What we think of Ting after 3 years (plus I'm giving away 3 smartphones!)
Mr. FG and I have been using Ting Wireless for nearly three years.
(Craziness! I can't believe it's been that long.)
That also means that it's been nearly three years since I bought my first smartphone (a refurbished iPhone 4s).
And it's been that long since I joined Instagram.
(Being able to get Instagram was actually what made me break down and buy a smartphone. I love me some Instagram.)
We have been super happy with our Ting service, and we haven't thought about switching to a contract provider once in three years.
How much is our current Ting bill?
We started out with an average bill of about $20 for both phones, but now we've got Joshua's phone added onto our bill (there's a $6/month base charge per phone) and Mr. FG and I have been using our cellular data a bit more than we did three years ago.
So, on a high month*, our bill for three phones has been about $50-$60, and our overall average monthly bill is $34.76.
*If Mr. FG is traveling, we always end up using more cellular data than usual.
Even $50 a month for three phones is super affordable in my book!
Ting's Usage Buckets
I really love that Ting separates usage into three categories so that you get billed for what you actually happened to use that month.
For instance, if you have a heavy data month but barely used any minutes, you will have a small minutes bill and a higher data bill.
Or if you used a lot of minutes but very few texts, your bill will reflect that.
Since the bill is calculated at the end of every month, it flexes with your usage, which means you're not stuck with a pre-chosen plan. Your bill changes to fit your unique needs every month.
So great.
Ting's new, lower data rates
Ting has just lowered their data rates!
This is pretty exciting news for us, because data is what we use most often.
(We kind of rarely talk on our phones. 😉 )
Here's a breakdown of the data rate changes:
101-500 MB went from $12 to $10
501-1GB went from $19 to $16
1GB - 2GB went from $29 to $20
and instead of charging 1.5 ¢ per MB after the 2GB mark Ting now only charges $10 per 1GB.
Hop over to their website and click on the "What Would You Save?" button to see what your bill would be with Ting.
(Just grab last month's wireless bill so you can type in your current text, minutes, and data usage for comparison.)
The average Ting bill is $23 per phone, with no contract required, so odds are SUPER good that you'd save money with Ting!
If you're stuck in a contract, Ting will pay you 25% of your early termination fee, up to $75. Sweet.
AND if you open a Ting account through any of the links on my blog, you'll get a $25 credit.
I'm giving away 3 Moto E phones!
Ting set aside 3 brand new Moto E phones for you guys. These will be ready to activate on the Ting network so you can start saving pronto.
The Moto E is a basic Android smartphone (currently on sale for $57 on Ting's site), which can take photos, browse the web, download apps, send texts, and so on.
Ting sent me one to try out, and while I still prefer my iPhone (even though mine is getting to be pretty old!), this would be a really great starter phone, especially for a teen. And you can't beat the price.
Three of you are gonna get one for free, though, which is really the best price of all. 😉
To enter, leave a comment with your best tip for minimizing your data/text/minutes use.
(Or if you don't have a tip, you can totally just tell me you want a free phone!)
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NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited. Odds of winning depend upon the number of entrants. Winner will be selected at random. Entrants limited to residents of United States. Links in this post are affiliate links. We are paying Ting customers, so all enthusiasm for the service is 100% authentic.
Only tip I can think of is to attach to wifi when pozaible to cut down on data! Thanks for a great giveaway!
They could write letter to friends instead of texting .
Use wifi n areas wifi is available instead of phone data .and instead of talking on phone talk at school or work.
I would really love that ting phone it would help me save 45$a month
I already use Ting and just received my monthly bill -- $37! I've been with Ting for almost four years and have saved over $3,360 from what I paid to Sprint.
I am more purposeful with my phone now (and that's my tip) to help lessen the bill as much as possible, and I also mess with the settings so apps don't update until I'm near wifi. Less buzzing noises and alerts mean a happier, more present mother!
And I'd still like to be in the running for a new phone. 🙂 My current phone on Ting is an iPhone 4 that is currently not holding a charge. Time for a replacement!
Tip is to use WIFI when you can, but I totally do just want a free phone!!! 🙂
We use ooma for our home phone. So when we are home, we just use it. Saves us quite a bit on talk minutes.
Same here. Any longish phone conversations happen at home on Ooma!
For me, it's fairly easy to plan to do most of my "intensive" online stuff at home for a limited period each day, so I can go easy on the non-wifi smart phone usage during the day. But it is great to have the phone for those critical things when they do periodically come up! Thanks for the giveaway, and for sharing about your experiences with Ting!
I recently switched to ting and I'm really liking it (I'm about 4 months in now). The customer service has been great, it's saving me a ton of money, and I was able to keep my same phone number, too!
I'm with Stacie on WiFi but I would add that using a tablet or laptop at home for all data needs and putting away the phone helps. Use FB messenger instead of text when you can.
I try to bring a book or magazine with me when I know I'll have downtime somewhere(pickup after school, doctor's appt, etc.) because I'm most likely to waste data when I'm sitting bored somewhere.
I have been wanting to start with Ting for some time now but knew I needed to get my ducks in a row on how I would manage my data usage. It's pretty out of control. Carpooling kids to school can do that to an unprepared person.
This month I have been taking work or books to carpool, like I should have all along. The next bill will be here in a few days and will give me a true representation of my future Ting bill. I'm looking forward to the switch because our cell phone bill is our last "we pay too much for this" bill to tackle. Yay!
