but they weren't labeled Obama phones. Bush had some too. Smile.

## Post 27 by LeoGuardian (You mean there is something outside of this room with my computer in it?) on Tuesday, 19-Feb-2013 12:04:04

Oh and the Solavei plan is unlimited data. I have not found a Solavei source that says it's 4GB of data. That would be less than the max of 5GB you get with a lot of carriers.
You're right, many people wouldn't use 4GB, not knowingly.
Here's why I'm passionate about this though: Knowingly is the operative word here. So you get your mother or some older relative to maybe start using their GPS, and hopefully not get lost. Gonna cost a lot of data no matter how you slice it. Mail, notifications, any number of other things use data.
People on many sites will tell you how to restrict your data usage, which turns your smartphone into a less intelligent dumb phone.
As the blind, look at how much these apps are helping us: TapTapSee I read that someone used that in a convenience store to identify items and pay for them. We all know how hard help is to get when in a convenience store and there is only one person there. I can't wait to move back to Portland in a couple months and go try that.
Or how about just looking around with AroundMe or some similar? I've seen shops and things I didn't know were there even though I knew the area. In order for us to really make the most of this mobile opportunity, meaning your ability to use your iPhone and do better / know things you couldn't know otherwise, you need to not be having to think about your data. Anyone who finds a source that explicitly says 4 GB of data, not just a forum post but a Solavei source, post it here and I'll look.
We can't tell people unlimited if it's not, and I would not put my own personal reputation, something I take very seriously, behind that sort of a scheme.
Yes, as to the GSM (SIM card phones), that is true of every carrier except the following: Verizon, Srpint, Altel, CricketWireless and Cellular 1.
The exception is I believe Verizon does have a GSM network as well as their CDMA network, which is why you can use your iPhone 4S on it.
Hope this clears things up. And I hope you can get out of a contract situation and onto a lower cost system whichever you choose.

## Post 28 by forereel (Just posting.) on Tuesday, 19-Feb-2013 17:26:24

I agree about not having to worry about deata, but I really don't use that much.
I don't use the GPS, or the other features. I guess I just haven't thought about doing so even though I know I can.
I do read email, check weather, sometimes ask for places near me, like coffee, or whatever I'm looking for.
I don't stream music, because I have plenty on board, and when I'm out I'm not really using the phone, because well I'm out. Lol

## Post 29 by forereel (Just posting.) on Tuesday, 19-Feb-2013 17:28:15

Oh, and I've forgotten. the iPhone 4S and even 5 can be used on both GSM and CDMA. I believe Sprint is just CDMA as far as that goes and the others you talked about. I have a friend and I think hers is CDMA.

## Post 30 by LeoGuardian (You mean there is something outside of this room with my computer in it?) on Wednesday, 20-Feb-2013 11:29:55

If you do buy a phone through Solavei, an Android device off of GSMNation/Solavei you will get a free bluetooth headset to go with it.

## Post 31 by forereel (Just posting.) on Wednesday, 20-Feb-2013 14:21:01

I'd say if you are going to buy an iPhone anyway from a company that has no contract buying an unlocked model or used will still give you a better deal here.
Cricket and other companies slow down services after so much data is used. If this service does not it is great!

## Post 32 by DevilishAnthony (Just go on and agree with me. You know you want to.) on Wednesday, 20-Feb-2013 14:25:29

If I'm going to get an unlocked iPhone, I want the latest and greatest. Yes, I realize that it'll cost me, but it'll be a long time before I can afford a new one, so I want to start out current. I don't want to already be behind the times as soon as I get my phone. Petty, perhaps, but that's how I think. Question is, where's the best place to get an unlocked iPhone?

## Post 33 by forereel (Just posting.) on Wednesday, 20-Feb-2013 14:35:39

If you are talking the 5 EBay has one for around 600 to 640 free shipping. So far that is the best price I've scene on it so far.
Amazon had some good prices as well. This is the 16GB model.
Where you get it doesn't matter, because Apple covers it.
For this service you'll need to ask Leo if theyhave access to T Mobiles upgraded network so that the 5 runs.

