I am looking for the best cell phone plan from any GSM provider that
has decent coverage in the US. I never talk on my phone and only send
about 20 SMS text messages per month, so the normal minute-based plans
don't really work out well for me.

So far the best deal I've found is to buy a T-Mobile "pay-as-you-go"
card with 1,000 minutes on it for $100. While I don't use up the
minutes, the card expires after a year so it ends up costing me about
$8 a month.

I just think there must be a better plan where maybe there is no
monthly charge and you only pay for the SMS messages.

Is there any plan significantly cheaper than $8/mo for someone who
only sends about 20 SMS per month?

Thanks!

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Request for Question Clarification by nenna-ga on 29 Jun 2005 13:25 PDT

Hi Bigjosh2-ga,

Could you tell us your zip code so the plan we find for you has
coverage in your area?

Nenna-GA

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Clarification of Question by bigjosh2-ga on 29 Jun 2005 20:06 PDT

My Zip code is 10038, but I'd hopefully be able to get nationwide coverage.

Actually I work in the business and can say that $8 a month is the
best deal you will find if you are looking to do text only. If you are
looking for a voice plan which starts out at $39.99 and up you can use
text at 10 cents each.

What about Cingular's Go Phone with roll over minutes? (I know you
aren't using the airtiem minutes but it looks like if you keep a $5
balance you don't loose anything.) and Text Messaging is .05 per
message.  The only thing I couldn't nail down was if there is a daily
charge to Text Message.

All plans include:

Basic Voice Mail* 
Call Forwarding* 
Call Waiting* 
Caller ID 
Long Distance 
Three-Way Calling* 
Add Prepaid Airtime: For your convenience 24/7, you can add funds to
your account by phone and over the Internet using a credit card, major
debit card or electronic check. Simply call 800-901-9878 or go to
www.cingularrefill.com. Or visit a nearby replenishment location.
Manage Your GoPhone Account: Your account information is available 24
hours a day. Get information on call history, account balance and
more. Get instant balance information. Just dial *777# from your
wireless phone to have your balance sent directly to your phone.
Choose from these enhanced features: 

Text Messaging** - Text your friends. Have horoscopes, weather, jokes
and more sent to your phone. Chat with Mobile Instant Messaging using
AOL Instant Messenger. (5¢ per message sent/received)


http://onlinestorez.cingular.com/cell-phone-service/wireless-phone-plans/plan-details.jsp?skuid=2281300022


Text/Instant Messaging and MEdia Net: Text /Instant Messaging and
MEdia Net service are automatically included at no monthly charge.
Just pay as you use. MEdia Net requires compatible phone; not all
features work with every phone. You may remove these services at any
time by contacting customer service. There is a charge per message
sent or received, whether read or unread, solicited or unsolicited. If
you cancel the Text /Instant Messaging service, you will not be able
to send and receive messages, but Cingular does not guarantee all
incoming messages will be blocked. MEdia Net usage is billed in
full-kilobyte increments, and actual transport usage is rounded up to
the next full kilobyte at the end of each session. Your account
balance must be at least $5 to use Media Net, Instant Messaging, and
Multimedia Messaging Services or to download ringtones, games and
graphics. MEdia Net usage is required to download ringtones, games and
graphics. In some cases our network will resend data packets to ensure
complete delivery. You will be billed for these resent packets.
Certain advanced features are not available. All screen images are
simulated. Visit www.cingular.com/media for details. Your use of
Text/Instant Messaging and MEdia Net acknowledges your agreement to
these terms.

I actually have been to a Cingular store to ask about the GoPhone
plan. The guy there explained that if you buy a $25 card, any unused
balance will expire in a month. So, essentailly, this plan would seem
to cost at least $25 per month. The T-Mobile plan is similar, but at
least you can buy $100 and have it not expire for a whole year.