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Straight Talk adds Samsung 390G

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Just a quick note on a new handset from Straight Talk. The Samsung 390G is a pretty basic QWERTY handset, featuring a low-res screen, 2-megapixel camera, and microSD expansion up to 32GB. This actually pairs perfectly with Straight Talk’s All You Need plan, which provides 1,000 minutes, 1,000 messages, and 30MB of data for $30 per month. That’s plenty for a handset like this. You can get the Samsung 390G and a plan at Straight Talk’s website.

Via Howard Forums.

This post originated at PrepaidReviews.com - The number one resource for Tracfone Prepaid information on the web!

This post originated at PrepaidReviews.com - The number one resource for Tracfone Prepaid information on the web!


Straight Talk gets LG Optimus Zip on Verizon network

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It appears that Straight Talk has added another Android handset that runs on the Verizon network. A Howard Forums user posted photos he took of the LG Optimus Zip for sale at a Wal Mart in New Hampshire. PhoneNews.com points out that this is the the same handset as Verizon’s LG Enlighten; we heard last month that Straight Talk would get the LG Enlighten. The Zip matches the specs, and the looks, if the LG Optimus Q, which Straight Talk launched last year. The Optimus Q runs on the Sprint network, though, so there is a difference between that and the Zip. It appears that the Zip has not yet made its way to Straight Talk’s website, but it appears to be available at Wal Mart stores that are in the Verizon coverage area.

This post originated at PrepaidReviews.com - The number one resource for Tracfone Prepaid information on the web!

This post originated at PrepaidReviews.com - The number one resource for Tracfone Prepaid information on the web!

Straight Talk launching home phone service

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While this isn’t exactly prepaid cellular news, it does have to do with one of our more prominent carriers, Straight Talk. They’re apparently piggybacking Verizon’s Home Phone Connect service, which they launched a couple of years ago. It’s essentially a wireless base station and wireless phone that runs off of Verizon’s CDMA network. The base station itself will come out September 21st and will cost $99. The service will cost either $15 per month, for unlimited domestic long distance, or $30 to add international long distance to 1,000 worldwide locations. You can check out more details at the dedicated Straight Talk page.

Via PhoneNews.com.

This post originated at PrepaidReviews.com - The number one resource for Tracfone Prepaid information on the web!

This post originated at PrepaidReviews.com - The number one resource for Tracfone Prepaid information on the web!

Straight Talk offering Galaxy S Showcase in some stores

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It appears that Straight Talk has started offering the Samsung Galaxy S Showcase in some Walmart retail stores. It might be a new name, but the Galaxy Showcase is actually the original Galaxy S, meaning it is a two-year-old handset. It has a 4-inch screen and a 1GHz processor, which is fine and good, but it runs Android 2.3, which certainly downgrades the experience. That wouldn’t be such a bad package if the price were right, but at $250 it seems quite a bit overpriced. Then again, Straight Talk doesn’t offer any Android 4.0 devices, and they sell the Galaxy S II for $100 more. Again, this doesn’t appear to be available on the website yet. It’s at some Walmart outlets. It runs on the Verizon network.

Via Howard Forums.

This post originated at PrepaidReviews.com - The number one resource for Tracfone Prepaid information on the web!

This post originated at PrepaidReviews.com - The number one resource for Tracfone Prepaid information on the web!

Straight Talk now selling iPhone 4 and 5 through Walmart

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The biggest news in prepaid lately: Straight Talk will start selling the iPhone 4 and iPhone 5 through Walmart. The phone itself will cost you plenty, $649.99 for a 16GB iPhone 5 and $449.99 for an 8GB iPhone 4. Still, the world’s most popular smartphone line gets paired with Straight Talk’s $45 monthly unlimited plan, so there will be plenty of folks interested in the offer. In a two-year span, the Straight Talk iPhone 5 will cost a customer $1730, while a 450-minute plan from AT&T will cost $2,360, or $3,080 with unlimited minutes. There are certain limitations with Straight Talk’s service, but for casual iPhone users this could get the job done. The iPhones 4 and 5 will go on sale at Walmart this Friday, January 11.

