For the switch to work properly, you'll need to have what's called “an unlocked GSM phone.” Consumer Cellular's service operates via GSM network technology. It's the same type of network used by AT&T and T-Mobile, so you'll have the best chance of successfully switching if your phone is from one of those carriers.
Editors Recommendation. Generally, we recommend Consumer Cellular over Verizon Wireless if you are looking for less expensive monthly plans and no overage fees or contracts. However, if you need a good selection of the latest cell phones and smartphones and travel internationally, Verizon Wireless might be a better fit
After inserting the other carrier's sim card, some locked iPhone and Android devices will prompt you to enter an unlocking code. If you are not prompted to enter an unlocking code, make a phone call — if it connects, your phone is indeed unlocked.
With Consumer Cellular, you know that you are getting T-Mobile and AT&T's networks. Those are dependable. With TracFone, you are going to feel a lot more comfortable if you end up with a network like Verizon versus one like Sprint.
Most important to Consumer Cellular is offering functional, reliable phones at affordable prices. That's why I am pleased to share that we have added a new free phone to our lineup, the Motorola WX345.
If you're unsure whether your Verizon phone is unlocked or not, the easiest way to check is to insert a SIM card from another carrier. If your Verizon phone is locked, you won't be able to use a SIM card from another carrier.
If you are eligible to unlock your phone, then it's completely free! The FCC says: "Participating providers may not charge existing or former customers additional fees to unlock a device if it is eligible to be unlocked. Providers may charge a fee to unlock eligible devices for non-customers and former customers."
The phone can be purchased online at consumercellular.com/Info/Phones or by phone at 1-888-345-5509.
You'll need to contact the service provider that made your device (Apple, Android, Google, etc.) and make an unlock request. A service rep should give you a code to unlock your wireless device.
In other words: If you have a recent iPhone with 4G LTE service, you will not need to unlock your phone. If you have a locked 3G World Device phone with Verizon, you can use unlock code 000000 or 123456 or call 800-922-0204 for help.
All Sprint and Verizon phones now have SIM cards, but that isn't because of CDMA. The SIM cards are there for Sprint's and Verizon's 4G LTE networks, because the LTE standard also uses SIM cards. Verizon 4G phones can do simultaneous voice and data because they route it all over LTE, avoiding CDMA entirely.
Try using the Verizon unlock code 000000 or 123456 to unlock the device. If all else fails, you can call Verizon to unlock the phone. Customer service is there to help you. Call them any time at 800.922.
Re: If I buy a basic phone (from Walmart, Amazon, etc but NOT through Verizon), can I still add it to my plan and do it for a cheap price? AT Walmart, they sell the same phones but for less. Just make sure its the same exact phone Verizon sells. Then you can activate it on the verizon online.
Re: Old phonesAs long as you have erased your device, Michael1980, you can give your device to your friend. Your friend just needs to activate it on his own Verizon Wireless account.
Is this Verizon compatible? This phone is unlocked and FCC approved to work on all major US carriers including Verizon. If you plan on activating it in a store, make sure it is a Verizon store and not just an authorized retailer or you will have issues.
What network is Verizon on?
5G
LTE
Code-division multiple access
The Verizon 4G LTE SIM or 5G SIM card contains all of your subscriber information, so the SIM card is portable and can be used in any compatible Verizon certified device. However, when you purchase a new device we recommend that you use the new SIM provided to ensure the best network experience.
Consumer Cellular (1-888-428-6421 toll-free): Its Doro handsets start at $25 and have large buttons, bright displays and clear sound. AARP members get various discounts, including a calling plan at $9.50 per month (to maintain service) with pay-as-you-go minutes at 24 cents each or a $19 monthly plan with 300 minutes.
11 Worst Android Phones of All-Time
- 9 – Motorola DROID Bionic.
- 8 – HTC Thunderbolt.
- 7 -Motorola CLIQ.
- 6 – Motorola Backflip (and/or Motorola Flipout)
- 5 – LG DoublePlay.
- 4 – Garmin-Asus Garminfone.
- 3 – Kyocera Echo.
- 1 – Samsung Galaxy Note 7.
In five of six U.S. regions,
Sprint has the most network quality problems per 100 connections in terms of call, messaging and data services, J.D. Power says.
This Cellphone Carrier Has the Worst Network Quality, Customers
- T-Mobile: 863 out of 1,000 points.
- Verizon: 838.
- AT&T: 837.
- Sprint: 808.
Our Conclusion. Consumer Cellular is a great choice for AARP members who like the fact that the service is offered by AT&T and is still affordable. Jitterbug is often the choice for elderly seniors who don't want all the bells and whistles but still want the convenience of a cellphone with medical alert options.
Consumer Cellular (consumercellular.com), a national provider of wireless phones and services, has upgraded its data and messaging plans to include full access to the Internet combined with text messaging, reducing the total price for both services through its "Connect!" program. Through the new Connect!
Consumer Cellular piggybacks on two GSM-based networks: AT&T and T-Mobile. That gives the carrier nationwide reach and fairly dependable service, as both AT&T and T-Mobile rated highly in our recent survey of network speed tests. Consumer Cellular offers full LTE speeds, so your data won't be slowed.
Verizon has the best cell phone coverage in the country (70%), followed by AT&T (68%), and T-Mobile (62%). Verizon boasts great cell phone plans and customer service, while AT&T is a good choice for its included perks (like free streaming subscriptions) and international privileges.
For instance, a shared 10GB data plan with unlimited talk and text is just $27.50 per line each month for a couple—or $23.33 per line for a family of three! And don't forget about our flexibility: if your needs change, you can switch to a different plan—larger or smaller—anytime, with absolutely no fees or penalties.
How Much Does Verizon's Senior Plan Cost? Verizon's 55+ Unlimited Plan starts $60 per month for one line, or $80 per month for two lines, plus applicable taxes and fees. This is an average savings of $5-$15 per line compared to their regular unlimited plans that range from $65-75 per line for the same features.
A SIM card is a small card that's inserted into the phone. It contains all your contacts and settings, and it's linked to your account. You can take the SIM card out, put it into another phone, and if someone calls your number, the new phone will ring.
Consumer Cellular All Cell Phones - Walmart.com.
At Consumer Cellular, all of the smartphones we currently offer are 4G LTE capable, and our nationwide network has LTE in more areas than ever before.
Straight Talk is a type of carrier known as an MVNO (mobile virtual network operator), which means that it doesn't run or own a wireless network. Instead, it purchases the right to use towers from AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Sprint.
You can keep your existing cell phone number when switching to Consumer Cellular by initiating wireless local number portability (WLNP). This saves you having to give out a new cell phone number each time you change cell phone provider!
Consumer Cellular is a great option for those who don't need a lot of data but want ample minutes and messages available to spend time talking or texting. The carrier has excellent AARP member benefits and has comparable coverage to the GSM networks it uses, T-Mobile and AT&T.
How Consumer Cellular compares on prices. An unlimited talk and text plan with 3GB of data on Consumer Cellular will run you $30 per month.