Twice a week, my husband and I completely turn our phones off as soon as we get home. This saves us data and minutes, but also creates tons of time for memories to be made. This technological world has put a huge rip between people to people socialization 🙁
I guess I don't really have any tips - we've used a simple TrackFone for many years, with about 1000 minutes per YEAR and we never go over that. We just use our house phone for phone calls, and don't text with the other phone. I know, we're so far behind technology, but...we don't have expensive phone bills!
With that said, it would be awesome to have an extra cell phone! I'd love to win!
I'm still on a non-smart phone but it isn't keeping its charge. Upgrading to a smart phone would be pretty nifty!
The obvious one is to use wi-fi for data access whenever possible. To minimize your costs share your Ting service with others, even if they are not immediate family. When I used Virgin Mobile it was an individual account but for the past several months (thanks to Kristen's sharing of information on Ting) my daughter and I have shared a Ting account and I have a friend that I may add to the account soon.
I would love to win one of the phones, I'd share it with a friend.
I try to connect to free wifi to save. McDonalds . Donut shops . even Walmart all offer free wifi . THe library as well .
I don't have any tips that are new (use Wi-fi!), but use Ting for hubby's phone, ready to change mine, and would love a new phone for my new middle schooler. Thank you!
I got my first phone for Christmas last year...and using your advice we bought it a used iPhone from Ting and we use Ting for service. Knowing that I will pay for data if I use it when not at home/connected to our home's wireless keeps me from using data when I am out unless I really need to. I almost never make phone calls on it, but I do like to send text messages from time to time. I guess my best advice for keeping my bill low is just being aware of my usage and being intentional about how to use it especially when I am out of the house.
My best tip for minimizing usage is to just always have my phone in my bedroom when I am home. Its there if I need it, but not close by enough to mindlessly use.
Caitlin - I started doing this as well after reading The Hands Free Mama! I put my phone on the dresser when I get home and it set loud enough that I can hear if someone is calling. I also deleted Facebook completely (crazy. right?!) and have not looked back. I would rather build relationships with the people actually in my life....not my 900 "friends"
I have never had a facebook account!
I first heard about Ting through this blog. We have used it for approximately two years now, and have found it to be the best value for our family, as well. I try to download any coupons/discounts that I may want to use ahead of time, so that I do not have to utilize data if I am out and about in an area without wifi.
no tips, I just want a free phone.
Would love to win!
To save data, be purposeful and mindful when out and about. Tuck your phone away and be present when at the park, out with friends, etc. and save the mindless browsing and facebook checking when you are at home on your wi-fi. You will build relationships and save money.
Mine is the obvious one, but I turn data off on my phone. If there's no wifi and I need the internet, I can turn it on for a specific task, but this way I don't accidentally use data when I think I'm using free WiFi
We use Ting also, LOVE it!! Big savings! We only use wi-fi. 🙂
I want a new phone!!
My husband and I only have one cell phone, but we'd really love to get a second one now that school has started back and we're both out and about more! One tip for reducing data is to delete the facebook app and only check it at home... I did this on our cell and I noticed a tremendous drop in data usage. I use the FB messenger app to communicate with a couple of friends, and you can still have that on the phone if you delete facebook.
I prefer email over talking on the phone. It feels more convenient.
How is the coverage when Mr. FG travels? We have T-Mobile for 5 phones to keep costs down, but I have to say the network kind of stinks. It is fine when we are home in the Chicago area, but when we vacation, it is hit or miss. We expected bad coverage in the CO mountains and were surprised that it was awesome and didn't anticipate any issues in Sandusky OH and were in a big coverage whole. I miss my Verizon service (but not the bill!), so I'm wondering how it is with Ting.
Susan - I feel the same! We have excellent coverage with Verizon here in NE Ohio, but I'm worried about switching to Ting because so many people in my area have issues with Sprint towers.
Hey Savannah and Susan,
I work for Ting and just wanted to jump in and mention that we added a second network last year along side the Sprint network. If Sprint coverage isn't great in your area I'd check out our GSM network. Also, it's safe to say if people in your area get great coverage on the T-Mobile network then the Ting GSM network will work well for you. Hope that's helpful!
I think it goes without saying that connecting to Wifi is the easiest way to save data! Another way I've learned to save data is to not use the apps for certain websites such as Facebook (which I recently deleted altogether!) But using the Facebook app used up far more data than hopping on my Chrome browser and checking Facebook that way!
No tips here but I sure would like a free phone for my 15 year old. Thank you for the information.
We've been using Google Fi since last March, and it's been awesome! I did research Ting, and it wasn't right for us, but it's still leaps and bounds better than being trapped in a predatory contract with major providers! By switching, we're paying just a FOURTH of what we used to pay. I never thought it was possible to cut our bill down so much (I always thought it was a racket), but it's completely possible. There are some tradeoffs in quality in my opinion, though--our coverage isn't as good as it was--but the savings still make up for it.
We love Ting, too. I especially like the $6.00 charge to add a line. That way (since we don't have a home phone), my son can have a phone for emergencies, without it costing a lot. We use WIFI whenever possible and while I wouldn't say we are at the cheapest end with Ting, we definitely see a savings. I also love the buckets, so when there is a crazy month (for instance when mom got sick), I never have to worry about minutes usage, I just call when I need to and know my bill when be in a bigger bucket this month. I've had great luck with their customer service, too. Very helpful.
Leave phone in car at social events. Can't wait to switch once my contract is up!
