Trying to find a phone plan that’s paid by the minute, not by the month. I want a phone that only charges me when and if I use it – no recurring monthly fee whatsoever, and no ‘inactivity’ fees either.

I don’t use my phone much at all. Even if it costs $5 per minute, that would still be cheaper for me than even the cheapest monthly plans. And I don’t need any data connection at all, ever. Just voice calls and texts.

Such a thing used to be possible, but after searching and searching, I can’t find any such thing now. Do they no longer exist?

  • flabbergast@lemmy.worldEnglish
    20·
    2 days ago

    I think you should look into pre-paid SIM cards. I use Vodafone. Just pay upfront and use it whenever. Only drawback is if you are inactive for a year, you’ll lose the credit. But they warn you about it and you can save the credit by just making a call or send a text. Works fine for me.

    • OwOarchist@pawb.socialOPEnglish
      5·
      2 days ago

      Seems like they only offer limited-time ‘travel’ plans in the US. You could renew them … but the longest one is only 30 days, so that’s basically just a monthly payment with extra steps.

      • flabbergast@lemmy.worldEnglish
        6·
        2 days ago

        Ah that’s a bummer. I’m in Europe, so no idea if pre-paid is offered at all in the US… Hope you find something useful.

        • OwOarchist@pawb.socialOPEnglish
          4·
          2 days ago

          so no idea if pre-paid is offered at all in the US

          It’s seeming like it isn’t…

          And worse/more annoyingly, the searches are filled with ‘The top pre-paid plans! Starting at $10/month!’ Apparently, in the US now, “pre-paid” means you still have a monthly fee, you just have to pay it in advance now.