Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Anyone using Ting? and New cell phone suggestion.

Collapse
X
Collapse
 
  • Page of 1
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
Previous template Next
  • #1

    Anyone using Ting? and New cell phone suggestion.

    ncitro

    After having service issues with Consumer cellular https://www.consumercellular.com I discovered my iPhone SE first gen is an antique not capable of 5g and possibly 4g networks.. Thus the reason for no coverage across Nebraska and Kansas They are also going to only use the AT&T network now dropping T-Mobile. We have two phones with them and my second phone is 15$ a month first is $19 something if we don't go over 1 gig of data. This last trip we used 1.7 gig so the charge will be $23 for the first line but that includes up to 5 gig data.

    Now I read consumer reports reviews of networks and they liked Ting and supposedly the use Verizon and T-Mobile https://tingmobile.com/plans they have a $10 a month plan where you pay 5$ per gig used so with my typical usage would be 15$ per month - same as what I am paying now. I tried calling but was a long hold for new customers - wonder if that is the same once established. They also liked the iPhones (older versions)

    Now to take advantage of any 5 g networks I need a new phone, For pictures I like the new iPhome 15 pro max with the 5x zoom. It also has a huge battery, but how much storage do I need as it does not take memory cards. Is 256 GB enough for a typical days pictures https://www.consumercellular.com/sho...o_max/overview. But as always I am really a fat fingered dummy when it comes to any cell phone. I haven't see any of the new ones yet in stores, but plan to make a trip tomorrow Cheapest Verizon plan I have found with limited data is 45 a month

    Any advice is welcome on this
    Thanks
    Keith

    BTW Neil I tagged you as this is probably the first step in improving my travel communications as the new phone can be used as a hot spot.

    I just had a nice chat with them. My old phone is comparable at 4g. However the new I phones may not work as the are e-sim and not sim card compatible - IE you install a sim card. So I guess I need to check for that on any phone I consider.

    Second edit. The iPhone 15 sold in Canada still us the sim slot. Wonder if that will work in the US?
    Last edited by Yoda; 09-22-2023, 04:56 PM.
    2018 Reflection 150 Series 220RK 5th whee, Star White 2022 F350 King Ranch CC Long bed (HAL) (CCC 4062lbs), B&W 25K OEM Companion,. SteadyFast system, Trailer reverse lights, rear receiver spare tire holder, storage tube, sumo springs, Victron MultiPlus 12/120/3000, Solar, Custom 6K axles upgrade, and other modifications.
    Tags: None
  • #2
    Yoda Keith, I run Google Fi. You BUY the phone out right so you can jump networks as needed. Also the phones they sell are "unlocked" and multi band compatible so it can jump AT&T or Verizon. Simply change the sim to a pre paid if you have issues and get a local carrier until you get back to your normal networks.
    Joseph
    Tow     Vehicle: 2024 GMC K3500 Denali Ultimate Diesel
    Coach: 303RLS Delivered March 5, 2021
    South of Houston Texas

    Comment

    • #3
      Yoda I stay away from the MVNO carriers like Consumer and Ting for exactly the reason you listed, they are under no obligation to use any particular carrier, and can even get dropped by whatever they are using today and switch you to another one. I have heard horror stories from some people that had to get a new SIM for the MVNO mailed to them for the new carrier, which would be a major pain in the middle of a trip. I stick to getting service directly from the carrier, albeit at a higher cost. For me access is worth it, but we both still work full time and have a child with us. I currently use Verizon for phones and one of my data lines and AT&T for my second data line (plus Starlink) and switch as needed. Our phones are all 5G (iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max) but the Peplink in the rig is 4g only and has never been an issue anywhere. Given the 5G rollout I would be surprised if there are any places that only have 5G service and have no 4G (LTE) service, probably the MVNO playing some kind of game with no agreement with a local carrier in the area you were in. We are just starting at looking at upgrading the rig to 5G, but by the time I replace my router and antenna it will be approximately $3k in hardware to make the switch. Given we are only just starting to see it outside of urban areas (and in the places we camp) and how well Starlink has been working for us, I have been putting off the upgrade to the rig. That said, at the National Rally my Starlink was running about 13mbps and my 5G phone was at 406mbps, so the service is there.
      Forum moderators are not GD employees--we are volunteers and owners presumably just like yourself. Unless specifically mentioned otherwise, we have nothing to gain should you choose to purchase a product or engage a service we discuss on this forum.​

      Neil Citro
      2018 Reflection 28BH Pepwave
      2019 F350 6.7L Long Bed Crew Cab

