Tried Tracfone's monthly billing system? you can start with a pay by minute plan and then upgrade to a monthly billing if you want. I think they give a free phone when you start, or $10-20 with some starting minutes.
I have been shopping for a smartphone for myself. I thought I could pick my phone and then my carrier, but it's not that easy. Certain phones only work on certain networks. I looked at used phones on Craigslist, there are more than 3000 ads in my city alone. But I have been told that there is none or hardly any savings when it comes to getting a service plan. Someone at Best Buy told me that a plan would cost more if I brought in my own phone, because the carriers subsidize the cost of a new phone. The AT&T store told me that I would only save about $15 a month on the service. So a $300 used smartphone spread out over 24 months service would cost me $12.50 a month, not much savings. Plus if I get a new phone with a contract, then halfway through I get to upgrade to the next new model. Any thoughts on this?
Burt

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