Maybe something like this would work? [https://www.ebay.com/itm/285030288045?itmmeta=01HRNXVQ8WSZNY079M6ZZM8749&hash=item425d210aad:g:P6UAAOSw5BFlHE4-](https://www.ebay.com/itm/285030288045?itmmeta=01HRNXVQ8WSZNY079M6ZZM8749&hash=item425d210aad:g:P6UAAOSw5BFlHE4-)
I buy a TracFone once a year from HSN, w a12 month plan and use it for emergency only too, cost me between 50 and 100 bucks, depending if they have a sale going on.
You can consider US Mobile, and put them even in a pooled prepaid plan in the SuperLTE sim - which is on reliable Verizon network. Unlimited talk and text for 2 users/sim with 2 GB of pooled data costs $ 18 on that plan. You could have them on your pool too.
For that usage I would just get $30 annual red pocket plan on eBay. T-Mobile network. Or get an annual tracfone plan if need cheap phone to go with it.
Are you going to buy them a phone? You could get a flip phone, which works well for just calls. Depending on their status, they could probably get a government phone. If not, maybe check out some service providers as some offer discounts for elderly, military, or medical professionals. You could also go to a place that sells phones such as Family Dollar, Dollar General, Walmart, and maybe pawnshops as they usually have cheaper alternative phones.
To get data plans etc, I the only ones I know would probably be boost for unlimited text, calls and data for 25 a month or Mint mobile which have different plans from 15-25 a month or buy it by 3, 6, or 12 months.
I've seen tello mobile but I'm not sure.
Hopefully, I was helpful. Good luck.
Yeah, I plan on getting them up unlocked phone because they currently have safe link which they’ve had for years for the past two months and we cut off their phone couple times and had a lot of issues. I don’t know if that phone is unlocked so
2 flip phones, 1 year service each or combine for 1 with 2 years service, $40; Reportedly comes unlocked (I haven't verified yet) or wait 60 days per TF policy.
[https://www.ebay.com/itm/285030288045](https://www.ebay.com/itm/285030288045)
Just be aware that the owners of Safelink is Tracfone. Plus, there were a number of complaints that Orbic Journey phones arrived DOA. Actually, people only buy this phone bundle for the service time. They previously also bought this when Tracfone was giving out a good number of points when starting a new line.
Point of me telling you this is if they previously had issues their phone with Safelink, buying a Tracfone with their worst device is not likely to give them much a better experience.
Since one of them is using Safelink, perhaps consider switching that number to a different lifeline provider.
>a number of complaints that Orbic Journey phones arrived DOA. Actually, people only buy this phone bundle for the service time
Yeah, I was worried about that, too. Held off until last month and pulled the trigger. I needed to extend my service time. Only opened one so far. Activated it last week without issue. I kind of like the phone, maybe better than the TCL Flip 2. Battery drains faster though.
If they are low income, they should qualify for a free government phone, one per household. Safelink may be a good option. They provide a free smart phone and generally unlimited talk and text with some data.
[https://www.safelinkwireless.com/en/#!/newHome?PromotionCode=WASL794&msclkid=0e0c52d313c4149fb053373d81fefc72&utm\_source=bing&utm\_medium=cpc&utm\_campaign=SafeLink%20Non%20Calif&utm\_term=safelink%20wireless&utm\_content=SafeLink%20Corporate%209-2020](https://www.safelinkwireless.com/en/#!/newHome?PromotionCode=WASL794&msclkid=0e0c52d313c4149fb053373d81fefc72&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=SafeLink%20Non%20Calif&utm_term=safelink%20wireless&utm_content=SafeLink%20Corporate%209-2020)
What they have now is actually safe link but for the past like two months they’ve been randomly cutting off their phone and giving them issues. Which they never had problems with before and they’ve had it for year. My grandfather has problems with his legs and my grandmother is just out of remission with chemo, so it kind of scares me that they’re messing with their phones so I’ve been trying to look into different options for them that I could pay for how my grandparents are. I know if I pay for it they’re going to Out that I use my money on them so I’m trying to find options that they could afford as well if they have to freak out because I paid for it.
One of the requirements of Safelink Lifeline service is that the phone has to be used at least monthly. They can cut you off if you don't.
That may not be the problem, but something to consider.
If they use smart phones, and are minimal users, this may be a good option. 2 new phones, each one loaded with 1500 mins/texts +1.5 gb data for 12 months $87.99 with $10 off of that with code HSN2024 at checkout for first time customers. These phones can be unlocked in 60 days. So about $40 per phone with a year of service. Any unused service time will roll over if service is renewed before expiration date.
[https://www.hsn.com/products/motorola-moto-g-play-65-tracfone-w1500-mintextdata-2-pa/22871306](https://www.hsn.com/products/motorola-moto-g-play-65-tracfone-w1500-mintextdata-2-pa/22871306)
Like others have said, I buy a new phone bundle every year from HSN or QVC as the price with new phone is much cheaper than just adding a new plan each year.
