Cell Phones

People have been asking me where I buy cell phones (for use in my classes). I'm NOT suggesting that my choices are better than anyone else's, I'm only reporting — subjectively — what I have found.

I only buy unlocked GSM phones. GSM phones are used throughout Europe and (much of) Asia, and much less so in the US. With a GSM phone there is typically no concept of a 'plan,' and there is no contract. That also means that the phone is not included as part of a contract. If you go the GSM route, you buy the phone (shop around for a good balance of price and service) and a SIM card (~$25). When I started using GSM phones, spring '07, only T-Mobile was offering GSM service (in my area). Now ATT (and possibly others) also offer GSM service. With a GSM phone, one inserts a SIM card and then buys time (from T-Mobile in my case). I can move the SIM card from one phone to another; the minutes are 'in' the SIM card not the phone. The cost per minute varies from about 8 cents to 25 cents depending on how much time you buy (for $100 you can find prices below 10 cents/minute). On T-Mobile, minutes expire one year after purchase, but they'll roll them over if you by more time. There's no monthly charge, there's no contract, there are no termination fees.

Now, in the US, GSM service is also available through a 'plan.' If you make heavy use of a cellphone, buying GSM minutes without a play will likely not be cost-effective. If you make light use it's much cheaper (I use about $125/year; I'm not aware of any plans that cost $10/month including taxes and fees).

In the Classroom

Now, another advantage (maybe) of GSM phones, is that you don't have to put a SIM card in them at all. The phone still works, but it can't make phone calls. That sounds pointless, of course, but programs can still be downloaded into the phone and run, even without SIM card. This way, I can bring phones into the classroom without any concern that students are making calls or texting.

Good Company, Bad Company

Keep in mind that all of my experience is with GSM phones only. I have found these two companies to be reliable and honest:

Cellhut.com
Cells4U.com (my current favorite)

I have been displeased with:

HassleFreeCell (through Amazon)

I will never buy any electronic device from any company in Brooklyn NY, Queens NY, Rego Park NY, Bronx NY. Their prices are great, but every such company (and HassleFreeCell) that I have purchased from has been dishonest (e.g. shipping used phones as new). I learn slowly, but I do learn.

If price is important, shop around. It is quite common for the same phone to vary in price by 25% even among the reputable vendors. Also, look carefully at shipping and handling costs, as they can be excessive.

Your Two Cents

I encourage you to share your experiences with cell phone companies. I'll be happy to add your thoughts to this page.