Via Phone Scoop.

This post originated at PrepaidReviews.com - The number one resource for Tracfone Prepaid information on the web!

This post originated at PrepaidReviews.com - The number one resource for Tracfone Prepaid information on the web!

Straight Talk has no set data cap for iPhone users

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If you read the user reviews of Straight Talk wireless service, you’ll see plenty of conflicting information. Some users claim that there is a 2GB cap on their unlimited data plan. Some claim that it’s even less — that they’ve been throttled after just a few days. When Straight Talk started offering the iPhone at Walmart outlets, the topic of throttling was sure to come up again. After all, iPhone 5 users consume huge amounts of data, and iPhone users in general are known for their data-heavy ways. That raises the question of how Straight Talk will deal with such a load on its resources.

FierceWireless spoke to a Straight Talk spokesperson, who confirmed that there is no set data cap. Instead, they throttle user speeds based on usage trends. That is, if a user streams video consistently across a short number of days, they’ll likely get throttled well before they reach 2GB of usage. That’s why many users complain of being throttled early in their monthly periods. Show Straight Talk that you might cross that 2GB cap, in other words, and you’ll likely see your data speeds throttled.

This can be quite frustrating for Straight Talk users who happen to use a chunk of data early in the month. Early in one of my recent cellular pay periods, I made a few train trips and streamed lots of Netflix on the way. It amounted to roughly half my data allotment in the first week of my billing cycle. Yet I still came in under my monthly limit. Straight Talk users who do this will be punished for the last three weeks of the month, even if they use very little data in that span. (In fact, given the throttling they will use little data by necessity.)

That is to say that the policy makes sense for Straight Talk, since it can throttle users before they become a problem. But it punishes users who consume a heap of data in a short span, but would otherwise be normal consumers later in the billing cycle.

Here is one policy that does make sense: Straight Talk does not allow the personal WiFi hotspot function. Even Verizon disallows this feature on its older plans, so for an MVNO of the network to disallow it makes sense as well. This is pretty much standard for any MVNO offering smartphones. They don’t own the network, and so have to pay for usage. Why pay to let people hook up their laptops to their smartphones?

Again, the iPhone for Straight Talk, which reportedly operates on the Verizon network, is available only at Walmart. Users can use Straight Talk’s bring your own device program to use other carriers’ iPhones.

This post originated at PrepaidReviews.com - The number one resource for Tracfone Prepaid information on the web!

This post originated at PrepaidReviews.com - The number one resource for Tracfone Prepaid information on the web!

Samsung Galaxy Discover coming to Straight Talk and Net10

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The Samsung website has revealed a new smartphone heading for Straight Talk and Net10. It’s teh Galaxy Discover, a 3.5-inch Android 4.0 device. With an 800MHz processor it is the very definition of low-end device. But with 4.0 it can compensate for some of those hardware limitations. It is limited to 7.2Mbps HSDPA speeds, but that is still better than EVDO, which many Straight Talk and Net10 smartphones connect to. There is no word on pricing or availability, but usually when phones show up on manufacturer websites it doesn’t take long getting them to carriers.

Via Samsung via Phone Scoop.

This post originated at PrepaidReviews.com - The number one resource for Tracfone Prepaid information on the web!

This post originated at PrepaidReviews.com - The number one resource for Tracfone Prepaid information on the web!

Straight Talk picks up the BlackBerry Curve 9310

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Straight Talk users looking for a bit more variety in smartphone selection have received just that. Earlier this week the carrier announced the availability of the BlackBerry Curve 9310. Chances are we’ll see a number of BlackBerry models in the 9xxx series hit prepaid carriers in the near future, as the contract carriers start to offer BlackBerry 10 phones. The Curve 9310 is nothing special, though it is a decent smartphone with a full QWERTY keyboard and BlackBerry’s famous email system, plus BBM. You can get it now, paired with the $45 monthly plan, at Straight Talk’s website.

This post originated at PrepaidReviews.com - The number one resource for Tracfone Prepaid information on the web!

