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Cellular Phones/Advice For Tourist To USA
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Question
Hi DebiN,
I'm traveling to California next month with my partner to sightsee for 3 weeks. I'd like to be able to use a smartphone to find hotels, make enquiries, logistics etc.
I was thinking of buying a used phone from USA on ebay.com, perhaps an old model iphone. And then when I'm in the States, get onto a prepaid plan of some kind.
Any advice welcomed. I'm completely new to this subject.
Best,
Usuff,
Sydney
Hi there Usuff -
In the US, there's no prepaid plans that work on an iPhone but you can get a prepaid SmartPhone plan through Cricket for a BlackBerry (you have to get the device from them) or Verizon (same) and AT&T. In all of these cases, you need to get the device from them and you don't have a lot of options. The phone will cost you and the plans are around $75.00 for a month. If you purchase an AT&T SmartPhone that was set up for a prepaid plan on eBay, then you may get it cheaper than through AT&T, but the plan will still cost you $75.00 but it's unlimited talk and text with 200MB of data. If you are near WiFi, the WiFi is free. 200MB is enough for 3 weeks. T-Mobile is also an option. Just remember that with the CDMA carriers, you likely won't be able to use a device you buy on eBay for prepaid. With AT&T or T-Mobile, you potentially could if the device were SIM unlocked. Hope this helps and enjoy your trip here.
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DebiN
Expertise
I can answer questions on cellular phones, the physical device, the network, contracts, billing, ordering, porting and what to look for when purchasing cell phones. I am located in the United States. I am an expert on BlackBerrys, Treos, HTC devices and iPhones as well as cellphones and aircards. I have over 15 years of experience in both the wireless and wireline world with the carriers. I have a lot of knowledge regarding the wireless providers - their services, prices and policies, both GSM AT&T and T-Mobile) and CDMA (Verizon, Sprint/Nextel). I am very familiar with the individual devices and their specifications. I can also answer questions regarding BlackBerrys, iPhones and other PDAs, both Palm-based and Windows-based. I can troubleshoot most any problem someone is having with their cellular device or with the provider.
Experience
Over 20 years in the Telecom industry working for the carriers with individuals, small business, medium business and large corporations(Fortune 500). Also worked as a professor in Maryland for 10 years teaching telecommunications.
Organizations
I belong to several organizations
Education/Credentials
Master's in Telecommunications
Awards and Honors
Received several awards for papers that I have published over the years
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