considering cutting off the cell phone...

**ladykemma2** · 02-13-2011, 06:13 AM

i never use it. i have a phone in my classroom and a phone in my home through the ATT Uverse. thorugh the Uverse system i can listen to my voice mail/ messages anywhere at any computer.

the only thing that stops me is i drive a beater car at 5 am to get to work.

thoughts?

i lived quite well up to the age of 42 without one.

**Maine Girl** · 02-13-2011, 09:46 AM

Well I also have a cell phone i hardly ever use but i like knowing that if something happened i have my phone to call for help.

What about a trac phone?

**MaryCarney** · 02-13-2011, 10:15 AM

For $100, you can get a TracFone with a year's worth of service, 900 minutes AND the phone. I LOVE mine, and it also can text - and the texts only cost a few cents each.

**jas** · 02-13-2011, 12:22 PM

I would do what the others have said get a TracFone or some kind of prepaid phone is you don't use one much. Just for the fact that you could make a call if you broke down or some other emergency when you are away from home or your classroom.

**TigerGirl1226** · 02-13-2011, 12:29 PM

In your case, I'd definitely go with a Tracphone or some other type of pre-paid. Just in case of emergencies.

**bluebuff** · 02-13-2011, 12:32 PM

Perhaps you should keep your phone and move to a prepaid connection. Atleast you can use the phone in emergency.

**larabelle** · 02-13-2011, 02:36 PM

Originally Posted by TigerGirl1226

In your case, I'd definitely go with a Tracphone or some other type of pre-paid. Just in case of emergencies.

I agree especially since you drive to work at 5am

**mndtrp** · 02-13-2011, 05:30 PM

I haven't had a cell phone in about 5 years, and can only think of a handful of times when I wished I had one. In fact, my mom gave me a cell phone for a year, thinking I could get some use out of it. Instead, it sat at home for that year, getting used twice.

**shoiji** · 02-17-2011, 07:03 PM

I would say find an inexpensive prepaid phone. I rarely use mine however am starting to use it more since I am not at home as much. Have the tracphone. I purchased the type of phone that automatically gives you double minutes every time you add minutes to the phone. May end up cheaper than paying the $100 a year. Anyway, the main reason I have it is because I never know when an emergency might happen. Payphones are hard to come by in this area. I would hate to think of me trying to find a phone in an emergency. You could not use it for years but just one time using it in an emergency would make it worth it. As a female I feel more secure knowing I have the cellphone with me.

Also, since I do not use it often there are times I use it to call long distance since I have more than enough minutes. Feels good not to have to use the landline and be charged for a call when the cell phone already has minutes waiting for me to use.

My landline is a stripped down bare to the bone service.

**serenity72** · 02-21-2011, 01:51 PM

I would suggest a prepaid too. depending on your income too you can get ones through the government too that have a certain amount of minutes per month for free.

**MTS04** · 02-21-2011, 04:31 PM

hmm. If safety is your concern, know this: Any cell phone that can power up can dial 911. it does not need to have a service, a plan or minutes. It's an FCC rule.

So, if you break down in the middle of nowhere at 5 a.m. You can dial 911 from your cell phone, report your breakdown and have a police officer to your location as soon as one is available.

If you'd rather call for a tow, then get a prepaid type phone with very few minutes.

Hope this helps.

**Ramona** · 02-21-2011, 06:07 PM

I'd change my cell phone as suggested but never go without one.
I only use mine for emergencies, flat tire on the highway, dead battery 25 miles from home. An aside; did you know AAA has their own battery delivery truck? The technician will roll up, install and take away the old battery and see you on your way.

**ladykemma2** · 02-27-2011, 08:46 PM

update: i went to walmart, acted helpless (i am a neophyte with technology) and a teenager and a salesperson helped me. i got a $20 phone, 800 minutes and a years service. i ended up spending 158 bucks. i was pleased to learn i can use my same phone number. it will take 48 hours for the number to transfer.

it was nervewracking and i am wound up and my stomach hurts. but no more than getting my ATT bill this morning and looking at 60+ dollars a month = 720 a year.

activating it was a pain.