Pros: A good, cheap alternative for good, basic service
Cons: Doesn't have all the bells and whistles that a technie would like to have.
Summary: Pardon my rambling and "stream of consciousness" in writing this review.
Way back I got a TracFone analog phone...then got it changed to a different phone with digital service with voicemail. They were unable to port in the old number. I went from a Verizon provider to Cingular (now ATT). According to Consumer Reports, Verizon has one of the better cell networks. It depends on which part of the US you call home as to who is the best provider for avoiding dropped calls.
If you talk less than 100 minutes per month and only use the phone rarely, go with TracFone.
I gave my digital TracFone to my 90 y.o. mother. She carries it around with her for emergencies in a Zip Lock bag. Usually, she hands it to someone else and asks them to turn it on and help her with it if she needs a call.
While a German exchange student was living with me I got him a Net10 phone. It was free with the minutes. It worked well. He also called Germany on the phone at 15 cents/minute. It was a great deal for 3 months of service. After he finished with the phone, I took his Net10 phone for my use and gave the spare TracFone to my mother. (see other comment)
If you're going to talk over 450 minutes per month, go with a standard, post-paid cell phone provider, not prepaid; however, if you're talking between 100-450 minutes per month, the Net10 works well and is probably cheaper. Plus your minutes and due dates roll over.
I'm still using my ancient Nokia 1100. It works like a charm. I live in Tidewater, Virginia. My phone works well in Wash. DC, NYC, Puerto Rico and many other places for only 10 cents/minute. It is digital service and I still think the provider is Cingular/ATT.
There are some "dead areas" but that's more the problem with ATT than the phone.
It's easy to add minutes to the phone. I just scroll to the Prepaid menu, punch in my password and in a few seconds Net10 forwards the minutes and new due date to my little Nokia and charges my credit card (300 minutes with 60 days of service)$30.00. They have all sorts of pricing plans; so, between Net10 and TracFone, you can figure out the best deal for your type of calling.
I've called customer service a couple of times and have had no problem with them. I'm American but I am used to dealing with foreigners. Just be patient and courteous with them and they will treat you well. Also, speak clearly and enunciated withouth yelling. Many don't understand slurred, clip American speech.
Whenever I've had a problem, I've asked them if they could give me any extra bonus minutes for the inconvenience. They have always spotted me 20 additional minutes to my phone. Sometimes they have offered that to me without my asking. Sometimes I've asked them if they could give me any bonus minutes for the inconvenience. They always comply.
My little phone is very basic...but I have a land line at home... a phone in my classroom where I teach.