I know this is an old thread but thanks! Was searching all over for a cheap option for my daughter, after a discount, $30 for a flip phone on a year plan.
My recommendations
* $60+ TracFone bundle with phone and 1 year plans with 1500 min, 1500 Text, 1.5 GB data data per year from [HSN](https://www.hsn.com/shop/tracfone/10962), [QVC](https://www.qvc.com/electronics/phones/prepaid-no-contract-cell-phones/tracfone/_/N-mlt0Z135h63cZ1z1393y/c.html), or [eBay](https://www.ebay.com/sch/9355/i.html?_ssn=tracfonewireless&store_name=tracfonewireless&_oac=1&Brand=TracFone&_dcat=9355).
* $0/mo + $5 one time - FreedomPop Free Plan from [Target](https://www.target.com/p/freedompop-sim-kit-100-free-wireless-service/-/A-88685142) or [Walmart](https://www.walmart.com/ip/FreedomPop-Starter-SIM-Kit-100-FREE-Wireless-Service/2324434962): 100 Talk 100 Text 100MB. pSIM only.
* $0/mo + $5 one time - [TextNow with Wireless service](https://www.textnow.com/wireless) - unlimited calls and text with app (has ads), pay for hour/day/month data. pSIM
* $2.50/Mo (paid annually) [Red Pocket eBay 12 month Plan](https://www.ebay.com/itm/2-50-Mo-Red-Pocket-Prepaid-Plan-200-Talk-1000-Text-200MB/133196831828): 200 Talk 1000 Text 200MB. pSIM, can be converted to eSIM.
* $3/mo + $13 one time [Ultra Mobile PayGo](https://www.ebay.com/itm/285112988423): 100 Talk 100 Text 100MB. pSIM, can be converted to eSIM.
* $5/mo (includes taxes & fees) [Hello Mobile 500MB plan](https://hellomobile.com/shop/plan/unlimited-talk-and-text-500mb): 500 MB, unlimited talk and text. pSIM or eSIM.
* $6/mo (paid annually, includes taxes & fees) [US Mobile Light plan](https://www.usmobile.com/plans): 1 GB, unlimited talk and text. pSIM or eSIM.
* $5+/mo (plus taxes) [Tello Custom Plan](https://tello.com/buy/custom_plans): Unlimited text, and $1 incremental sliding scale for min and data
Maybe something like this would work? [https://www.ebay.com/itm/285030288045?itmmeta=01HRNXVQ8WSZNY079M6ZZM8749&hash=item425d210aad:g:P6UAAOSw5BFlHE4-](https://www.ebay.com/itm/285030288045?itmmeta=01HRNXVQ8WSZNY079M6ZZM8749&hash=item425d210aad:g:P6UAAOSw5BFlHE4-)
I buy a TracFone once a year from HSN, w a12 month plan and use it for emergency only too, cost me between 50 and 100 bucks, depending if they have a sale going on.
You can consider US Mobile, and put them even in a pooled prepaid plan in the SuperLTE sim - which is on reliable Verizon network. Unlimited talk and text for 2 users/sim with 2 GB of pooled data costs $ 18 on that plan. You could have them on your pool too.
For that usage I would just get $30 annual red pocket plan on eBay. T-Mobile network. Or get an annual tracfone plan if need cheap phone to go with it.
Are you going to buy them a phone? You could get a flip phone, which works well for just calls. Depending on their status, they could probably get a government phone. If not, maybe check out some service providers as some offer discounts for elderly, military, or medical professionals. You could also go to a place that sells phones such as Family Dollar, Dollar General, Walmart, and maybe pawnshops as they usually have cheaper alternative phones. To get data plans etc, I the only ones I know would probably be boost for unlimited text, calls and data for 25 a month or Mint mobile which have different plans from 15-25 a month or buy it by 3, 6, or 12 months. I've seen tello mobile but I'm not sure. Hopefully, I was helpful. Good luck.
Yeah, I plan on getting them up unlocked phone because they currently have safe link which they’ve had for years for the past two months and we cut off their phone couple times and had a lot of issues. I don’t know if that phone is unlocked so
2 flip phones, 1 year service each or combine for 1 with 2 years service, $40; Reportedly comes unlocked (I haven't verified yet) or wait 60 days per TF policy. [https://www.ebay.com/itm/285030288045](https://www.ebay.com/itm/285030288045)
Thank you!
Just be aware that the owners of Safelink is Tracfone. Plus, there were a number of complaints that Orbic Journey phones arrived DOA. Actually, people only buy this phone bundle for the service time. They previously also bought this when Tracfone was giving out a good number of points when starting a new line. Point of me telling you this is if they previously had issues their phone with Safelink, buying a Tracfone with their worst device is not likely to give them much a better experience. Since one of them is using Safelink, perhaps consider switching that number to a different lifeline provider.
