Hi everyone,
Summary: I have an inherited iPhone 3GS with no data or voice plan, no contract (ex-AT&T phone, was upgraded to new 4S), fresh install, and an iPad 2. I would like to use around 500mb - 2GB of data a month on both devices combined. I would like to use the iPhone 3GS as an emergency 911 phone. I live in America, in Southern California. What's my best plan?
Background: I inherited the iPhone 3GS from my wife, bought the iPad new. I'm a programmer, so I don't mind setting up complicated installs, but I've never had a cell phone, so I don't know how plans work and what is available. My only phone number / phone line is Skype (and Google voice) and I'm perfectly happy with that. I'd like to be able to make Skype calls over 3G on the iPhone 3GS. I live in Southern California, and I find AT&T 3G coverage to be quite good in the areas I frequent, so I am happy enough with that (though would consider anything, and would love to ditch AT&T due to hilariously poor customer service).
Thank you for your help. I did do extensive searches on this topic over the last few months, but I just can't figure out the current lay of the land. I really thought this would be something I could figure out on my own, but getting current, accurate information has been frustrating.
Questions:
Plans: I would like basic email and the occasional Skype call from my iPhone 3GS and iPad 2. I could get by with 500mb a month total on both devices. What is my best option for a plan? Is there any way I can get a combined plan? I don't mind paying $25 for the 2GB from ATT, but I don't want to pay $50 or $55 to have data on both devices.
Sharing: Can I tether iPad to iPhone or vice-versa?
911: I want to be able to call 911 from the iPhone. Is that a given, or do I need to do anything special? I don't want to call 911 to test it...
Voice: Is there some kind of super-cheap, pay-as-you-go iPhone-compatible voice plan these days? Yes, I have googled, but results for the iPhone 3GS are either very out of date or say it is not possible. This isn't necessary, but would be nice.
SIMS: Do the iPhone 3GS and the iPad have compatible SIMS? If so, is that useful in any way to me?
So basically, I just want a very minimal, limited, à la carte data plan for each device. Seems like that should be doable for $25 a month or so, but I'm not seeing it. Thanks!
Summary: I have an inherited iPhone 3GS with no data or voice plan, no contract (ex-AT&T phone, was upgraded to new 4S), fresh install, and an iPad 2. I would like to use around 500mb - 2GB of data a month on both devices combined. I would like to use the iPhone 3GS as an emergency 911 phone. I live in America, in Southern California. What's my best plan?
Background: I inherited the iPhone 3GS from my wife, bought the iPad new. I'm a programmer, so I don't mind setting up complicated installs, but I've never had a cell phone, so I don't know how plans work and what is available. My only phone number / phone line is Skype (and Google voice) and I'm perfectly happy with that. I'd like to be able to make Skype calls over 3G on the iPhone 3GS. I live in Southern California, and I find AT&T 3G coverage to be quite good in the areas I frequent, so I am happy enough with that (though would consider anything, and would love to ditch AT&T due to hilariously poor customer service).
Thank you for your help. I did do extensive searches on this topic over the last few months, but I just can't figure out the current lay of the land. I really thought this would be something I could figure out on my own, but getting current, accurate information has been frustrating.
Questions:
Plans: I would like basic email and the occasional Skype call from my iPhone 3GS and iPad 2. I could get by with 500mb a month total on both devices. What is my best option for a plan? Is there any way I can get a combined plan? I don't mind paying $25 for the 2GB from ATT, but I don't want to pay $50 or $55 to have data on both devices.
Sharing: Can I tether iPad to iPhone or vice-versa?
911: I want to be able to call 911 from the iPhone. Is that a given, or do I need to do anything special? I don't want to call 911 to test it...
Voice: Is there some kind of super-cheap, pay-as-you-go iPhone-compatible voice plan these days? Yes, I have googled, but results for the iPhone 3GS are either very out of date or say it is not possible. This isn't necessary, but would be nice.
SIMS: Do the iPhone 3GS and the iPad have compatible SIMS? If so, is that useful in any way to me?
So basically, I just want a very minimal, limited, à la carte data plan for each device. Seems like that should be doable for $25 a month or so, but I'm not seeing it. Thanks!