This post originated at PrepaidReviews.com - The number one resource for Tracfone Prepaid information on the web!


Straight Talk starting Verizon BYOD program tomorrow

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It appears that Straight Talk is set to launch another big initiative. According to PhoneNews.com, the carrier tomorrow will launch a bring-your-own device program for Verizon-branded devices. This just adds to their BYOD program for AT&T and T-Mobile phones. There are certain limitations, which we’ll cover after the jump. But as PhoneNews.com notes, this puts Straight Talk in heated competition with Page Plus, which also offers a BYOD program for Verizon phones.

As you might expect, the BYOD devices are limited to 3G smartphones, from the following list:

HTC Eris
HTC Incredible
HTC Incredible 2
HTC Rhyme
HTC Merge
HTC Trophy (Windows Phone 7.x)
LG Vortex
LG Enlighten (slide out hardware keyboard-update of the Ally)
LG Ally (slide out hardware keyboard)
Palm Pixi Plus
Palm Pre Plus
Palm Pre 2
Motorola Droid (commonly referred to as the Droid 1) The Droid 1,2, & 3 have slide out keyboards
Motorola Droid 2
Motorola Droid 3
Motorola Droid X (predecessor to X2, slightly lower specs)
Motorola Droid X2
Motorola Droid Pro (portrait keyboard)
Samsung Continuum
Samsung Fascinate
Any/all Windows Mobile phones like HTC Ozone, Samsung Omnia series, Palm Treo Pro

Additionally, you’ll have to get the $45 unlimited plan, though that is true for all smartphones at this point. You’ll notice the lack of iPhone in that list, but that’s because Straight Talk offers the iPhone directly.

Again, the promotion will start tomorrow, March 26th.

This post originated at PrepaidReviews.com - The number one resource for Tracfone Prepaid information on the web!

This post originated at PrepaidReviews.com - The number one resource for Tracfone Prepaid information on the web!

Straight Talk clears the air on data limits

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When Net10 instituted a 1.5GB data cap on AT&T SIM cards, it felt like the beginning of a wider-spreading policy. While Tracfone brands Net10 and Straight Talk advertise unlimited data, that isn’t actually the case. As we’ve learned, Straight Talk has no set data cap, but will absolutely throttle your data speeds if you exceed their acceptable usage trends. If this all sounds confusing, Straight Talk sympathizes. They recently wrote a blog post that clarifies their position on data usage.

They specifically note: “We are NOT cutting off data at 1.5GB on Straight Talk.” (Emphasis theirs.) They go on to say, “most of our customers enjoy their unlimited data plans with no issues or complaints regarding their data speeds or service.”

That might sound like a fib if you read our Straight Talk user reviews. But remember, the people who post reviews there not only represent a minority of users, but they also represent a specifically motivated group. Those who feel wronged are more likely to leave reviews than people who have received acceptable service. Straight Talk serves millions of customers, and it’s conceivable that at least 51 percent of them have service with little complaint.

In any case, Straight Talk urges customers with further questions to check the terms and conditions, specifically sections seven and eight.

This post originated at PrepaidReviews.com - The number one resource for Tracfone Prepaid information on the web!

This post originated at PrepaidReviews.com - The number one resource for Tracfone Prepaid information on the web!

Straight Talk adds Samsung Galaxy S3

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Strange, I saw this on the Straight Talk website last week, but it didn’t really click that it was something new. Lo and behold, the Straight Talk blog announced on Friday that they were indeed selling the Samsung Galaxy SIII. We needn’t run down the specs for it at this point; nearly every carrier, prepaid and postpaid, carries it at this point. It’s actually a great time to get one, since it’s getting discounted with the Galaxy S4 about to hit markets nationwide. It will cost you $439.99, which isn’t half bad for a non-subsidized phone.

This post originated at PrepaidReviews.com - The number one resource for Tracfone Prepaid information on the web!

This post originated at PrepaidReviews.com - The number one resource for Tracfone Prepaid information on the web!

What Network Does Straight Talk Use?

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What network does Straight Talk use?

