Best mobile network

[parthiban]

I always think I need to do a bit of research every time I go out, but in the usual mad rush don't and end up just buying AT&T SIMs as they're the easiest to find.

There's a few things I'm interested to find out about before my next trip. I think the AT&T tariff works out as $1/day and then $0.10/minute for calls. That's not unreasonable, but just wanted to find out if any other network is cheaper.

Second thing is that once I come back I generally leave them alone so eventually the SIMs die. I was thinking that if it's cost effective, I could top them up from the UK to keep them live and that way the numbers remain the same and the phone will be ready to use on landing in Florida. Which networks is it possible to do this with, and will it require putting so much money on to the account that it wouldn't be worthwhile unless you were a very frequent traveller? (generally only go out once a year, but sometimes more often)

Final thing is that I know they have push to talk in the US - is this available on prepay phones or just pay monthly contracts?

I usually take two phones with me, and buy two SIMs, so if there are any that offer free calls on the same network that could be useful too.

Sorry that's a rather long post, but any help would be greatly appreciated! [msnsmile2]

[parthiban]

Why has this been moved? Sorry if it was posted in the wrong place, but didn't think this was "off topic"?

[floridadreamvilla.co.uk]

Almost certainly because it's not directly related to vacationing in Florida. It's a very specific question that won't apply to a lot of people travelling to Florida.

I could say more, but by doing so, we're going off topic on your own thread [msnwink].

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by parthiban
Why has this been moved? Sorry if it was posted in the wrong place, but didn't think this was "off topic"?
[/quote]

[parthiban]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by floridadreamvilla.co.uk
Almost certainly because it's not directly related to vacationing in Florida. It's a very specific question that won't apply to a lot of people travelling to Florida.

I could say more, but by doing so, we're going off topic on your own thread [msnwink].
[/quote]
From my searching on the forums for similar topics before posting that all phone/SIM related threads were in the "ask the experts" so thought that would make sense as that was what I wanted to do (ask an expert about which is best [msnwink])

Thanks for that though, was just curious as to why it was moved. Anyway, would be grateful to know which networks most people go for when out in Orlando [msnsmile2]

[Laurel Oak]

I have a Quad Band phone on Virgin Mobile which I use when in Florida but I only use the phone for texting home and the odd call. I guess if you are using the phone regularly it will be cheaper to get a SIM.

[Dads_Taxi]

It's much too late for me to start ploughing through the forum just now, but I remember reading a tip on here recently about Walmart selling PAYG mobiles (cellulars!) that were dirt cheap and virtually free to call from one to another. I remember a contributor commenting that a pair of those phones was cheaper than most sets of walkie-talkies.

Have a trawl through, it's in here somewhere. (although whether it's "off-topic" or not I really can't remember!)

[Katys Grandad]

This one?

http://www.orlando-guide.info/forums/topic_44062.asp

[blott]

This one I think? http://www.orlando-guide.info/forums/topic_51473.asp

[parthiban]

Thanks for those replies, great information there. Looks like Virgin's definitely the cheapest, so will have to get one of those when I'm out there next. Do they offer SIM only packs?

[wrpac00]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by parthiban
Thanks for those replies, great information there. Looks like Virgin's definitely the cheapest, so will have to get one of those when I'm out there next. Do they offer SIM only packs?[/quote]The phones are only $15.