Remember when TracFone horrified the world with its
Straight Talk phone selection back in July? Clearly the suits in Bentonville weren't so scared, as now
Walmart is latching on to that very plan and claiming it as its own. In over 3,200 of the outfit's retail stores across America, consumers will be able to snag an admittedly pathetic cellie and a rather decent calling plan for just $30 a month. Three Hamiltons gets you 1,000 voice minutes, 1,000 texts and 30MB of mobile web access, not to mention nationwide coverage and free 411 calls. If that's not quite enough, a $45 per month option provides unlimited everything (voice / SMS / mobile web). Of course, the price of using an antediluvian LG 220, LG
Slider 290 or Samsung 451 can't be measured in mere dollars, but hey, humiliation's only temporary -- right?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
sasiki @ Oct 14th 2009 1:37PM
Uses Verizon Network. A friend of mine has it and loves the service and customer service. It has been available in a limited test market for the last several months.
Brian @ Oct 14th 2009 2:41PM
Darren,
The snarky undertones in your story aren't really necessary. It's exactly these types of pre-paid ultra low plans (ST, Page Plus, Metro PCS, Boost, Cricket, etc) which are placing *long-overdue* pressure on the major 4 carriers to lower plan rates. We've already seen that happen at Sprint and perhaps soon T-Mobile with their "Project Dark" (rumored $50 unlimited plan).
I look forward to a future where the big 4 have similar voice/data/txt plans at the $50 mark and not the $70-100 ripoffs currently being charged.
mistermix @ Oct 14th 2009 3:17PM
Brian, I agree -- what this market needs is price pressure. Also, since this runs on Verizon's network, keep in mind that all of their dumbphones are fugly.
HotBBQ @ Oct 14th 2009 4:13PM
That phone looks cooler than my phone.
ehadden @ Oct 14th 2009 6:46PM
Would it be possible to use an unlocked phone with this service plan?
conrea503 @ Oct 16th 2009 12:47PM
Not possible. You must buy a phone
conrea503 @ Oct 16th 2009 12:58PM
I forgot to mention that the Service is not available everywhere. If you aren't sure. You can use this page to check for availability http://www.saveonprepaidphones.com/straight_talk_availability_check
mike j @ Oct 14th 2009 9:25PM
Great points, Brian. I guess the "kidz" at engadgetmobile are just upset that they can't hark the greatness of the latest phone from the Big Four- and the inherently ridiculous 2 year contract nonsense as well as outrageous pricing that goes with it. They'll get over it while we are enjoying our ability to use our phones without staring at the counter every 2 minutes. LOL.
JayMonster @ Oct 14th 2009 7:14PM
The target demographic for this phone is not a power user that is going to consume tons of bandwidth with their phones. It is meant to scoop up the bottom that is being missed now. By using these "awful" phones (which to Joe Q Public, and not the average tech person is probably pretty good looking) they can keep the service plan inexpensive and at the same time offer a phone that is cheap while not being subsidized. To offer a $495 unsubsidized phone would be self defeating since the target would never be able to pay for the phone to get the cheap service.
agent86 @ Oct 20th 2009 12:29PM
Just checked Straight Talk's direct website http://www.straighttalk.com/ and they are currently offering seven phones to choose from (at least they are in Atlanta) vs. the three offered if you go through WalMart. Razor V3 is still top model, but 7 options beats 3. Pricing for the two service plans (and the 3 WalMart phones) is identical. Also free shipping on the phones through 11/1/09.
RIP @ Oct 27th 2009 12:13PM
my concern is no email address to contact them??? I went to check out phones and when you click on there razor it comes up v385 not razor.i also wanted to know if i could buy a phone o my own and use their service?
rip @ Nov 9th 2009 12:30PM
heir site sucks too.tried to look at phones and it comes up error links.couldn't get to razor yesterday now can't get to any.don't think they are going to be around long at this rate