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Mine isn't particularly old, but I seldom if ever use it and really carry it only for emergencies. I've read that phones not connected to a service provider (that is, without a SIM card, contract, or minutes/service days on a pre-paid) can still be used to make 911 calls. Obviously I don't want to test this theory since it's a crime to make "false" calls for non-emergent reasons, but I wonder if being broken down on the side of the road in a disabled car would qualify as an emergency and how the dispatcher would handle that. Would help be sent?
I was actually going to post this to a "Frugality" or "Penny-Pinching" forum, but noticed there isn't one here!
Actually, there is a "Frugal Living" forum under Economics.
As I understand it, the first and second generations of phones won't make any calls at all, because the towers don't "recognize" them anymore. Like the way your current computer won't open a Word Perfect document from the early 90's. I am not that certain about this though.
You can get a TracPhone from WalMart for so cheap, I can't see why you would want something cheaper, or why you would expect to be able to get a working phone cheaper.
Actually, there is a "Frugal Living" forum under Economics.
As I understand it, the first and second generations of phones won't make any calls at all, because the towers don't "recognize" them anymore. Like the way your current computer won't open a Word Perfect document from the early 90's. I am not that certain about this though.
You can get a TracPhone from WalMart for so cheap, I can't see why you would want something cheaper, or why you would expect to be able to get a working phone cheaper.
I have a TracPhone, but I keep paying for call/text minutes I don't use and service days/time that expire. And thanks for the heads-up (Economics).
Page Plus Cellular has a 1 year plan for $80 for people who want to make only emergency and breakdown calls . You have almost two hours per month of talk time, so it covers your "I'm late to dinner calls".
The price should be acceptable for even the most frugal person in the world. There is no need to interfere with 9-11 service.
I think that the OP misunderstands "frugal". This is just plain nonsense - to not be connected to the world, and safety because s/he thinks it's "frugal".
Frugal involves due diligence as it relates to prices, not becoming a burden to society because s/he doesn't want to pay a de minimis amount each month for connectivity to emergency services. That's not frugal its just dumb, sorry.
I think that the OP misunderstands "frugal". This is just plain nonsense - to not be connected to the world, and safety because s/he thinks it's "frugal".
Frugal involves due diligence as it relates to prices, not becoming a burden to society because s/he doesn't want to pay a de minimis amount each month for connectivity to emergency services. That's not frugal its just dumb, sorry.
Obviously I'm seeking a way to be "connected for safety" or I'd just do without a phone altogether and not ask. The issue, as I said, is that I have to keep buying an excess of minutes I never use in order to continue the service time I would need in an emergency. If I could buy just service time without the minutes, I would, but I can't. So I'm seeking a more efficient, less wasteful way to achieve the same end, which is what frugal people do. Do most people find frugality in general "dumb" and crazy? Yes, they do.
UPDATE: I found I was able to purchase just 30 more minutes (and 30 service days) and then "add on" 365 additional service days with that purchase. Again, I virtually never use minutes, but I have to have days to keep the phone operational.
Thanks all!
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