Any RV'ers using Straight Talk Cell Phones? - RV-Dreams Community Forum

Mike and Myong · RV-Dreams Community Member

Any RV'ers using Straight Talk Cell Phones?

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

We are not using them, but know others who are since others have recommended Straight Talk. Straight Talk has phones on Verizon or AT&T, you can tell from the coverage maps, so using existing cellular amps and antennas should work fine. But if you are out to buy amps and antennas the choices are limited and won't all carry forward since changes are happening now. The FCC just issued some new rules and is being very slow to approve anything that will move forward. Wilson makes Sleek amplifier models for the existing Verizon and AT&T 4G phones, but both companies plan to expand into other frequencies that are not amplified by these devices. One warning is that Straight Talk on Verizon only works on Verizon's own network, while a phone from Verizon will run at 1X data speeds but still talk and text on extended network. For example this really affects those who are working at Amazon in Kentucky, since Verizon does not have its towers there.

Lucky Mike · RV-Dreams Family Member

I am using Boost which operates on the sprint network....basically the same setup and money as straighttalk...and I added a program for internet WIFI ....no problems so far on the east coast

Mike and Myong · RV-Dreams Community Member

Thanks Bill and Mike! We actually have one on the Verizon network and the other on the Sprint network. Both have been working great, and when traveling in our car, we will have service with one network and sometimes not the other. With Verizon actually having the better service coverage out in the boondocks! I've been doing alot of reading on the communication issues, and know it's all ever changing. I will just try to keep up with it, and when it's time to start the full-time RVing, start the buying and hooking up process then!!

Trix · RV-Dreams Family Member

I have a Straight Talk phone which works on the Verizon network. In general I'm very happy with it. The unlimited plan (voice, text, data) is $45 a month plus tax. However, I did find some areas in podunk TX and NM where I did not have any cell signal, although my Millenicom aircard (also on Verizon network) had excellent service.

So I do believe it's true, that Straight Talk's voice service doesn't always roam to other towers, even tho Verizon data does.

Hope I didn't make that too confusing.

Mike and Myong · RV-Dreams Community Member

Thanks Trix! I actually just upgraded to an Iphone5 with Verizon so I could FaceTime with all my kids and grandkids while away. Wife still has Straight Talk phone, but if her kids move over to an Iphone, I bet she will too. Have a good one!

heartofcarrot · RV-Dreams Community Member

We use NET10 which is part of Straight Talk. Besides from their awful customer service, also have issues with service as well. I started using them when we were in Gulf Shores, AL...The provider in that area is T-Mobile. When I travel to Iowa, I have virtually no service what so ever. On the other hand, Kevin switched his phone in Austin, TX...The provider in this area is AT&T. He was much better luck with phone service when we travel.

Mike and Myong · RV-Dreams Community Member

Thanks Mary! Straight Talk has been fine while we just sit in one area, but going back to one of the major carriers will be fine with me as long as I have the new technology to communicate with the kids and grandkids!! And it's not that much more than what I was paying for the unlimited plan with Straight Talk.

Mike

Trix · RV-Dreams Family Member

I have found that if you stay in big towns or drive the interstates there are no issues at all. Small farming towns without much entertainment don't seem to have as many Verizon owned towers.