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The Kitchen Table

Consumer Cellular, anyone?

15 years ago

Hi Kids,

Do any of you use Consumer Cellular for your cell phone provider? We have had several different KT members post questions about what type of cell phones, plans, smart phone, texting etc questions of late so this one will just add to that mix. This provider seems to offer some very basic service, phones, plans and is featured on AARP web site. AARP members get discounts on plans and 'accessories'. The reviews I have read all seem to be positive if basic is what you are looking for.

So, do any of you use this carrier? If so, do you like it?

Thanks Kids.

sooey

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Comments (3)

patti43
15 years ago
I use them and have for 5 years. Service is excellent. If I have to use it, I can talk on our phone anyplace without losing the signal. Their "plan" is $10 for 100 minutes, $20 for 200 minutes, etc. Our phone was free and it does a lot of stuff--I don't think it texts but it does take pictures. I saw an ad on TV the other night still offering the free phone. We only use it for emergencies, but have the 200 minute plan.

You can change minutes any time you want with no problem. I've more than happy with them. Their customer services is great to. I've only had to call once (to change plans) and they speak English without a problem.
sooey
Original Author
15 years ago
Thank you, patti. I am glad to hear a positive review from someone I know. I read that it is easy to follow how mnay minutes you have used so you should know you are getting close to your upper limit. I also read that it is expensive if you go over, like .20 a minute. I don't use it to talk unless I really, really need to so that should not be a problem. Now I'm not sure about the texting part re: going over. I'll check that out. As much as I would love a smart phone I think I am just fine with a phone I can talk on, take pictures with in a pinch and use to send texts to my Daughters.

Thanks, patti, I'm glad you like their service.

sooey
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cynic
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Once again, I should caution you that cell phones are not all the same. Just because one gets good service from a company does not mean that the coverage will be good even down the street. The coverage is dependent upon the cell system not the retailer.

I took a quick look at the Consumer Cellular site and checked a couple of phones. They were both GSM phones, which means it's either AT&T or T-Mobile providing the service. Around here, GSM is not the best cell service, although it's acceptable for the most part. A good friend cannot use her T-Mobile contract phone inside my cousin's house. She has to go outside to use it. That's not something I'd want. My little (CDMA) Tracfone works fine there.

This is why I laugh when I see someone say "I just LOVVVVVE my (T-mobile or Verizon or whatever)". That really means nothing to the next person. It's best to check with people who use phones in the areas you want to use them to see what company or companies have the best coverage. And keep in mind, prepaid phones normally have a smaller coverage area than contract phones.

So, just be aware. The good thing about prepaid is you don't get penalized like contract phones if you're not happy with the service. Just buy a different phone, some minutes and there you go.

Also, don't get too hung up on cost per minute especially on limited use. Look more at a monthly or annual cost since that's really far more important. Having a low cost per minute but have to buy 1000 minutes you won't use isn't frugal.

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