Straight Talk is a cellular re-seller and as such, they don’t have their own network towers. Rather, they use Verizon and AT&T’s towers to provide service to their clients. Because Verizon uses CDMA technology and AT&T uses GSM, Straight Talk is able to provide services locally and internationally. Straight talk offers prepaid cellular service to their clients which they can by in Walmart stores or via the internet.

CDMA technology and GSM technology differs in certain technological aspects, but one major difference is in it’s availability. While GSM technology is typically found all over the world, CDMA is more limited internationally and isn’t always available in other countries. CDMA is found predominantly in the US and North America. The two technologies also differ in data speed, location and hardware.

Since Straight Talk offers both types of technologies with their phones, clients can choose the one that is right for them. If you need to have a phone that will work overseas, it is probably a good idea to choose a phone that uses the GSM technology. If coverage isn’t a big deal to you, then you can chose a CDMA phone.

So, it’s important to consider where you are going to mainly be using the phone before you decide which phone to purchase. Since Straight Talk has both types of phones, you can just choose the phone that utilizes the technology that is found in the coverage area that you will use the phone the most.

Technically speaking, Straight Talk doesn’t have their own network, but they can and do make use of the networks of two major phone companies, Verizon and AT&T. Straight Talk users can expect to have the same level of coverage that these large companies provide. But it is important to choose the technology that fits your needs.

This post originated at PrepaidReviews.com - The number one resource for Tracfone Prepaid information on the web!

This post originated at PrepaidReviews.com - The number one resource for Tracfone Prepaid information on the web!

Differences between Straight Talk and Net 10

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Straight Talk vs Net 10

Net 10 and Straight Talk are two of the leading prepaid cell phone providers. Both service providers offer distinct perks to customers. Learn about the main differences between the two before making a purchasing decision.

Plans

Straight Talk has more simple plans than Net 10, hands down. It offers only three different monthly plans, while Net 10 offers a total of eight. Straight Talk’s $30 a month plan is the most inexpensive. It offers 1,000 minutes, texts, and 30 MB of data. The $45 plan, also called the Unlimited Plan, offers unlimited minutes, texts, and data usage. For $60, customers can purchase the Unlimited International Plan, which provides unlimited international calls and texts, as well as unlimited data.

Net 10 on the other hand offers a plan for as low as $20 for 200 minutes and 400 texts, a $30 plan for 300 minutes and 600 texts, and a $45 plan for 600 minutes and 1,200 texts. It also offers 900 minutes and 1,800 texts for $60, and 1,500 minutes and 3,000 texts for $1,000. For these plans, unused minutes do roll over to the next month. Straight Talk does not allow roll-over minutes.

Price

In terms of price, Net 10 is slightly more expensive, if you want a month to month plan. Its monthly plans cost $25 for 750 texts or minutes, $50 for unlimited minutes and texts, and $65 for unlimited international minutes and texts. These plans cost more than Straight Talk.

Both Straight Talk and Net 10 offer quality service from Verizon and AT&T, respectively. Straight Talk refill cards are only available at Walmart, while Net 10 cards can be found virtually everywhere. Before selecting a service provider to pursue, carefully weight the pros and cons to avoid making the wrong decision.

This post originated at PrepaidReviews.com - The number one resource for Tracfone Prepaid information on the web!

This post originated at PrepaidReviews.com - The number one resource for Tracfone Prepaid information on the web!

Walmart Straight Talk Prepaid Cell Phone Plans Overview

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Walmart is one of the most recent retail stores to offer its own prepaid line. Known as Straight Talk, this service provider aims at providing affordable month to month plans without the frills or complications of other prepaid providers. Learn more about Straight Talk before choosing to switch carriers.

Plans

Straight Talk keeps things simple by offering only three different plans, as well as three bundled plans that can save you money. The least expensive option costs $30 for 1,000 minutes and texts, and provides 30 MB of data. The most popular plan costs $45 for unlimited texts, minutes, and data. The Unlimited International Plan is set at $60 a month,and offers unlimited texts, minutes and data as well.

