Expert: DebiN - 1/19/2011

Question
Hi DebiN,
I'm on the T-Mobile network and am eligible for another free phone with a 2 yr commitment.  I have a 300 minute plan with free weekends (no longer offered).  Rarely text so you can guess how old I am.  Don't want to sign up for a data plan but would like to occasionally access the Internet where wifi is available.  Would like to upgrade to a free or low cost phone (under $40) that offers these functions.  Assume 3G is out because you need a data plan(?).  Basic calling, long standby time, good camera, convenience features like calculators, etc., blue tooth...and wifi?  Are there any phones you could recommend?  Thanks.

Answer
So the good news is that "3G" doesn't mean that you have to have a data plan. 3G is the network and there are many phones that work on the 3G network that are not SmartPhones. With a SmartPhone, you have to have a data plan. T-Mobile is in the process of expanding their network into what they are calling "4G". It isn't really true 4G (no one's is yet), but it is even faster than their 3G (more like 3.5G). They also have data plans if you want a SmartPhone for only $10.00 a month. However, if don't want a SmartPhone, then it's better to just look at the phones. T-Mobile has WiFi calling, which the other carriers don't and in locations with WiFi, you can take advantage of this and won't need a lot more minutes. If you want WiFi calling, however, you will be required to get a SmartPhone because only the SmartPhone have this feature. For that, I would recommend, the LG Optimus which is free and you can get the data plan today for $10.00 more. The best bet for you would likely be the $59.99 plan which has talk (500 minutes), text (I know you don't use it, but it's kind of like getting it for free) and 200MB of data. That's a great deal today. All the phones have cameras and convenience features and bluetooth. I would recommend that you take a look on line and let me know which ones you are considering and I am happy to give you more of a recomendation. Just know that with WiFi calling, it will have to be a SMartPhone and $59.99 for the monthly plan will be your lowest cost for that. Hope this helps.