pay per use cell plans in NC?

I have a Blackberry - its on the Rogers cell system in Canada.  It gets really pricey when I use it in the USA due to roaming charges.  Rogers just changed the plans for roaming packages and now its ridiculously priced.

I've no experience in buying a cell phone from the local 7 -11 and setting up a pay per use type of plan.

ANyone have any easy pointers or what to use in the Franklin area?

I'll obviously turn the phone on if there is an emergency and 911 is needed - but for communicating with others over the week I'm in the area - it would be handy to have at least text messaging available without fear of a $100 expense when I get home to my monthly bill.

Ideas / suggestions - please let me know what you others in the same situation might use???
thanks.

Google the nearest cricket store to Franklin. Pay as you go. Or 7-11 does a pay as you go deal too.

U.S. Cellular and Verizon are going to give you the best coverage area in WNC. There is a shop that sells U.S. Cellular and a couple stores for Verizon in Franklin. Just look at their websites for the best deal. I have AT&T and have a hard time getting service when riding around in the area especially when I need it. The zip code for Franklin is 28734.

I got a ATT phone with a number if you want to borrow it during tmac...

Hey Ken just set your data off when roaming and look for WiFi, BlackBerry's function fully on WiFi, including BBM and Mail. That's what I did last year with no problems...

Or pay the $35 and have Rogers unlock your BB and pickup a pay as you go SIM card from best-buy in Franklin and stick that in your phone and your good to go. New number but same BB PIN so if you BBM it will work off the pay as you go data.

Ken, see if Rogers has a USA package that you can add to your plan for a month, then cancel afterwards.

Ive got an extra phone if someone needs one

[image: View Post]Veefer800Canuck, on 07 May 2012 - 07:32 PM, said:

Ken, see if Rogers has a USA package that you can add to your plan for a month, then cancel afterwards.

Rogers has significantly increased their roaming charges, as well as the cost of their "USA packages".  Significantly more expensive than last year.

I will be using a US Pay as You Go phone when I am riding in the States this summer - significantly cheaper.

It's highway robbery when it comes to us using our cell phones in the US.

I have a buddy who lives in Phoenix AZ and was up at my place last fall. Had his BlackBerry out all the time getting emails sending text messages using the web. I asked him about it, he said its an extra $5 a month and that covers all his Canadian usaged.  

My wife and oldest daughter went to New York City this weekend on a school trip and I called Bell for a US package. $50 a month for 150 text messages and  5megs of data and I have to carry the plan for a minimum of 2 months. I told them find a McDonalds with free WiFi.

I'm not sure about Rogers but Bell does give you free incoming Text messages well in the US. But $0.75 for out going.

I put my trust in my quad-band company phone.....  switching off push mail for the week.... :tongue:

Not sure if this works for NC or international calling. I bought a $29 dollar cell phone from a local national chain, then went to T-mobile store and bought a card with 1,000 minutes for $100. The more time one buys the less it costs. (.10 per minute if 1000 minutes.)  An advantage: I did not give my name when I bought the phone and the time. So I'm anonymous to the grid. If you want/need privacy, this is the way to go.