The bundled plans cost $130 for 90 days of unlimited service, $255 for 180 days of unlimited service, and $495 for an entire year of unlimited service. These options are best suited for individuals who do not want to save some money by purchasing several months worth of service at once.

Auto-Refill

Straight Talk offers a convenient auto-refill service that will automatically deduct the cost of your service plan from your account. With this option, you will never need to worry about your service being shut off.

Disadvantages

Straight Talk does have a few disadvantages to its service. For starters, unused minutes do not roll over. Similar service providers offer this feature. Another major downside is that the $30 a month plan is not available for smart phones. If you want to use iPhone or Android device, you will need to purchase a $45 plan.

Overall, Straight Talk is one of the least expensive prepaid service plan providers on the market. With reliable service from Verizon and a wide selection of compatible phones to choose from, it offers plenty of benefits to its customers.

This post originated at PrepaidReviews.com - The number one resource for Tracfone Prepaid information on the web!

This post originated at PrepaidReviews.com - The number one resource for Tracfone Prepaid information on the web!

How To Update Straight Talk MMS Settings

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Several individuals love the idea of being able to send picture messages to one another or connect onto their social media website from their cell phones. Many times, some phones will not be updated enough to log-on to the internet or to send multimedia messages. Straight Talk has come up with a solution to help those update their MMS setting to be able to use their phone to it’s fullest.

Straight Talk has directions on how to update the MMS settings for the following phone types:

  • Android 1.5
  • Android 1.6 – 2.3.4
  • Android 4.0 and 4.1
  • Blackberry
  • Dell Inspiron Mini 4G
  • Google Nexus One and Nexus S- Android 2.3
  • HTC Dash
  • HTC G1 and G2
  • HTC HD2
  • HTC HD7
  • HTC MyTouch (4G, 3G, 3G Slide)
  • HTC Touch Pro 2
  • iPhone 5 or previous
  • iPhone 6 or later
  • LG Generic (Sentio GS505, GS170, DLite)
  • LG KP500
  • LG (Optimus T and G2X)
  • Motorola CLIQ (XT and 2)
  • Motorola RAZR v3
  • Nokia Devices

For individuals that already have Straight Talk, all they have to do is go to their website and click on the type of phone they have. Then, they will need to enter in their phone number or their SIM card number in order to receive the directions. The directions will provided step-by-step on what needs to be done in order to update the cell phone’s MMS settings. From there, the phone will be able to send picture messages and have internet access through the phone plans that provide those types of services. Any other types of phones that were not listed can be updated by contacting Straight Talk. They will either have the information available or will be able to direct the individual to the information they need to update the phone if possible.

This post originated at PrepaidReviews.com - The number one resource for Tracfone Prepaid information on the web!

This post originated at PrepaidReviews.com - The number one resource for Tracfone Prepaid information on the web!


Update Straight Talk APN Settings

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For anyone looking to cut down on their current mobile phone bill, it is important to search out for smaller service providers. Company like Straight Talk is a company that leases out carrier networks from the major companies, such as Verizon and AT&T.

As the company does not have to pay fees to maintain and upgrade the network, it is able to cut down on the price of service. Additionally, there are no contracts or activation fees that are common with the other networks.

Due to this, it is always possible for an individual to take their current mobile phone, and the network they use, and switch over to Straight Talk. Once the service package is purchased (which includes a SIM card), an individual just has to update the APN settings on their phone in order to instruct the device to accept the new network information. Once that is complete, an individual is then able to enjoy their service for a fraction of the price.

Once the service is purchased, an individual needs to go to the Straight Talk Wireless website. From there, they need to select “Activate/Reactivate” from the top left corner of the screen.

Now, the individual needs to look on their SIM card that came with the purchase and type the last 15 numbed from the SIM card into the given space. Once this is done, they select the operating system the mobile phone is running and the website is going to provide the necessary APN settings for the phone.

The input method for entering in the APN settings is going to vary, depending on the operating system. However, this is usually found under the “Settings” option of the phone, and then under a sub category called “Wireless Network.” In this category, a user is going to find the “APN” option.