I am still using a flip phone--kind of waiting for it to die before changing to a smart phone--but really like what I have read about Ting! I think I'm ready to make the jump now!
A free phone would be great!
The way I currently save on this is I don't use it at all. I have a flip phone and don't have texting. I'd like to get a smart phone though and Ting looks very affordable!
My tip is that when I look up directions when we're driving somewhere, I load the directions and then turn the cellular data off. The Maps app will still give you turn-by-turn directions to your destination (unless you get off track and then you have to turn the data back on to re-calculate the route.)
I didn't know this - thank you for the tip!!!!
Agreed - thank you!
Would love to upgrade to a smart phone! Ting sounds like the way to go.
Oh I would love to win a new phone!! I have myself and my 3 kids on ting and the savings is amazing. I would live to win the new phone in order to bring my husband over too! My biggest tip is to connect to wifi whenever possible...grocery shopping, at work, at school etc.
Use wi-fi as much as possible and keep a little book in your purse or bag so when you are waiting you can avoid mindlessly wasting both data and time.
Always connect to wi-fi when available:)!
We're looking at moving to smartphones after years of flip phones, so I'd love a free phone! Thanks.
I'd like a phone 🙂
Would love to try Ting and am finally out of contract with current carrier!
We connect to wifi whenever possible, and when I leave the house, I make sure to close out all my windows so it doesn't start running data as soon as I pull out of the driveway!
I'd like to try Ting. Coverage in Wyoming is dicey sometimes - especially if you are driving through the least populated areas.
I use WiFi whenever possible, and do most of my texting via Google Hangouts to cut down on charges.
Turn off data and use wifi. Send texts so I don't get stuck on phone ( I hate talking on the phone).
Never used Ting, but if I win we will sign up.
I don't have any tips except connecting to wifi, but I would love to win a free phone. I have an almost 16 year old, and I would love to have an extra phone to send with him when he ventures out on his own!
I'm still using my iPhone4. Glad to see I'm in such good company!
My only suggestion is to put the phone in airplane mode so the kiddos can't get on the Internet. I guess it's just a twist on using wifi...
I would love a phone for my husband! He currently uses a veeeery old Tracphone that has seen better days.
I tend to use my home computer and home phone for most of my needs so I don't have to run up a huge cell phone bill. That being said, I would still love a smart phone!
Two tips:
1. Turn off cellular data. Turn it on only when you need access to something and don't have access to WiFi, and turn it on only for that program.
2. Turn off locational data and leave it off. Broadcasting your location requires your phone to constantly reach out, use data to find where you are, then use more data to advertise where you are. (Also, it's creepy but that's a separate issue.)
We're very happy with Ting. I wish we'd made the switch years ago. We'd been paying something over $80/mo for our two dumb phones and our last Ting bill was $36.
I'd love a new phone! My current phone is old enough that it doesn't update anymore, which means I can't use all the apps I'd like to.
Since I mostly use text and only need the phone as a back up/emergency contact, i bought a used phone and switched to pre-paid monthly plan for $25 few years ago. I didn't have data on my phone and it was ok with me 🙂 Now that we moved to a new area and i use GPS and maps a little more, i added a data package for $5. My phone (iPhone 3! 🙂 is finally wearing out, so i am looking into a new phone and possibly new service. Ting sounds very promising, i am going to investigate their site a little more.
We share one Tracphone but are interested in getting a phone with a data plan if it is affordable. It sounds like we should look into Ting!
Connect to free WIFI wherever possible. Texting can save on many minutes. We actually will message each other on IG or FB when connected to WIFI to save on text/minute usage.
Thanks for your evaluation of Ting after 3 years. I'm still trying to talk my hubby into something other than pay-as-you-go TracFones! My daughter is desperately wanting a smartphone and I'd love for her to have one, especially since she's really into Instagram-ing her art pieces.
I limit data usage by using wifi as much as possible, as well as downloading any maps before a long trip so that I dont use excess data for GPS.
Oooh! I've been with Ting for a few years now and love it as well. I'd love a new phone because mine is getting slower, and slower, and slower.
I try to make sure that I've sent a complete thought with messages - it's easy to send snippets and forget that you pay per text.
im out of minutes on my phone would love a new phone from ting
I use a prepaid phone--my best tip is to use WIFI when possible! and I set up a Google Voice number for most of my texting and I even use it to call sometimes when I can connect to WIFI, to save my minutes. Obviously, don't watch videos over data if you want to save data 🙂 I would love a new phone----
My husband badly needs a new phone, and I'm loathe to get one through our current provider (AT&T). The one you're giving away looks like it would be great for us!
To minimize data usage, I always make sure I turn off all apps I'm not currently using (this also helps prolong the battery life, too).
I've been using Ting now for a couple of years and love it. My tip is I just keep the data turned off until I need it from the house or wifi.
My tip: Block data usage on your teen's phone so they don't accidentally use it to their heart's content when wifi is not available. (We learned the hard way)
My tip is a common one but use wifi whenever possible.
We switched to Ting after after your previous post. We love it! I save on data by writing down things to search in a notebook, and then look them up when wifi is available or I get home. I am using an old, second hand cell phone, that doesn't work with most apps. Well, I guess that saves data as well. I really need a new phone. Thank you.
Am interested in trying Ting. Would love to win a new smartphone!
I have no tips as I'm using a prepaid non-smart phone. I don't even know what you refer to when you say data usage.
My phone works well for my needs but occasionally I have smart phone envy.
