Free talk, texts and data You can get free cell service from two different ways: • Buy a SIM card from for $0.99 (including free shipping) and stick it in your existing compatible phone. (You’ll need an unlocked AT&T or T-Mobile GSM phone.) • Buy a used phone from (Example: As I write this, they’re offering a refurbished iPhone 5 for $169.99.) You can transfer your existing phone number or receive an entirely new number. Either way, when you sign up, you’ll get a one-month free trial of their Unlimited Talk, Text and Data plan.
After one month: • Do nothing. You’ll automatically be transferred onto an unlimited Talk, Text and 2GB data plan for $24.99/month. • Downgrade to the free plan.
Downgrading can be done online, or by calling or emailing customer service. Once you’re on the free plan, you’ll get 200 talk minutes and 500 texts monthly at no cost. If you bought a SIM card from, you’ll also get 200 MB of data free. If you bought a phone from, you’ll get 500 MB of data free. Bottom line: If you don’t use your phone much, it’s possible that you’ll never pay for cellphone service again. And this is also a great opportunity to have a no-cost back-up phone. If your phone gets lost or stolen, wouldn’t it be great to have another waiting in the wings?