Once the APN option is located, the individual just needs to type in the APN information the Straight Talk website provided. When the information is typed into the phone and the phone is saved, the user might need to restart their phone.

Upon restart, the phone detects the new Straight Talk network and the individual is able to begin using their phone from the beginning. Once they are able to do this, they are able to begin using their phone and the new network they have signed up for, all without having to pay a large monthly fee.

This post originated at PrepaidReviews.com - The number one resource for Tracfone Prepaid information on the web!

This post originated at PrepaidReviews.com - The number one resource for Tracfone Prepaid information on the web!

Straight Talk Config Settings

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When it comes to saving money on your wireless device, chances are you have been looking for methods to trim away at your already large and unsightly phone bill, but when looking at the other major carriers, there simply is not another way to do this.

Thankfully, through the help of Straight Talk Wireless, it is possible to do exactly this. You are even allowed to bring your current mobile phone with you, although you need to make sure and configure the phone to the proper settings in order to set the phone up.

As Straight Talk does not have many direct representatives in stores to help walk you through the process (it is usually just a service you purchase at your local Wal-Mart), you have to perform the process yourself. Thankfully, it is rather straight forward and doesn’t take too much to do in order to complete the process all together.

For startes, when you purchase your service through Straight Talk, you are going to receive a SIM card. This SIM Card is going to have your new mobile information on it. Power down your phone and locate the current SIM card.

The exact location is going to vary, depending on the mobile phone you have. For most Android based phones it is located behind the battery. To access the battery, remove the cover on the rear of the phone, pull out the battery, then slip out the small SIM card and slide in the new card. For phones such as the Apple iPhone, there is no battery to remove as everything is closed inside the case.

To access the SIM card you need to look around the rim of the phone. You’ll find a small pin-hole along the side. Insert a thin paperclip into the hole and pull up to remove the SIM card slot. Remove the current SIM card and insert your new card, then slide it back into the phone.

With the SIM card in your phone you now need to power it on. Select the “Settings” option on the Android phone, then choose “Wireless and Networks,” “Mobile Networks” and choose the Straight Talk” option to configure your phone.

With the Apple phone, choose the “Settings” icon also, then choose the “Wireless” option and select the Straight Talk option. Depending on the devices you might need to reboot your phone, but once complete you are ready to use it.

This post originated at PrepaidReviews.com - The number one resource for Tracfone Prepaid information on the web!

This post originated at PrepaidReviews.com - The number one resource for Tracfone Prepaid information on the web!

Embracing Digital Age with Straight Talk Network Options

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With the continuous need for technological innovations these days, everything seems to go wireless. This results to the efforts of manufacturers in the communications industry in developing services and platforms appealing to customers. Thus, the pay-as-you-go wireless communication service Straight Talk emerges to attract end-users with its exceptionally easy-to-manage features.

With Straight Talk Network, switching current cellphone numbers from the other service providers is made easy. This prepaid cellphone plan offers unlimited and limited text and talk options. It uses AT&T and Verizon networks for extensive coverage. Cellphone users will be given access to coverage offered by the cellphone plans of Verizon at lower rates, but still dependent on the purchased phone.

Customers are not required to have credit checks, activation fees or contracts or to be of specific age before they can avail the plan. They have minimal commitment with the service provider because the plan is offered in increments for as low as 30 days allowing them to automatically refill their account after every 30 days or they can get extra minutes.

Once a plan is signed, customers are afforded Straight Talk Network Options of porting or switching their phone number right from another cell provider to Straight Talk telephone by attaching it to an active account. These options include GSM and CDMA standard phones, each of which has different coverage area. GSM standard phones are using the network of AT&T and its Straight Talk roaming comes from T-Mobile.

These cellphones use SIM card that are transferable from one phone to another and use international and European standard. On the other hand, Straight Talk-purchased CDMA phones use Verizon networks. Their information is directly programmed into the phone. They are widely used in Asia and North America. Both options vary in terms of prices and be in line with the plans. Customers may select a new telephone number upon signing up.