      Comment

      • #4
        Originally posted by ncitro View Post
        Yoda I stay away from the MVNO carriers like Consumer and Ting for exactly the reason you listed, they are under no obligation to use any particular carrier, and can even get dropped by whatever they are using today and switch you to another one. I have heard horror stories from some people that had to get a new SIM for the MVNO mailed to them for the new carrier, which would be a major pain in the middle of a trip. I stick to getting service directly from the carrier, albeit at a higher cost. For me access is worth it, but we both still work full time and have a child with us. I currently use Verizon for phones and one of my data lines and AT&T for my second data line (plus Starlink) and switch as needed. Our phones are all 5G (iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max) but the Peplink in the rig is 4g only and has never been an issue anywhere. Given the 5G rollout I would be surprised if there are any places that only have 5G service and have no 4G (LTE) service, probably the MVNO playing some kind of game with no agreement with a local carrier in the area you were in. We are just starting at looking at upgrading the rig to 5G, but by the time I replace my router and antenna it will be approximately $3k in hardware to make the switch. Given we are only just starting to see it outside of urban areas (and in the places we camp) and how well Starlink has been working for us, I have been putting off the upgrade to the rig. That said, at the National Rally my Starlink was running about 13mbps and my 5G phone was at 406mbps, so the service is there.
        Thanks
        Now about E-sim phones The new I phones are e-sim, except in Canada and elsewhere. Would it be worth my while to buy the sim card version in Canada (have a kind person get it for me)? Or would a Canadian sim comparable I15 or I14 be compatible here in the US? I don't know if I can change carrier in Canada like I had to do with SWMBO sim card phone (Galaxy 8). Does Canada have any E-sim phone plans if the carrier I have does not work there Cate&Rob Rob I tagged you in case you can add information on e-sim phone use in Canada

        Thanks everyone
        Keith
        2018 Reflection 150 Series 220RK 5th whee, Star White 2022 F350 King Ranch CC Long bed (HAL) (CCC 4062lbs), B&W 25K OEM Companion,. SteadyFast system, Trailer reverse lights, rear receiver spare tire holder, storage tube, sumo springs, Victron MultiPlus 12/120/3000, Solar, Custom 6K axles upgrade, and other modifications.

        Comment

        • #5
          Yoda No help there, I've been running e-sim for at least my last couple phones. My in laws are Canadian and I know their phones roam to AT&T and Verizon with no problem, so the antenna frequencies are probably the same, so it should work.
          Forum moderators are not GD employees--we are volunteers and owners presumably just like yourself. Unless specifically mentioned otherwise, we have nothing to gain should you choose to purchase a product or engage a service we discuss on this forum.​

          Neil Citro
          2018 Reflection 28BH Pepwave
          2019 F350 6.7L Long Bed Crew Cab

          Comment

          • #6
            Yoda Hi Keith,

            A little bit of Google searching finds that all Canadian carriers recognize and work with e-sim phones . . . so, I don't know where the "not available in Canada" info came from.

            Rob
            Cate & Rob
            (with Border Collies Molly & Angel + Kitties Hazel & Elsie)
            2015 Reflection 303RLS
            2022 F350 Diesel CC SB SRW Lariat
            Bayham, Ontario, Canada

            Comment

            • #7
              Originally posted by Cate&Rob View Post
              Yoda Hi Keith,

              A little bit of Google searching finds that all Canadian carriers recognize and work with e-sim phones . . . so, I don't know where the "not available in Canada" info came from.

              Rob
              Thanks for that information Rob

              I am not sure either, but in the tech reviews and on the iPhone web page they say the E-sim version is available in the US only currently and that the iPhone sold outside the US comes with the sim card slot. However I am learning that is really not an issue thanks to you good folks. I am going shopping today and will try to actually see how big the models I am considering are and see if that are friendly to my overall pockets Also I will probably wait for some deals to pop up.(well maybe) My current iPhone is worthless as a trade. Wonder if Black Friday deals might show up, but as they are selling fast, who knows..

              Keith
              2018 Reflection 150 Series 220RK 5th whee, Star White 2022 F350 King Ranch CC Long bed (HAL) (CCC 4062lbs), B&W 25K OEM Companion,. SteadyFast system, Trailer reverse lights, rear receiver spare tire holder, storage tube, sumo springs, Victron MultiPlus 12/120/3000, Solar, Custom 6K axles upgrade, and other modifications.

              Comment

              • #8
                "Ting Ting", hello.

                Brian
                Brian & Michelle
                2018 Reflection 29RS
                2022 Chevy 3500HD
                • Likes 1

                Comment

                • #9
                  Originally posted by Country Campers View Post
                  "Ting Ting", hello.

                  Brian
                  Brian - go back to you corner But that might be a good slogan for them - much better than "can you hear me now".

                  I had never heard of them until I read a Consumer reports review of service providers .
                  2018 Reflection 150 Series 220RK 5th whee, Star White 2022 F350 King Ranch CC Long bed (HAL) (CCC 4062lbs), B&W 25K OEM Companion,. SteadyFast system, Trailer reverse lights, rear receiver spare tire holder, storage tube, sumo springs, Victron MultiPlus 12/120/3000, Solar, Custom 6K axles upgrade, and other modifications.
                  • Likes 1

                  Comment

                  • #10
                    OK one last question for the phone geeks now that e-sim is not an issue. I googled about a dozen Canadian carriers and all show e-sim capability.
                    .
                    How much storage do I need on the iPhone 15 pro max? 256 or 512. I can find 256, but 512 is tough to find right now.

