Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

Question

Prepaid Cell Phone and Coverage

by Aug 18, 2013 9:36PM PDT

Hi Everyone

I plan to take a vacation next year to Wickenburg,Az. I live in Chicago.

I'm one of those old guys who have never brought or used a smart phone. Since I have a severe hearing loss, I need something to be able to browse the internet and check emails while I'm visiting friends in Az.

I use a desktop exclusively while at home and can't see paying monthly for a phone which I will probably only use for a couple weeks.

Was hoping someone could suggest a good prepaid phone and service provider. I checked the coverage in that area and it's not great. I think ATT covers that area.

Which leads me to another question. Would any phone work in that area? Or would I have to get something that ATT provides if they are the only ones that has coverage in that area.

Thanks

Discussion is locked

2 Posts
- Collapse + Expand Details
- Collapse -
Answer
Re: phone
by Forum moderator Aug 18, 2013 9:50PM PDT

I'd check with your friends if they have wireless at home (most hotels nowadays have, just in case you stay at an hotel). Then you wouldn't need a phone at all. Any laptop or tablet would be fine.

Kees

- Collapse -
True, but...
by Pepe7 Aug 19, 2013 4:56AM PDT

...finding a used (or possibly new) smartphone to do the job would likely be cheaper than obtaining a used laptop or tablet (if you have to buy and cannot borrow). At least slightly. And it's generally less hassle than having to set up a laptop that's not yours (esp. for older folks.). He can walk into any ATT corp store and receive help w/ his prepaid phone Wink>.

If the OP needs a retail prepaid solution and wants to deal with the company who provides the service to maximize support options, I would go with the Prepaid Fusion 2. It's $80. Not hard to sell slightly used online either when he's done w/ it.

http://www.att.com/shop/wireless/devices/att/fusion-2-black-prepaid.html?WT.srch=1&wtPaidSearchTerm=PLA#fbid=O1gkHHJ0tAQ
Edit: small update. I see there's a refurb version available for half that price. Time to grab it. ATT offers great deals in the refurbished categories IME and O>
http://www.att.com/shop/wireless/devices/att/fusion-2-black-prepaid-refurb.html#fbid=O1gkHHJ0tAQ

Back to Phones forum

CNET Forums

Operating Systems
Software
Electronics & Gadgets
Hardware
Tablets & Mobile Devices
General Help
Brand Forums
Roadshow Autos
Off Topic

Other Forums

Forum Info