Haha I am old school and have a flip-top phone for emergencies only (also a landline)! I'd really love to get on the bandwagon and set myself up with a smartphone, apps, etc. So I don't have any tips yet....
The best way to cut down on data use is to have a phone that's too old and crappy to access the data network 😉 Hahaha!
I LOVE Ting! We've had it for a few months and it's been great so far.
We all (myself & 2 teens) have Samsung Galaxy phones and we keep our data turned off. We have access to wifi at home, work, school and several public places. If we're out and about and do need to use it, we have to manually go to the settings to turn on our data and then we turn it off when we're done. It can be a bit of a hassle, but it prevents unwanted data usage. We have the 2GB a month plan and usually average 1.2 GB a month for all 3 of us. If either of the kids starts burning through the data, I turn their data off for the rest of the billing cycle :).
We are ready to move on from our two-year contract with our current service provider paying anywhere between 200-300 for four phones. 🙁
I would love to try out a new phone for free and a lower cost service plan!
I would love to win this phone!
Biggest tip I have: Set your phone to only use wifi----no data or roaming. This has been a huge benefit for me.
I would so love at least one of the 3 phones you are giving away. As a single mom of two teens---we desperately need a phone for the teens when they are over at friends, at after school activities, etc. Can't tell you how many times they have missed a school bus, practice times have changed at the last minute, etc. and the only form for them to contact me is by using the school's phone or their friends phone.
Having an phone for them would be a great stress reliever for me and our household's budget.
BTW: thank you for sharing the information about Ting---I am definitely going to look into their pricing compared to my current carrier. 🙂
Turn off data when not using. Win free phone!
My sister sent me your post because I'm just starting to shop for my first smart phone and service plan. My data and minute needs are small and ting sounds like it might be perfect. Yes, please - I would like a free phone! 🙂
I try not to turn on my phone when I'm not on wi-fi. Would love to try Ting.
I don't have a smart phone currently, so I'm going to guess from what I've been told...that using wifi whenever possible will be the key to saving when I get one! Friends of ours use Ting and are also very happy with their service...I think I'll have to check into it further!
We try to use WiFi as much as we possibly can when we are are out and about. A free phone would help greatly also.
This would be awesome to win. I feel like I'm the only one in the world that doesn't have a smart phone and without text abilities. I have 2 teens and this would make life much easier. We are a very busy family.
I would love a new phone! I minimize data usage for my family (2adults plus two teens) by checking data usage frequently. I can request a text from AT&T of data usage, and if anyone is using too much, they get their data shut off for the rest of the billing period.
Wi-fi when possible and texting via a free app (using wi-fi). Thanks for all of the information on Ting!
I seem to do better with unlimited texting which minimizes call minutes. I'm a home health nurse and Scottsdale where they send me all my patients and updates via text message anyways
Kim
I switched to Ting about a year ago because of your recommendation. I'm so happy I did, it has saved me a ton of money.
Great giveaway--I'd love to win!
I don't talk on my phone much but tend to use more data. I make sure I hook up to wifi at home and work, which is where I use the most data. (My cell doubles as a work phone.) whenever I'm out somewhere for a prolonged period of time, I always search for an open wifi signal (i.e. the DMV) so I can use wifi instead of data. I also opted out of the auto update features on apps like Dropbox so they aren't eating up my data in the background.
I need to read up more on Ting. I currently use AT&T but not under contract for just 1 line. I pay about $56/month for unlimited talk and text and some data plan that is ridiculously large for my actual usage. I do use a lot of minutes though, using a calling card. I thought I was using WIFI (it was certainly enabled) but did not realize I needed to turn off Cellular in order to just use WIFi so there you go!
My tip is to always stay away from phone contract services. Ting looks like a great service, and there are also a few others that offer pay-as-you-go and totally affordable pre-paid phone services. Why be locked in to unnecessarily high rates?
Free phone, please!! 😉 My husband is still a smartphone hold out, but we are wanting to switch him over sometime in the next few months. We will have to discuss if Ting is feasible. Thanks!
I do not have a smart phone, but have one that connects to the internet. I have that feature turned off unless I am using it
I check for wireless internet at places I frequent...and then I join. The next time I am at that place, my phone is set to automatically switch to wireless internet and that saves a lot of data. And, I'd LOVE a free phone!
I don't have a data plan, so I just use apps on my smartphone when I am connected to wifi. 🙂
Use wifi whenever possible! And with a teen now looking for a phone, a free phone would be awesome!!
I want a new phone.
Hello! I have never posted a comment before and it took me a long ti
E to even figure out how to do it!! Anyway, I have been homeschooling my three children since kindergarten but my two oldest wanted to go to high school and so we decided to let the two boys go to the local public school as freshman and sophomores! Scary but good...we need phones for them because it's nearly impossible to stay in touch with them with the different activities and sports and all of the stuff that goes along with school that didn't happen when we were all together all of the time or win other homeschooling parents hat we could keep in touch with if the kids were doing school related activities. I've been looking at Ting since I first saw your post I think it was last year but my phone doesn't work with them yet so I have to wait. I guess I'm trying to say that I would love and appreciate a free phone!! Thank you
i love your frugal tips. mine is to use wi-fi when possible but be careful when you are not at home. . i'd love a new phone.
First, I love your blog even though I've never commented before, not on anyone's blog. Usually, I stop whatever I'm doing when I see one of your posts in my mailbox, because it's usually a quick read, helpful & entertaining, with great pictures. And I really really really want a free phone, since my smartphone recently went kaput & I'm now working with a very basic 'dumb phone' until I can swing getting something better. Besides using wifi whenever possible & turning off phone data at home, my tip is to use a free texting app to send texts without getting billed. I use TextNow & Text Free.
