Apple Event: May 7th at 7 am PT

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

US prepaid/no contract plan for Unlocked iPhone 5 - AT&T only option?

I am only in the USA for 2 months of the year. I plan to use the unlocked iPhone 5 I just purchased from Apple in other countries and it will be easy to do so with several prepaid options, no contracts.

In the USA, it's not easy.

I keep reading on-line that you can use T-Mobile prepaid, no contract, with the Unlocked iPhone 5, but three different T-Mobile reps have confirmed to me that you can, but only with their 2 year contract.

I've also read that you can use Straight Talk, but they have assured me that they do not support the nano sim card in the iPhone 5. I've read you can cut the other SIM card down to fit, but I'd rather not do that (unless it's very easy and it really works- true or not?).

Is AT&T the only option for an unlocked iPhone 5 if you do NOT want to be locked into a longer-term plan? They quoted me $85 per month for 1 GB of data/free wifi, $36 activation fee, and once you stop renewing month-to-month you have to start over with the activation fee. I've also read that there are problems with this plan, but I don't recall what they are.

Is this the only option? If so, I may return my iPhone 5. Not worth it. 😠

iPhone 5

Posted on Feb 4, 2013 10:57 PM

29 replies

KiltedTim

Level 10

195,675 points

May 3, 2013 7:53 AM in response to hexonxonx

I may be wrong, but it looks like that $60 card they offer is for the iPad only. No talk, no SMS/MMS. Just data.

hexonxonx

Level 4

2,477 points

May 3, 2013 7:55 AM in response to KiltedTim

I was just going to reply the same thing after looking over that AT&T plan. It is for iPad only and the rates they are charging are rediculous.

May 3, 2013 8:13 AM in response to hexonxonx

click on the iphone link:

http://www.mrsimcard.com/iphone.html

that has all the iphone plans with unlimited talk, text & data....

hexonxonx

Level 4

2,477 points

May 3, 2013 8:16 AM in response to saintsaad

15 day unlimted on Simple Mobile for $74.99 is a crime.

KiltedTim

Level 10

195,675 points

May 3, 2013 8:16 AM in response to saintsaad

The plans are pretty decent for someone travelling to the US short term. Not compared to what one could get if they were willing to spend the time and effort to research all the options, etc. in the US, but given the convenience and lack of hassle. not a bad way to go compared to paying for international roaming from their regular carrier.

May 3, 2013 8:24 AM in response to KiltedTim

that's pretty much the point....my trips range from 15-30 days so it works out very well for me....

Jun 18, 2013 5:35 AM in response to whitelight308

i have found 2 problems in the fine print with most of the plans (but I certainly have not been able to read them all).

#1. most plans expire after some period of non-use. For the occasional visitor to the US, that means their SIM expires and service is discontinued between visits -- meaning they have no phone service when they arrive (and must get a new sim and/or activation)

#2. In my experience, in the rest of the world "pre paid" also implied pay for use... rather than pay for contract. None of the plans seem to offer a true prepaid plan like thse in many other countries. I am sure there is one out there... i just have not found it (and most websites do not seem to reveal things like expiration dates)

My Vitetnamese sim works delighfully: put a few dollars in the phone card and it is good for years... no worry when I return there... but i see no US sim card that definitely works the same way

kratouna

Level 1

0 points

Jul 23, 2013 12:24 PM in response to whitelight308

It seems that T-mobile now offers a nano sim for iPhone 5 at about 70$/month with an open ended contract (i.e. no two-year commitment). I got this from a chat with the online help and could not find small print to say otherwise.

Can someone confirm this ?