Article Summary
Straight Talk is a MVNO offering several unlimited text and talk plans with various limits for data including a plan with unlimited data. You can buy a phone from Straight Talk or bring your own phone (BYOP) to their services.
For many goods and services, time tends to work for the consumer rather than the producer. As time goes by and more companies begin to offer the same goods and services, competition drives prices down. The problem is, those who are loyal to a brand might not realize that they can save money by switching to the competition. This is especially true with cell phone plans, where companies like Straight Talk offer up the same services you might be used to on your major carrier's plan, at a discounted price.
In fact, with Straight Talk, you can bring your own phone (BYOP) and save big with one of their prepaid cell phone plans.
BYOP to Straight Talk
Straight Talk already offers very competitive prices on their plans, but if you want to maximize your savings your best bet is to bring your phone to Straight Talk rather than purchasing a brand new one for potentially hundreds of dollars. The great thing about BYOP plans, is that you get to keep the phone you are used to and attached to while signing on to a plan that can save you money.
Leaving Your Current Plan
Before you can bring your phone to Straight Talk, you'll need to make sure you can leave your current carrier. Since cell phone contracts aren't very common anymore, you probably aren't tied down to your current plan. However, if you are still making payments on your phone through a financing agreement with your current carrier, you'll have to pay the remaining balance of your phone before you can leave your current carrier. This can be highly inconvenient if you still owe a lot of money on your current phone, so make sure you factor this in before making the decision to leave your current carrier and make the switch.
Unlocking Your Phone
You can't bring your phone to a new carrier if it's locked on to your current carrier. Some companies don't lock your phone, or make it extremely easy for you to unlock your phone. Other carriers, however, make your meet some minimum requirements before you can unlock your phone. You can find these requirements on your carrier's website.
Unlocking your phone is usually as simple as asking your carrier's customer service reps to do it for you. Some companies will even allow you to unlock your phone through an app on your phone, or online.
Phone Compatibility and Coverage
The good news with Straight Talk is that because they run on all 4 of the major carrier networks, their plans are compatible with more phones than not. However, just in case, it's a good idea to make sure that your BYOP is compatible with Straight Talk's services before signing on to a plan. Be ready to enter in your phone's IMEI.
You'll also want to make sure you get coverage through Straight Talk. Again, since they use the same networks as all 4 major carriers, Straight Talk has most of the country covered. However, just to be careful, you should double check that you get coverage where you need it.
Activation
Once you are ready to switch to Straight Talk and BYOP, you can select one of their plans. Straight Talk will make sure you get the right activation kit to fit your phone. Once you do, you should be able to enter your new SIM card number on their website to start activation.
Straight Talk Plans
Straight Talk offers plans with limited talk, text and data, as well as plans with unlimited talk and text with varying allotments of data. Additionally, Straight Talk offers international plan options.
Whether you barely use your phone, or you are constantly using up data, Straight Talk has a plan that fits your needs.
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#1
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Straight Talk
$25 StraightSAVINGS! Plan
$25.00/mo
+ $4.88 Upfront
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#2
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Straight Talk
Bronze 10GB Plan
$34.00/mo
+ $4.88 Upfront
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#3
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Straight Talk
Silver Unlimited Data Plan
$42.50/mo
+ $4.88 Upfront
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#4
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Straight Talk
Gold Unlimited Data Plan
$50.00/mo
+ $4.88 Upfront
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#5
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Straight Talk
Platinum Unlimited Data Plan
$60.00/mo
+ $4.88 Upfront
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Straight Talk
Straight Talk, owned by TracFone, is a MVNO that offers prepaid cell phone plans using each of the four major carriers' networks. Their services and branded phones are available online and at Walmart store locations.
The lineup of Straight Talk phones includes several budget-friendly smartphones, as well as top-tier phones in the iPhone and Samsung Galaxy families.
Why Switch to Straight Talk
With competitive prices and coverage on the big four networks, it's hard to argue against making the switch to Straight Talk. On top of the savings, with Straight Talk you aren't locked into contracts, and since their plans are prepaid, you will not see any surprise charges to your account.
If your love your phone but aren't so thrilled about your plan, Straight Talks BYOP option will let you keep your phone and get a plan more suited for your needs.
Angelo Ilumba
Senior Writer
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