Backed by TracFone and operating on the Verizon network, the Wal-Mart's Straight Talk plan is a prepaid cell phone plan that can serve as an economical alternative to other existing prepaid plans or contract phone plans.
Straight Talk Network Availability
Since it operates on the Verizon network, Straight Talk service is accessible wherever Verizon is accessible. Therefore, if you currently have a Verizon phone and are thinking of switching to Straight Talk, there's no question as to whether or not there is coverage in your area.
If you're switching from a service other than Verizon, go to the Straight Talk website (StraightTalk.com) and view their coverage map.
If the coverage map does not adequately provide answers, you can email their customer service at custsrv@straighttalk.com or call them at 1-877-430-2355.
Straight Talk Cell Phone Plan Monthly Cost
There are two types of phone plans offered. There's the unlimited monthly plan for $45 a month and the less expensive $30 plan which gives 1,000 minutes of nationwide talk time, 1,000 text/picture messages and 30 MB of web access. If 1,000 units and 30 MB of web access are not enough, then it's best to spend the additional $15 a month and go for the unlimited plan. With the unlimited plan you also get unlimited 411 calling.
Straight Talk Prepaid Cell Phone Selection
Not all phones are available in all areas. Therefore, you have to go to the Straight Talk website and enter your zip code on the phone search page to find out which phones are available in your area.
The Straight Talk phone plans are inexpensive, but the phones are a bit expensive. Look to pay $49.99 for a reconditioned LG220C flip phone (least expensive) to as much as $244.99 for a Nokia E71 Smart Phone or the Nokia 6790 Smart Phone (many of the more expensive phones are only available on the $45 monthly plan).
Phone features range from the basic flip phones to full QWERTY keyboards. Some phones have camera/video phones, Bluetooth technology, MP3 players and more. There is a wide variety and you'll probably find a phone to suit your needs.
Adding Air Time to the Straight Talk Plan
If you're unfamiliar with the way prepaid cell phones work, you must purchase the air time prior to being able to speak on the phone. Some cell phone services have a pay-as-you-go feature whereby you purchase additional time on an as needed basis. Other plans such as the Straight Talk plan use a monthly prepaid feature. Therefore, you must purchase your phone time on a monthly basis.
You can buy air time for your phone either online from Wal-Mart.com or in person at a Wal-Mart store. Air time is sold in varying denominations. The least expensive airtime card is $30 while the most expensive is $540. After purchasing the airtime card you can redeem it either directly on your phone or from your online Straight Talk account.
Is Wal-Mart's Straight Talk Plan Worth It?
There's no doubt that it is a cost effective prepaid cell phone plan. With unlimited texting, talk time and web access for $45 a month, there are very few prepaid cell phone plans that can beat it. On the flip side, one of the unattractive features to this plan is if you don't use the air time in any given month, you cannot roll it over to the next month. With Straight Talk prepaid you either use it or lose it.
In addition to the inability to roll over the minute, some customers have complained about poor customer service.
Because of the pros and cons with the Straight Talk prepaid cell phone plan, make sure to do your homework before signing up.
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Felicia A. Williams - Felicia A. Williams is a full time freelance writer with over 20 years of business writing experience.