Aww, that's a great compliment!
I love ting! Definitely down for winning a phone 🙂
I have most apps set to only do their data usage when I'm on wifi
Use WiFi and keep data turned off unless necessary.
I put my children on the family plan with limited calls/data and text . They can use wifi for free no data charge
I would love a new phone. I am now out from under a contract with AT & T. So now I will switch to Ting. If I could win this phone, I will use it for a Ting Account.
Thanks for offering us the chance to win a phone. 🙂 everyone have a wonderful frugal week.
No smartphones in this home, yet. So a "starter" would be terrific for this 57 year old.
We currently have tmobile and use our phones for everything - no home internet or anything. But there's a new internet provider by us that's actually really affordable (no cheap this month but expensive next gimics to get us signed up and no contracts) so we've switched to them and plan to switch cell phones to ting. As long as we keep as much data on our new home internet as possible, it should be cheaper to have ting+home internet than to just have tmobile. We keep putting off the switch because our tmobile phones are pretty out of date and not in good shape any more. So getting newer phones adds another variable. Winning one from you would certainly help that!
I don't really have a tip since I have yet to join the smartphone bandwagon. We have held out this long because of the expense and we even share a plan with my parents, but with Ting or a similar company I think we could have smart phones for the same price since we don't use them a lot. A free phone would definitely make the switch even easier!
I don't need the data available all the time. If and when I do need it (seldom), I take the time to turn it on for just that period that it's in use. We'll be retiring within the next couple of years, and the phone is someplace that needs to be cut back on - the costs are astronomical. So...as soon as the contract runs out, there'll be a big switch.
Thank you for the chance to win!
To minimize data, use wireless whenever you can, of course, and we both have an app on our phone that gives us a very quick idea of where we are at for minutes and data usage. We've never gone over our plan!
I have no tips to give. I am still using a TracPhone but would love to give this a try!
I don't have any great tips, but Ting sounds perfect for my preteen and she would be thrilled if I won her a phone!
Would love to try this type of service BEFORE giving up Verizon, so a free phone would be amazing.
My tip, is to set your phone to automatically connect to the wifi zones you frequent regularly. Our current phones automatically connect to wifi at home and work!
Still use a old basic phone would love to win a upgraded phone ! My tip is to turn phone off when at home. Family is more important than any phone.
I NEED tips and I would love a new phone!
I would love a new phone and would love to try Ting. I have had the same phone since 2011 so need something new.
Adding a free phone our account sounds nice! We've been enjoying the savings with our Ting account (two phones), which *of course*, we learned about through your blog. Not being original here, but turning off mobile data is my best advice.
Thanks for your blog; it's one of my few daily reads.
I too use my laptop or notebook as much as possible to save on data use.
Great article on Ting! Thank you!
We switched to Ting about a year ago- thanks to your recommendation :). We're saving about a hundred dollars a month compared to our former plan! We actually just purchased this Moto E for our son, and now we're in the market for one for our daughter.
Whoa. $100 a month in savings is super fantastic.
Ha ha--my only tip is to use Ting! You converted us about a year ago--no regrets in switching here, either! I would love a free phone!
I love Ting! Switched from Verizon about 5 months ago. Was paying $135 per month for two phones (for my 16 yr old daughter and myself) on Verizon. I was nervous about making the leap due to reliable coverage of Verizon. But I just couldn't stomacho justify paying $180 a month for cell phone service-yikes-I don't know who people do it! Now, for the three of us, we avg about $65 per month. Keep in mind lots of data use potential with the kids. We've only gone over 2 GB once between the three of us-and that involved a long road trip. Even then, my bill was still under $70. And we really haven't had any issues with coverage or service! Wish I had made the switch sooner! I'll say it again, I love Ting!
I love Ting! Switched from Verizon about 5 months ago. Was paying $135 per month for two phones (for my 16 yr old daughter and myself) on Verizon. I was nervous about making the leap due to reliable coverage of Verizon. But I just couldn't stomacho justify paying $180 a month for cell phone service-yikes-I don't know who people do it! Now, for the three of us, we avg about $65 per month. Keep in mind lots of data use potential with the kids. We've only gone over 2 GB once between the three of us-and that involved a long road trip. Even then, my bill was still under $70. And we really haven't had any issues with coverage or service! Wish I had made the switch sooner! I'll say it again, I love Ting!
I should clarify, it was time to add my younger daughter to the mix for cell phone coverage, hence, the reason my Verizon bill would increase and I decided to make the switch to Ting. Sorry for all the typos!
Can I ask what state you are in? We live in MA and have VERIZON. I use my cell for a lot of work calls and worry about the coverage on any other network.
My wife wants me to do this because she really needs a nap. We switched to Ting about 3 years ago and have noticed a big difference. It is so wonderful to not pay just to have a smartphone, whether you use mobile data or not. There have been times we have traveled and needed it. Occasionally, my job has me in a position to need data. Last year after some strong storms, we were without electricity for 5 days and mobile data kept us updated on things going. Usually, we use very little and keep it turned off. Even with the small children that will need calming with the phone, once in awhile, we don't use nearly what we were paying for with Verizon, and Ting doesn't charge us for what we don't use.
Another great difference is that we don't pay for roaming voice, like Verizon. Roaming data is billed but only what you use.