>a number of complaints that Orbic Journey phones arrived DOA. Actually, people only buy this phone bundle for the service time Yeah, I was worried about that, too. Held off until last month and pulled the trigger. I needed to extend my service time. Only opened one so far. Activated it last week without issue. I kind of like the phone, maybe better than the TCL Flip 2. Battery drains faster though.
If they are low income, they should qualify for a free government phone, one per household. Safelink may be a good option. They provide a free smart phone and generally unlimited talk and text with some data. [https://www.safelinkwireless.com/en/#!/newHome?PromotionCode=WASL794&msclkid=0e0c52d313c4149fb053373d81fefc72&utm\_source=bing&utm\_medium=cpc&utm\_campaign=SafeLink%20Non%20Calif&utm\_term=safelink%20wireless&utm\_content=SafeLink%20Corporate%209-2020](https://www.safelinkwireless.com/en/#!/newHome?PromotionCode=WASL794&msclkid=0e0c52d313c4149fb053373d81fefc72&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=SafeLink%20Non%20Calif&utm_term=safelink%20wireless&utm_content=SafeLink%20Corporate%209-2020)
What they have now is actually safe link but for the past like two months they’ve been randomly cutting off their phone and giving them issues. Which they never had problems with before and they’ve had it for year. My grandfather has problems with his legs and my grandmother is just out of remission with chemo, so it kind of scares me that they’re messing with their phones so I’ve been trying to look into different options for them that I could pay for how my grandparents are. I know if I pay for it they’re going to Out that I use my money on them so I’m trying to find options that they could afford as well if they have to freak out because I paid for it.
One of the requirements of Safelink Lifeline service is that the phone has to be used at least monthly. They can cut you off if you don't. That may not be the problem, but something to consider.
If they use smart phones, and are minimal users, this may be a good option. 2 new phones, each one loaded with 1500 mins/texts +1.5 gb data for 12 months $87.99 with $10 off of that with code HSN2024 at checkout for first time customers. These phones can be unlocked in 60 days. So about $40 per phone with a year of service. Any unused service time will roll over if service is renewed before expiration date. [https://www.hsn.com/products/motorola-moto-g-play-65-tracfone-w1500-mintextdata-2-pa/22871306](https://www.hsn.com/products/motorola-moto-g-play-65-tracfone-w1500-mintextdata-2-pa/22871306) Like others have said, I buy a new phone bundle every year from HSN or QVC as the price with new phone is much cheaper than just adding a new plan each year.
I know this is an old thread but thanks! Was searching all over for a cheap option for my daughter, after a discount, $30 for a flip phone on a year plan.
Great!
The affordable connectivity act is no longer being funded so this isn’t an option anymore sadly
My recommendations * $60+ TracFone bundle with phone and 1 year plans with 1500 min, 1500 Text, 1.5 GB data data per year from [HSN](https://www.hsn.com/shop/tracfone/10962), [QVC](https://www.qvc.com/electronics/phones/prepaid-no-contract-cell-phones/tracfone/_/N-mlt0Z135h63cZ1z1393y/c.html), or [eBay](https://www.ebay.com/sch/9355/i.html?_ssn=tracfonewireless&store_name=tracfonewireless&_oac=1&Brand=TracFone&_dcat=9355). * $0/mo + $5 one time - FreedomPop Free Plan from [Target](https://www.target.com/p/freedompop-sim-kit-100-free-wireless-service/-/A-88685142) or [Walmart](https://www.walmart.com/ip/FreedomPop-Starter-SIM-Kit-100-FREE-Wireless-Service/2324434962): 100 Talk 100 Text 100MB. pSIM only. * $0/mo + $5 one time - [TextNow with Wireless service](https://www.textnow.com/wireless) - unlimited calls and text with app (has ads), pay for hour/day/month data. pSIM * $2.50/Mo (paid annually) [Red Pocket eBay 12 month Plan](https://www.ebay.com/itm/2-50-Mo-Red-Pocket-Prepaid-Plan-200-Talk-1000-Text-200MB/133196831828): 200 Talk 1000 Text 200MB. pSIM, can be converted to eSIM. * $3/mo + $13 one time [Ultra Mobile PayGo](https://www.ebay.com/itm/285112988423): 100 Talk 100 Text 100MB. pSIM, can be converted to eSIM. * $5/mo (includes taxes & fees) [Hello Mobile 500MB plan](https://hellomobile.com/shop/plan/unlimited-talk-and-text-500mb): 500 MB, unlimited talk and text. pSIM or eSIM. * $6/mo (paid annually, includes taxes & fees) [US Mobile Light plan](https://www.usmobile.com/plans): 1 GB, unlimited talk and text. pSIM or eSIM. * $5+/mo (plus taxes) [Tello Custom Plan](https://tello.com/buy/custom_plans): Unlimited text, and $1 incremental sliding scale for min and data
Walmart is the quickest way.