## Post 34 by LeoGuardian (You mean there is something outside of this room with my computer in it?) on Wednesday, 20-Feb-2013 16:17:37

LTE and iPhone 5 support is supposed to be coming out here in March. You said it would be awhile before you bought one so for sure it will be out by then. I'd play it safe and say LTE by middle second quarter, aka April / May but it's certainly on the radar.
And no, there's no throttling of the data. I could not get behind an unlimited plan that does that, and go get others into such a deal.

## Post 35 by forereel (Just posting.) on Wednesday, 20-Feb-2013 20:58:09

If looking for a good price on an iPhone you might sign up for this site.
http://www.refurb.me/us/
It will give you updates on refurbish Apple products.

## Post 36 by forereel (Just posting.) on Thursday, 21-Feb-2013 1:30:57

Here is a White 16 GB iPhone 5 for 539. I said 600 to 640, but I meant to say fore the 32 GB
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Apple-iPhone-5-16GB-White-Silver-AT-T-BAD-ESN-FACTORY-UNLOCKED-A1428-/321077054535?pt=Cell_Phones&hash=item4ac1af0c47

## Post 37 by forereel (Just posting.) on Thursday, 21-Feb-2013 1:38:17

I meant unlocked. The telephone was ringing and I hit the go button before I checked my post.

## Post 38 by cowboy1 (the Zone BBS remains forever my home page) on Wednesday, 06-Mar-2013 7:09:21

yet if you didn't care about iPhone and were on a GSM provider like the afore mentioned carrier, why not just go with a nexus 4 for nearly half the price

## Post 39 by LeoGuardian (You mean there is something outside of this room with my computer in it?) on Wednesday, 06-Mar-2013 11:30:53

The Nexus 4 will get you 4G everywhere, unlike the iPhone which gets 3G on most major cities now because of T-Mobile and settlements that happened a couple years ago.
Cowboy is right, and the Nexus also supports LTE which is coming to our network soon.
The only thing is, the phone you get right now cannot take the NanoSim that the iPhone 5 does. Micro is fine as is the standard Sim but not the Nano yet. That also is coming soon.

## Post 40 by LeoGuardian (You mean there is something outside of this room with my computer in it?) on Wednesday, 06-Mar-2013 13:13:19

Word just in from Solavei: The nano sim cards used by either iPhone 5 or some other Android devices are all now supported! I know we've had interest and now we can deliver.
Cowboy, thanks for the mention on the Nexus: that one is a really nice device, as is some of the lineup from Samsung.
Hit me up if you all have questions: contact info including the Skype are in my profile. And if you are free to join, come join us all at the Solavei Socials webcast 5:30 PM Pacific 8:30 PM Eastern at http://socials.solavei.com/ where Solavei CEO Ryan Wuerch shares his vision for Solavei and the social commerce revolution.
Either watch the vid, or use the pone number and pin on the site to call in on the mobile phone.
Follow along with #SolaveiSocials hashtag on Twitter or check into their Google Hangouts if you know how to use that. I don't actually, or can't, not sure if it's inaccessible or my brain is inaccessible as usual with some of these social networking things. I bet if you're an Android user, their reader Talkback probably works with it though.
Anyway, look forward to seeing you there. Great way to get your questions answered about the network, the opportunity, and upcoming partnerships.

## Post 41 by LeoGuardian (You mean there is something outside of this room with my computer in it?) on Tuesday, 26-Mar-2013 1:14:27

So I have left Solavei. It's still a great opportunity, which I will get into on the other borad topic. But honestly I am glad to see more and more contract-free options available, which is why I started with this. But a ton of pavement pounding and no traction. So while it's still available it won't be through DaveLeo very much longer.
T-Mobile now has a contract-free option, and if Sprint's isn't done yet it will be soon. Others will be forced to compete and your carrier will have it before too long. As I said when I was attempting to sell this stuff: the networks and service have changed a lot since 1985. So should the idea of contracts.