It is recommended that an existing phone should be unlocked or flashed so it will be switched to the Straight Talk network. Obtaining an International Mobility Equipment Identification number on the phone is imperative to unlock the pone. It is up to the customer’s own preference as to which brand of phone to use for the Straight Talk Network Options.

This post originated at PrepaidReviews.com - The number one resource for Tracfone Prepaid information on the web!

This post originated at PrepaidReviews.com - The number one resource for Tracfone Prepaid information on the web!

Straight Talk International Rates

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Walmart’s Smart Talk prepaid cell phone plans are a great solution for cell phone users with limited budgets and specific usage needs that don’t fit well with typical plans. These plans have long offered several options for different types of phones and different levels of usage. Straight Talk has now added some incredible prepaid options for international calling, ideal for those travelling for business or pleasure and for those with relatives or friends who live in another country. Straight Talk’s prepaid international options – like most of their plans – are available in both unlimited usage and specific level of usage options.

Unlimited Nationwide + International Plan
For $60 per month, Straight Talk offers users unlimited talk, text, and data for both national and international use. It is important to check the desired international location, since the plan won’t work for absolutely every location around the globe. There are, however, over 1,000 destinations worldwide included in the plan. These include many of the common destinations, including Canada, Mexico, China, India, and numerous European locations.

$10 Global International Card
For those whose international needs are more short-term, Straight Talk has a great prepaid card option available for when it is necessary to make calls from the United States to somewhere international. Each international location has a different set per-minute rate, ranging from one cent to just over one dollar. The prepaid card will allow the user to use as many minutes as their call destination’s rate allows. When the balance is gone, it is easy to add another card.

If someone wants to stay in touch with a loved one travelling abroad, the $10 card is a great option. This would also be a good option for someone with a loved one living abroad, especially if their location has a cheap rate. On the other hand, for someone who wants to not only call their loved one but also plans to frequently visit, the Unlimited Plan would be a better fit. This also might be a better fit when a loved one or business contact lives in a destination with one of the higher per-minute rates. Both Straight Talk’s Unlimited International Plan and their $10 International Card are great prepaid options making global communication easier and more affordable.

This post originated at PrepaidReviews.com - The number one resource for Tracfone Prepaid information on the web!

This post originated at PrepaidReviews.com - The number one resource for Tracfone Prepaid information on the web!

Straight Talk Network Usage

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With all of the reduced-rate smartphone plans now available on Straight Talk, it can be confusing how they work and what network’s coverage towers are being used. Ultimately, the network you are using depends on what smartphone you have, and where it is homed.

A phone is homed in a network based on which network sells that particular model of phone. For example, the Samsung Galaxy S4 is sold at both Sprint and T-Mobile, but the two networks have slight differences in what phone model they sell. If you buy the Sprint model, you are homed in the Sprint network, and Straight Talk borrows coverage from Sprint’s towers. However, if you have the T-Mobile model, you are homed in their network and borrow their coverage.

Oftentimes, when you are buying a phone online from Straight Talk, they will ask for your zip code in order to determine which network has the best coverage in your area. They will then provide you with the options of whatever phones are homed in that network.

If there is a specific network you prefer to use, the best way to guarantee you get that network is to buy a phone that is homed in that network. If you want to use AT&T, buy a phone that is currently offered in AT&T stores. You must be careful with the model, however, as different networks can sometimes carry the same phone under a different model number.

There are a few tricks to figuring out which model is homed in which network. For the iPhone, AT&T will usually have the most recent iteration, and Verizon will have the other previous iterations that are still on the market. Androids are a bit trickier, and vary phone-to-phone. The best way to select the phone with the network you want is to do a little internet research to see what phones are being sold in the network that you want. Write down that specific model number (as phones like the Samsung Galaxy can have varying model numbers) and search for it on Straight Talk’s website.

Straight Talk doesn’t use just one network, but borrows coverage from several of the larger networks. This guide should clear up some of the confusion of what network is used by which phone.

This post originated at PrepaidReviews.com - The number one resource for Tracfone Prepaid information on the web!

This post originated at PrepaidReviews.com - The number one resource for Tracfone Prepaid information on the web!

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