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+--- Thread: Virgin Mobile? (/showthread.php?tid=10440)
Virgin Mobile? - knieft - 09-13-2012
With the soon-to-be flood of used iPhones available, I was wondering if there is anyone using Virgin Mobile's unlimited data plan with any success. My understanding is that VM uses Sprint's infrastructure (thus no 4g on big island). No contract, $35/month, 300 voice minutes, unlimited data and text. This is a _significant_ savings over the two year contacts at ATT and Verizon, especially if you already have a smart phone.
The VM coverage map seems similar to ATT's. (And in my case, no carrier has a signal at our home anyway.)
I searched this forum and there wasn't much at all about Virgin Mobile.
Heck, with no contract I may just spend the $35 and see how it goes for a month.
Cheers,
Kirt
RE: Virgin Mobile? - Bullwinkle - 09-13-2012
I have used to virgin usb dongle for my notebook when I travel - It can be frustrating waiting for pages to load - seems very slow at times - even at major airports.
Works ok in a pinch or when "on the road" emails etc. If I had to buy the dongle again I'd look long and hard at verizon.
For webpage edits/graphics uploads, slow and burns a lot of bandwidth.
I dont think I would be happy if it was my primary internet connection.
(I use the walmart $20 unlimited plan that was in effect when I bought the dongle)
I'm lucky enough to have tw cable here at home - my frame of reference is pretty spoiled..... have 7 windows open as I type this....
RE: Virgin Mobile? - HereOnThePrimalEdge - 09-13-2012
I've had Virgin Mobile for a year or two in HPP near the ocean. Reception here for phone calls is poor, texting OK. In Pahoa, Keaau, & Hilo the reception for voice & data is very good. They use the Sprint network, but when Sprint users fill up the bandwidth, your call may be dropped, and your internet connection slows to a crawl. Sprint customers pay more, they get better service. Compared to my previous provider AT&T I'd say Virgin Mobile is 75% as good, but at 50% the cost it's a pretty good deal.
RE: Virgin Mobile? - knieft - 09-14-2012
Thanks for the replies!
Cheers,
Kirt
RE: Virgin Mobile? - kalakoa - 09-14-2012
Wireless, generally:
Verizon has "more" coverage, has deployed LTE over most (if not all) of the big island. The LTE is fast but expensive. They are at capacity, my phone will sometimes drop from 3G to 1X, seems to happen mostly during "commute hours".
ATT/Sprint seem about the same (with "less" coverage than VZW).
T-mobile works "in town" and many places "along the highway".