My wife's phone is about to die. We had it repaired once after it got very wet but they told us that they couldn't guarantee that other parts that were working at the time of repair wouldn't fail later. We think that the time has come.
Thanks for all the great ideas you give my wife to help our family.
You are so welcome!
We have trained ourselves to ask "Could this wait until we get home?" before using data on the phone. Really, how often do you have to use your phone for that? We also shut off our phones when we get home in the evening, both to save money and for our sanity.
Wi-Fi is definitely the easiest way to save on data. Also, if there are certain people you text a lot, try to use a free service like FB messenger while connected to wi-fi to chat with them for free.
I've been using TracFone, but starting to have problems with their network. I think Ting would be perfect for me even though I'm sure it will cost a little more. A free smartphone to get started would definitely make the switch easier. 🙂
I am currently in my first month with Ting. This is my first smartphone (Android) so I can't really compare it to other plans. I had Tracfone for years for talk and text. While my phone is new, if I won a phone, I would let my son have his first phone. 🙂
I learned quickly to turn OFF my app's background data use. I didn't understand that many apps constantly update data, whether I am on the web or not--I have my phone set to only update over wifi. Speaking of which ... I don't have a lot of need to use data, so I try to use it only where I can get wifi.
I'm still a newbie, so I will be reading the comments in detail for ideas!
Ting sounds fantastic, I would love to try it out, and a free phone would be wonderful for sure!
"Not having a smart phone" is probably not a legit tip for saving on data charges 🙂 My old phone is dying though, and I don't think I can avoid replacing it with a smart phone, so this would be great. I was just telling my husband what you've said about Ting last night.
Would love this phone to give to my teenage daughter. She's never had a phone, but she's earned one at this point. Ting sounds great. Thanks.
I need to get out of my sprint contract!
I would love to try this new service
We've used prepaid cell service for years. Before unlimited plans were the norm, we liked that it made us mindful of how much time we were spending on the phone, because once the minutes/texts were done, we were done for the month. Many plans allowed for additional funds to be added to extend usage, we just typically didn't because we were working to follow our budget.
It helps kids (and their parents 😉 ) be mindful of time/data spent on the phone, as well. Depending on the plan, once data limit is hit, it either slows to a practical halt, or shuts off.
An unplanned benefit we have found is that there is an E911 fee that is $1-2 and sales tax on our monthly plans' costs, and no additional surcharges like we paid with contract cellular services.
I've been curious to try ting for our middle schooler as I thought I saw on the website you could set limits and it would be less per month than we currently pay per phone, but haven't looked further into the limit option. I have philosophical issues with a school/teachers requiring such young students to have a device, as some have.
We are Tracfone fans here. This year we've traveled from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean (this was our road trip year!) and the only place we didn't have coverage is a corner of south-west Kentucky (unfortunately, that's where my in-laws live, so no coverage there is rather inconvenient). Affordable + great coverage = win, win.
The real reason I'm commenting, though is because I'd love to win another smartphone for our teenage daughter. She's been proving herself trustworthy with the older phone (able to text, take pictures, connect to the internet, but otherwise not flashy) so I'm comfortable moving her up to something slightly nicer.
I use wireless connections whenever possible and turn off most alerts.
Sadly all I currently have is a non-working Verizon landline (boo!) Never heard of Ting. Wonder if it works in my area. Sounds super affordable. Would love to win.
Would love to win this phone. I try to minimize data usage by connecting to wifi when it's available.
Like others who commented above we made the move to Ting after reading about it here. We live in rural north Louisiana so sometimes data service can be spotty but I have always been able to make a call, Ting will switch to a Verizon network for calls when a Sprint one is not reliable. So streaming no, but making a call or receiving one in an emergency..yes. Our bill dropped by over half, we no longer have a home phone and friends and family have made the switch also. As regards to saving $$ on service. The above advice of using wifi when possible, turning off location service data and the like helps, but also using that Ting dashboard like a boss has been the best. We can look at whom is using the most of what, for me it's text for my husband it's data and both of us can be more mindful. We can turn off our children's phones at certain times and for our youngest whom share a flip phone ( remember no home phone) they cannot access the internet. There has even been times when I've been in cities like Dallas and had better coverage than some of those whom "rent" phones. So yeah, I kinda crush on Ting!!!
Using Ting and using wifi have made the biggest impact in lowering our cell phone costs.
I just try to find wifi everywhere I go.
I don't have any tips but I would love a free phone! Mine doesn't ring anymore and I need a new one anyway so this would be great!
If I'm low on data (which doesn't happen since I'm on an entirely differently structured plan), I download podcasts and stuff ahead of time (on wifi) to play so that I'm not tempted to play Pandora on 4G.
I use facebook messenger a lot instead of texting. It's free!
My tip would be, Wi-Fi When possible. I really need a newphone. My phone shuts off whenever I1m in the middle of things.
We live in a country holler so we have a land line with one company, long distance with another & cell phone service with Sprint (that doesn't reach to our house). Our attempt to save money has been to keep the same plan for over 10 years & use flip phones with no text/data. I've never heard of Ting, so this information is exciting to me! Note: how is the range for Ting, lots of dead areas?? Thanks so much!
I've never heard of Ting but will look into it and compare it to t-mobile. I have a beginner droid with a keyboard that pops out. Some call it a flip but I can look at the web and play videos, although limited. I've been using this phone for 7 years or more and the one /i have now was my late Mom's phone. 🙂
My best tip has been repeated several times. We use Wi-Fi whenever possible, and we don't even buy data for our smart phones.
