2.6
2.9
Overall Score
Author: Kaitlyn Short
Straight Talk Wireless, a brand made possible by an arrangement between TracFone and Walmart, is a prepaid, no-contract cell phone provider. The carrier offers straightforward pricing, unlimited talk, unlimited text, and unlimited data plans.
Straight Talk is a pretty affordable mobile phone provider: customers can select from plans as low as $30 per month or go unlimited for $45 per month. Straight Talk offers different discounted rate plans available in 30-day no-contract obligation service packages.
In addition, Straight Talk customers can earn points to unlock prizes. Every time a Straight Talk customer renews their plan they earn points and these points double if the customer enrolls in Auto-Refill. Customers can also watch short videos, share on social media or refer their friends to boost points. When it comes time to redeem points, members can earn a free service plan or add-on high-speed data cards.
Straight Talk's services align with its advertised perks and the tag line "Everything for Less." The carrier provides basic service plans with clear selling points that outline the exact service Straight Talk customers will receive. There are some limitations to these products and services, but Straight Talk is exceptionally transparent regarding what is offered and what is not.
All Straight Talk service plans include unlimited nationwide talk and text. Straight Talk also offers various data plans. The two higher-end service levels offer unlimited data for customers. The only difference between the higher-end service levels is that the top service level offers unlimited international calling and texting. Plan prices range anywhere between $35-$60, and customers can add on global calling cards for just $10.
It is also possible to prepay for more months of service with the Unlimited Plan. There are three additional service extensions with the Unlimited Plan. They include the following:
Customers can enjoy peace-of-mind by pre-paying for their phone service a year in advance. With other no-contract providers, you can only purchase service in monthly increments. You could, of course, load enough money onto your account to cover a year, but Straight Talk makes it easy to pay for your phone in advance for as long as you'd like.
Prospective customers can also bring their own phone, where a customer service specialist gives you a SIM card so that you can use Straight Talk's service. So, if you have a phone from a prior carrier, there are instances where you can keep it and transfer it over.
Customers can also purchase the SIM card and install it all on their own without a representative. Customers should double check which devices are compatible and which phones Straight Talk allows because its compatibility capabilities are continually evolving.
Sometimes a factory reset is useful and APN settings may need to be adjusted on a phone to align it correctly with Straight Talk's network.
If you want to move your number over to Straight Talk, they make it easy to "port" your previous phone number. Keeping your same phone and number makes Straight Talk an excellent fit for many different customers. Unfortunately, some phones cannot be fitted with Straight Talk's SIM card. Certain older iPhone 4 models are not compatible with the SIM card. There are also no options for integrating BlackBerry into Straight Talk's service at this time.
Straight Talk sells portable Wi-Fi hotspot devices. Options include both reconditioned and brand new mobile hotspots and tablets with 4G LTE speeds. Note that these are only compatible with Straight Talk data service plans and do not include international service or high performance for multiple devices. Service options are as follows:
Straight Talk runs deals on multiple devices at a time ranging from free shipping on the latest iPhone and Android phones to extremely low-priced LG, Samsung, and Alcatel models. To pinpoint the most beneficial online deals for you based on your location, enter the zip code in which you plan to use the device the most.
Even though Straight Talk is affiliated with Walmart, it is a separate entity of the retail chain. There are representatives ready to assist with questions and activation at Walmart locations or online. Current customers have also been satisfied with the 4G LTE coverage that Straight Talk provides. While the carrier doesn't operate its own network, Straight Talk utilizes T-Mobile, AT&T, and some of the best networks in the United States to provide the best possible coverage for customers.
Straight Talk customers not satisfied with their phone (iPhone or Android) or accessory purchase can return it within 30 days and Straight Talk will either replace it or give them a full refund.
There are some limitations prospective Straight Talk consumers should be aware of. Consumers have found that some AT&T phones might not be compatible with Straight Talk because of usability issues. For the most part, other carriers' phones are compatible, but customers should double check before making the switch. Once confirmed, a majority of devices can be integrated into Straight Talk's phone service.
Customer reviews describe issues with dropped calls and lack of data service. This can be frustrating when a customer is trying to utilize an Internet connection or make a phone call.
There are also some issues with the data claims being labeled as "unlimited."
Customers actually get 3 GB of metered data for each 30-day service package that is purchased. When you go over the 3 GB limit, you have access to the data network, but your speeds are drastically reduced. Most customers say that the average customer needs 2 GB of data per month. With 100 MB of data on the low-end plan, you will likely use all your data quickly.
There are also concerns surrounding network redundancy with the number of other company's networks that were used. Some of the dropped calls that have been reported may be a result of the shared networks with AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and other cellular providers.
Overall, Straight Talk can be an inexpensive carrier to use for basic cell phone services and pre-paid cell phones. It generally offers quality coverage that rivals bigger contract providers and includes options for a portable Wi-Fi internet connection via mobile hotspot services.
Straight Talk also lets you use your old phone from a different provider with a simple SIM card replacement that you or a service tech can perform. Or, you can choose from among the latest iPhones or Android smartphones from the company's retail site.
There are some concerns though about the phone unlocking policy that should be mentioned, however. If someone has given you their old phone, you need his or her permission and the serial number to transfer it to Straight Talk. You should also check ahead of time to make sure that your device is compatible to be fitted with a Straight Talk SIM card. All in all, Straight Talk consumers can expect the following:
Straight Talk reviews are mixed. While some customers are completely satisfied, others are disappointed. For more insight into what customers have to say, read through the verified customer reviews below.
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