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Republic Wireless

August 23rd, 2014 at 03:05 pm

My parents want me to look into cellphones for them, and while I am at it, I decided to look into lowering my own cellphone bill as well. Here's a quick profile of my parents and I:

My mom looooves to talk on the phone. I am not sure what her usage is like, but basically, she needs unlimited minutes. No need for data or text.

I, on the other hand, am a data junkie. I am terrible. As difficult as it may be, I would love to have unlimited data. Very little need for voice and text, though I do need them.

My dad is the easiest, since he only needs to be contacted when he is out playing tennis, and that's IF he's not in the middle of a game. So, very little need for voice, no need for data and text.

So, anybody know what's the best rates out there for the three of us?

In the meantime, I've looked around myself, and I believe

Text is Republic Wireless and Link is https://republicwireless.com/
Republic Wireless is the best deal for us. Republic Wireless operates on the same Sprint network as Ting, Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile, and obviously Sprint. However, they are able to cut back costs even more by offering built-in voice, text, and data by going through WiFi where available.

And how much are we talking about? For my parents, they are only $10 a month each! For that price, you get unlimited voice and text, whereas on Ting, you can only get 100 minutes, 100 texts, or 100 mbs.

As for me, I know that Sprint's 4G coverage is spotty where I am, so really, I could probably get by with only 3G. I am used to 4G LTE, and I currently chew through roughly 10gigs a month, so this would be a dramatic cutback for me. However, I am willing to cut back in exchange for a $25 a month phone bill!

Total, that's $45 a month for three people! You can't beat that with a stick! Well, yes you can, but I meant that figurately. Actually, I would probably want to try their 4G again, so at least the first month would be $60, but that rate is still amazing for the three of us.

There is a downside to this, and it is the paltry phone selection and their price tags. From what I understand, only so many phones are capable of this wifi feature right out of the box. That means the cheapest phone available right now is the Moto G for $150 a pop. I am willing to upgrade to the Moto X for $300.

However, if you extend that to calculate for the total cost of ownership over the course of a typical two year period, that still equates to only $390 per phone for my parents. For me, the cost would be $925 for the 3G plan, and $1260 for the 4G plan. For two years, that's still pretty good.

So, that's the best deal I've found so far. Can you guys find anything better? Would love to hear it if you can.

10 Responses to “Republic Wireless”

  1. snafu Says:
    1408806527

    Have parents had experience using cell phones? Will they be discontinuing their land phones? Perhaps they would be ok with a phone from the secondary aps like GPS, To Do, camera, shopping list come to mind...

  2. snafu Says:
    1408806659

    sorry, sentences are contracting...

    Perhaps they would be ok with a phone from the secondary aps like GPS, To Do, camera, shopping list come to mind...

  3. Tabs Says:
    1408813892

    Parents don't really have any experience with smartphones, but I can help them set it up and, once setup, will actually work easier than landlines (because they can simply touch pictures of people with their names to dial rather than remembering and dialing a set of numbers).

    I would like to get them off landline eventually. Yes. Because for the cost of their landline rate right now, it could be paying for both of these cellphones.

  4. scfr Says:
    1408817098

    Oh this is so funny. I'm also considering Republic Wireless, based on Clark Howard's review. The problem is that my husband makes a lot of international calls so we may need to find another provider for him.

  5. Tabs Says:
    1408825958

    I was dating someone from Canada once, and I had determined then
    Text is Boost Mobile and Link is http://www.boostmobile.com/shop/plans/international-services/
    Boost Mobile had the best rate plans at the time (which was a measly $5 a month extra for unlimited calls to Canada). I don't know which country your husband calls, but who knows, maybe this might work for you too.

    Also, if your hubby only makes these international calls at home, then VoIP options like Skype or Vonage is also available to you for very little to no money extra.

  6. snafu Says:
    1408900118

    I live in a condo complex with a high percentage of seniors. Do your parents like to use their computers and stay up-to-date with new technology? I've noticed [seniors have commented] those who fully commit to cell phone by stopping/closing landline service seem to adjust to the change and like the convenience and aps of their cell. I'm guessing they made the choice because they could retain their landline phone number. Those who have retained their landline don't really use their cell phones much, forget to keep it powered up, forget to take it when going out and don't use features like text, memo, lists, calendar, camera etc. Most still prefer to use iPads for email and 'how to.'

  7. creditcardfree Says:
    1409662568

    @scfr, you can use Ooma, which is VoiP, for international calls...if they are from home.
    Text is Here's the link and Link is http://ooma.com/products/international
    Here's the link for more information.

  8. Tabs Says:
    1409664548

    I love VOIP (for home). I also run a server online that's more for party chat, but can easily handle up to 10 concurrent users at a time. For about $1.45 a month. I've spoken with people from Europe, Brazil, Australia, Canada, and of course, all over the US. Super good call quality. $1.45 a month. Did I mention only $1.45 a month? And that's just me being nice and hosting it. For everyone else that joins, it's free!

    Or you can use something like Skype and keep it completely free....

    Only downside is the need for home broadband internet of course.

  9. scfr Says:
    1426102759

    Just made the switch: http://scfr.savingadvice.com/2015/03/11/republic-wireless-here-i-come-staying-re_196519/

  10. Tabs Says:
    1426103285

    Nice! Enjoy the new low monthly rates!

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