Use WiFi!
I also connect to wifi whenever possible. I'd love a new phone, because I keep running out of storage on this one due to all the money saving podcasts I listen to, ha.
My only tip is to just...not watch videos if you're not on wifi. Kind of obvious.
My best tip and what works for me is to not use my phone so much. I check it mostly on wifi and don't tether myself to my phone like so many people do.
I try to do my emailing sndvweb searches from a laptop or tablet to mimize,the data usage.
I would give a free phone to my mom. She is still in the Dark Ages.
Been with Ting for over a year now. Average monthly bill is $17.00 (I don't use it a lot). Best I have would be to program the phone numbers you enter in to the phone to display a name when a call comes in. If the phone rings, and it says "Anonymous" or doesn't list one of the names that you have programmed in to the phone, then don't answer it. Less time on the phone = smaller phone bill with Ting. If it's an important phone call, then whoever it is will leave a message. I find that most of the time, the calls that I don't answer don't have a voicemail left.
Not interested in the smart phone, I like my flip phone.
I'd love a new phone!
Would love a free phone! 🙂 Betty Lynn
I've been thinking about switching to ting. We need some new phones and i remembered your previous articles about them. I will definitely go check it out. Thanks for the perfect timing!
simple but just turning on your wifi when possible keeping a good battery in the phone to be able to do that
I want a free phone!
Using wifi as much as possible is my best data usage savings technique. Yay for the chance to win a free phone!
My tip: stay off the phone and live your life! Except when there is wifi, lol
Not sure if this tip has been mentioned, but if you turn on location and use Google maps to map a route to a destination (I.e. a pick up site for a frugal Craigslist purchase) - map the route and hit the Navigate button *before* you leave Wi-Fi and it will give you your step by step guidance without using data for mapping during the route.
Would love a free phone my husband is still on a dumb phone because we have 3 kids in college. We do use a lot of text/data, but text is our primary way of staying in touch with college kids. So new phone would mean an upgrade for my husband!
We have had TING for a couple years and love it! To reduce the amount of text message charges, my husband and I send messages through Google hangouts to each other and our friends/family. We both set up Google voice numbers (free) and my husband set up Google VoIP on our phones. So when we are on wifi, we make free calls using our Google voice numbers and don't use any Ting minutes. We use wifi wherever we can to save on data as well.
Would love to upgrade to a smartphone!
My husband and I minimize our minutes by reducing how much we call each other. Instead we try to text. Also we are very mindful of using Wi-fi instead of the mobile data when possible. I find this helps me to be more present and not on my cell phone a lot when I am out. We've been with Ting for about 2.5 years thanks in part to your glowing review of Ting and their customer service. We haven't looked back since. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.
I've been with Ting for about a year. I confess, I hardly use my phone at all (except for the camera) - I think I've made 2 phone calls and that's about it. But CatMan and I LOVE having a tracker app so we can find each other on the bike path etc.
Anyhow, my only complaint with Ting is that if somebody sends me a spam text (which happens frequently) it automatically charges me the $3 for the "small" level of usage. This happens whether I open the text or not. I contacted customer support and they said that's just how it works, you get charged for a text whether you open it or not.
Maybe I shouldn't get all worked up about it, it's only $3/month after all, but it bothers me. So far the only way I've found to avoid getting charged is to shut off text messaging for the account. But that's not a great option either, because I would like to be able to use that service occasionally.
Anyhow, I'm probably the only person on the planet who would complain about it, but that's my only issue with Ting.
I would just love a free phone! Mine is old and falling apart, just haven't stepped up and dealt with it yet!
I had republic wireless for awhile but Ting looks just as good if not better.
Connect to wi-fi. 🙂
We need a new phone for my husband! TING looks like a good option for our family!
We switched to Ting about a year and a half ago. I would never go back to another provider. If it wasn't for your review, we would have never known about it. We end up saving $40-50 a month compared to our old Sprint bill and that's with my husband using his phone ALL day long for work. I am so pleased with the savings! Hope we win one of the phones. 🙂
with 2 teens in the house I would love to try Ting! And a free phone would be a great way to try it! Thanks!
No tips here; I just totally want a free phone and would love to try out Ting. Thanks!
Shut off app settings for things like push notifications and running in the background. Even if you're not intentionally using data, apps will still run in the background, running up your data bill.
The only tip I have has been said quite a few times. Try to only use the data when connected to wifi.
We're trying to pay off debt & would love to drop our phone bill significantly! This seems like a great way to do that but we're not sure if the coverage will be good enough in our area. The map shows spotty coverage. Would love to try though!
Connect to the wifi 🙂
Yes please!!! Keep your bills lower by using as much free Wi-Fi as possible.
Printing out recipes instead of using my phone!
I'm paying $50 per month with straight talk and barely use any data. Free phone would be great but checking this out either way.
Help, my kids threatening not to be seen with me, since I still use an old flip phone "for an old lady," help me step up with the times. I need a new phone. PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We've been using Ting for awhile now on your recommendation and have really liked the service. My only tip is to bring a book with you when you go out so you aren't tempted to use data unless it's really needed. Boredom seems to drive up data usage.
I don't have any tips but I would love a free phone ( :
We switched to Ting 6 months ago after learning of it from your blog. THANK YOU so much! We've saved a boat load of $$$. We would love to have a new phone...I would gladly give up my old flip phone. It's very easy to keep track of charges with Ting online. We can check it every day if we want, and make adjustments as needed. Also, as many others have suggested, log on to wi-fi instead of using data.
