Anyone have experience with ALTERNATIVE cell phone service? Like Pure Talk, Mint, Consumer Cellular, Visible, etc.?

[Danno]

I've had a gut-full of the price-jacking and 'exceeded data limits' extra charges, etc., with my 25-year cellular service provider.  To them, I guess, my two-plus decades of loyalty is nothing more than an indication I'm too stupid to change providers - so they can add huge fees every month. 

But, I'm skeptical about all these various providers who offer "the same service" for less than 1/2 price. You know, if it sounds too good to be true, maybe it is.

Anyone have any real-world experience in changing providers in search of lower pricing? How did it go?

Thanks in advance . . . 

[Pete J.]

I switched over to GoogleFi(I have google phones) about a year ago.  So far I am pleased with the service and my bill is exactly half of what I was paying Verizion!

[oldnslow]

We went with Straight Talk for our home phone , $16.95 a month , unlimited calling .

[Rob Hall]

I've used Mint Mobile for a few years after 20+ years w/ Verizon.  Overall been happy w/ their service.  My annual fee is about what 3 months on Verizon was. 

[bluestringer]

I've been using Tracfone for many years. Works great for me. I buy 45 dollars of service every three months. It's a 3 bucket deal, minutes, data, text. What's not used rolls over.

[Rodent]

I don't know where you live, but one thing to remember about "the same service" is that in event of throttling, the carrier is going to throttle "the other guys" before their own customers. 

[Hi-Po]

Take a look at Consumer Cellular.  The wife and I have used them for many years now and our monthly charge for the two phones together average out to be around $55 a month, constantly.