                    After visiting several stores and playing with the iPhone pro max against the Samsung S23 I found the iPhone ea sire to use, better screen layout and no popups which seem to occur on the S23 a lot during my demo time. However the knowledge from the sales folks on storage was very limited. The s23 does have a moer powerful zoom, but the picture quality was concerning - maybe the screen. I cant see needing over the 5x the pro max has.

                    The camera is 48mp. but I think the pictures are 24mp which makes them between 2 and 4 meg each - same as my home camera. I also know the operation system takes up some space and any app or game II load.

                    I am hoping to make it my go to camera for trips and transfer to my laptop periodically . My existing SE is just 32GB, 19gb used for program and app - no pictures. I have hit the storage wall several times. I had to take several app off to have picture room.

                    So any thoughts are appreciated ncitro Cate&Rob Country Campers Jlawles2

                    Thanks Keith

                    PS Case Selection
                    I have two choices in mind, both with glass screen protectors added

                    https://www.otterbox.com/en-us/durab.../77-92817.html I have an older version of this on my SE Only 6 ft drop height advertised.
                    or
                    https://www.urbanarmorgear.com/produ...-pro-max-case/. Carol has a wallet version of this brand and it has done well for her
                    I am rough on things so I want as much protection as I can reasonable get.
                    2018 Reflection 150 Series 220RK 5th whee, Star White 2022 F350 King Ranch CC Long bed (HAL) (CCC 4062lbs), B&W 25K OEM Companion,. SteadyFast system, Trailer reverse lights, rear receiver spare tire holder, storage tube, sumo springs, Victron MultiPlus 12/120/3000, Solar, Custom 6K axles upgrade, and other modifications.

                    Comment

                    • #11
                      Yoda I pay for upgraded iCloud storage for our family, so the storage point is mute. The phone automatically offloads photos and videos to the cloud and if I want to grab one it pulls it back down. It is seamless and painless (other than paying for it). We also switched to Macs, so the photos are automatically on our computers as well, but I think there is a PC app to sync to iCloud as well. If not there are other services like Google Photo, less seamless but would still eliminate the need for a larger phone. I only have 128GB (iPhone 14 Pro Max) and I am using 100 GB with a ton of apps and stuff I never use on it.

                      For cases I use MagSafe for charging in the car and truck, so I got a Mous case that passes that through and adds extra magnets to help hold it in place in the car. My wife uses the Apple MagSafe silicone case, they are fine, but do not hold up much more than a year before they are falling apart.

                      Never used a screen protector, so no info there.
                      Forum moderators are not GD employees--we are volunteers and owners presumably just like yourself. Unless specifically mentioned otherwise, we have nothing to gain should you choose to purchase a product or engage a service we discuss on this forum.​

                      Neil Citro
                      2018 Reflection 28BH Pepwave
                      2019 F350 6.7L Long Bed Crew Cab
                      • Likes 1

                      Comment

                      • #12
                        I have the Samsung S21+ with 128 SD card and am currently at GB of used space and I take lots of pictures, a 256 GB would be more than enough I think. I do not have any pop ups on my phone, but I do not use a lot of APPs like games and such. I spent a little time turning all the unnecessary items off. My Samsung has worked flawlessly for me for the last 3 years, not a fan of Apple items. I also do not use cloud storage but do download pictures to my laptop for safe keeping. I have a cheap case with a good screen protector that has held up very well.

                        Brian
                        Brian & Michelle
                        2018 Reflection 29RS
                        2022 Chevy 3500HD
                        • Likes 1

                        Comment

                        • #13
                          Yoda Keith, I have both. After you spend a bit of time with the Android OS you get used to the layout. I prefer the layout of buttons on the Android vs the iPhone. iPhone the email stuff is all across the top in apple mail not real easy for one hand operations.

                          I have 128 GB on my Samsung, but I don't take a lot of pictures.
                          Joseph
                          Tow                           Vehicle: 2024 GMC K3500 Denali Ultimate Diesel
                          Coach: 303RLS Delivered March 5, 2021
                          South of Houston Texas

                          Comment

                          • #14
                            To close this out I am now broke Iphone 15 pro max 512G is on its way. Did not have much of a selection to chose from, or storage choice, but as Henry Ford once said - any color you want as long as it is black. Should be here in a few days. My current SE knows its being replaced - battery is only lasting a day now, even just sitting on the desk.

                            Thanks for the suggestions and help
                            Keith
                            2018 Reflection 150 Series 220RK 5th whee, Star White 2022 F350 King Ranch CC Long bed (HAL) (CCC 4062lbs), B&W 25K OEM Companion,. SteadyFast system, Trailer reverse lights, rear receiver spare tire holder, storage tube, sumo springs, Victron MultiPlus 12/120/3000, Solar, Custom 6K axles upgrade, and other modifications.
                            • Likes 2

                            Comment

                            Previous template Next
                            Working...
                            X