Hmm...for us, it's having our service through Tmobile Family. I checked Ting, and we'd actually pay more there v. our unlimited plan with Family Mobile. However, we are looking into Ting for our son's phone. This would be a great starter for him 🙂
My "tip" would be the same as yours: use Ting! We switched after I read about it on your blog - thanks! We are saving a ton compared to what we were paying before.
I'm all set with a phone, but just curious: you said that you don't talk on your cell phones much; how do your home and cell phones average out? We ditched our land line and just use our cells to talk. We get unlimited talk and text and a GB for $85 per month, which I think isn't bad, since use them to talk and text to distant family and friends al the time. We don't need much data because we have wifi at home, but we're thinking of switching to a hotspot and increasing our data plan. Do you find that all of the separate services are cheaper for you?
My phone has been acting up lately and we are going to replace it would be great to win one instead. I would like to convince my husband to switch to Ting. We would save so much. Thanks for the give away!!
Would love to win the phone.
We, sadly can't get Ting coverage where I live.
Would love to have a free phone! No doubt someone in my family can use it. With your informational post on Ting, we are seriously considering moving to them from Verizon when our contract is up in Feb. With a Samsung phone, you can change out the battery(only $10-$20) yourself, and increase the life of your phone. The iphones are harder but doable with a Utube video.
I would like to try this phone and Ting. Thank you for this great blog! I really enjoy it.
I would love a new phone and have the ability to try Ting! I love your blog!
My husband desperately needs a new phone...and we would like to try ting!
I'd like to enter the giveaway, please :).
I don't have any tips, but I do have some more praise for Ting. My husband and I switched using one of your links about a year ago and we're very happy that we did. We've had no issues with the switch and our bill was cut in half.
All great tips! I'd love to win a free phone!
I try to use Wi Fi whenever possible. And sometimes, I actually resist the urge to use my phone! I am ready to make the switch to Ting!
I don't have any great tips, but I would really love a phone! Thanks for the chance to win!
I currently have a flip phone that totally saves you money.
I try to use less data by using wi-fi whenever I can. I would love to make the switch to Ting!
I still use a flip phone, but have been travelling a lot the last few months and see how useful it would be to have a smart phone. Have been thinking of switching to Ting since reading your original blog post.
I don't have any tips....but I do love your blog and a free phone would be cool...ha! I'm seriously going to look into switching to Ting - I spend $200/month for 2 phones and an Ipad with Verizon...ouch.
I would love to win a free phone!!!
I would love to win this as a starter phone for my son! Use wi-fi whenever possible to save!
I would love a new phone to try out Ting.
I would love a free phone!
My best tip is to use Wifi when available instead of your own data.
I rarely use my phone at all. A few calls and texts per day and my bill is less than $30.00. I know with Ting, my bill could be a lot cheaper.
I was just thinking of ways to reduce our cell bill and wondering if we should eventually switch to a smart phone. This would be so perfect!
I need a free phone because I don't have a smart phone. I have an 8 year old pay as you go flip phone. I am unemployed but make jewelry boxes and other custom wood products I want to sell, but I don't have a camera phone, or access to most of social media. So I can't really sell them to make any money. I do have a desktop computer but no tablets or other gizmos. So I really need a new phone.
Thanks,
Barbara
I save by using wifi wherever it is available
I could really use a new phone. *crossing fingers* pick me!
I'm late to the party, but I thought of a few things. I've used ting for about two years now. I use it with an iphone 4s and my daughter uses her aunt's old original iphone - which actually works better than my 4s!
I like how someone said it made you more mindful of the time spent and purpose of using your phone. I personally have a love/hate relationship with these gadgets. I seriously can't stand to look around and see everyone staring at a phone, or even worse, driving while staring at their phone. Yes, I'm thinking of the teen driving on the interstate that nearly hit me while on facebook.
I like how you can turn on/off options. I turn off data. So I only use the internet, email, send photos, use internet-dependent apps when on wifi. You quickly learn where you will have wifi (Target - yes, Kroger - no - so load coupons before going!). You look at/pull up a map before you go to a new place and jot down directions. This gives you the chance to also be sure your going to the right place rather than just following left/right directions as you go along. I also read ebooks through my regional library via internet browser. I've found that if I open it and let it load for a moment before I leave the house, I am able to pull it up and read it when I know I'm going to want some reading material later without access to wifi.
My only complaint - voicemail. Formerly, when I used Sprint - I would get immediate notifications of a VM. But with Ting, Apple products (to my understanding) will not do this. If anyone knows a way to make this work - do tell! Also apple products seem to always want to send/receive texts as iMessages (that require wifi); you can turn iMessage off in your phone's settings.
The bill for the two of us is usually $27. My husband is still on a fancy pants Sprint plan, I have yet to convince him. I think he confuses the issues my 'aging' iphone 4s is developing at Ting's. I'm doubtful that when I do replace my phone that I'd go with another Apple while using Ting.
KRISTEN, WOULD YOU PLEASE CONSIDER ME FOR THE TING FREE PHONE OFFER?
I HAVE BEEN WITHOUT A CELL FOR ALMOST 3 WEEKS FOR A COUPLE OF REASONS. NEW PHONE IS A TRUE EXPENSE YET HARD TO LIVE WITHOUT THESE DAYS. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR EFFORTS TO SAVE US MONEY!!!