cheap and light cell phone for Sprint

2 points:

1. You might want to change your mind and get an older android phone that can do basic wi-fi browsing, as well as be a telephone. Although it probably won't be needed often, it's a nice feature to have under some conditions (travel, thru-hike, etc.).

2. If you still want a "basic" phone, you can google "used sprint phone", and you should be able to find a wealth of inexpensive choices. You'll probably have to look up the specs for each phone to find out the weight, but you'll be able to buy an older model that no one wants for VERY little $$$$.

Thanks Valerie but I really don't have any interest in a smart/android phone. I did the search you suggested and got smart phones only in the $50 range… I'm looking to spend $10 or less for an older phone that is lightweight. I hear you on checking specs but hoping someone here has a suggestion that would save me the time. Does anyone have any specific suggestions?

Is there a reason you want a sprint network specific phone?

I'd recommend a prepaid, no-contract phone, aka burner. There are a lot of burners you can buy at a box store for $20 will get you a phone and an hour of talk time. Keep it on the pay as you use option, you'll pay more for the time you use but you will only pay for what you use.

ChitChat and RingPlus work under Sprint's coverage as far as I understand. I may be wrong on this. The most basic plan for ChitChat for example is $10 a month for unlimited texts and 250 minutes of talk time. I will look into the option you mentioned though because I might not even need the 250 minutes per month. I've gotten by for almost a year now without a cell phone (I use gmail to make calls from my computer at home when I need to) since returning from living abroad. Thank you Matt.

As a "minimalist user" I've found a TracFone works for me at about $7 per month, and I've been accruing minutes from the start. I use it while traveling and to stay in touch with home while out and about. If there is cell service, I always get a connection.

For ~ $150 at WalMart I bought a phone LG440G + 1 year + 250 minutes + "double minutes". When that first year expired, I added a year and ~ 200 minutes for $60. When you add the minimum about of minutes it costs $10, and then at your cart asks if you want to add a year and a pile of minutes for $50 – so $60 for the year.

Not saying that TracFone is the way to go, just that it works for me.

Shop around, look at the "maintenance costs", not just start-up costs.

I know you said you don't want a smart phone, but if you got a smart phone or other WiFi enabled device, you could only use it when WiFi is accessible in town stops and make phone calls or vid calls through Gmail without having to spend any money on a monthly plan at all.

Plus the added bonus of being able to use it as an internet browser.

The only downside is I'm not sure if most smart phones can be used WiFi only without having a data plan through a service provider. A tablet of some sort would easily correct this problem, albeit at a large weight penalty compared to a phone.

But still; not having a monthly service plan of any sort for <$50 initial cost and free internet access, i think is totally worth it no matter how anti-tech you are at the moment.

I got to know about Ting phone service from a pct thru hiker….he said it worked in all towns but one, sierra city. Ive had it for a month now, and my first bill with my first ever smartphone(galaxy s2) was $25 (I owed nothing after the credit was applied). It works on the sprint network, and charges you after, at the end of your month… on a tier program… pay for what you use…I turned off mobile data and use just a bit of texting and talking…(use wifi at home and work)
I think it will work great for me on the PCT…seems to be a stand up company too! I got a $25 credit for telling them who referred me, and Ian (the referrer) got a credit too!
Sandy

"I will also use this phone to make occasional calls when I'm out hiking (ie. in small towns while I resupply or to arrange pickups etc.)."

William, if there is the remote chance you need this in small towns and/or emergency purposes, there is no reason to try to save a dollar here or there with less robust networks.

PagePlus cellular uses Verizon's network, which offers the best coverage over a larger swath of the U.S., including small towns.

You can get the LG 220 dumbphone for $20 and there are several options for budget talk/text usage.

Here's the phone: https://www.pagepluscellular.com/phones/lg-220/

Here are several plans: https://www.pagepluscellular.com/plans/

Ripped from Wikki –

TracFone Wireless operates as a Mobile Virtual Network Operator “MVNO” holding multiple agreements with the United State’s largest wireless operators to provide service utilizing their wireless networks, these include Verizon Wireless, AT&T Mobility, Sprint Corporation, T-Mobile US, and U.S. Cellular.

So, with a TracFone, you get coverage from many carriers, not just a single network.

“Straight Talk and Net10 also have smartphones that run on the Sprint, Verizon and AT&T networks. Each phone has a home network that’s either AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint or Verizon. TracFone, Straight Talk and NET10 phones will favor their home network and refuse to roam in an area where the home network claims to have coverage. So if you have a phone whose home network is T-Mobile and you are in an area where T-Mobile has spotty coverage, the phone will refuse to roam on AT&T even if AT&T has a better signal. The Sprint based phones don’t roam at all.“

For additional information Read Here

And here for TracFone CDMA versus GSM info.

And here for a CDMA versus GSM overview.

Again, I’m not pushing TracFone. I use it, like it, but where you are and what you do should determine who you go with. This information will cross over though.

"So, with a TracFone, you get coverage from many carriers, not just a single network."

Yes, but most of those providers utilize Verizon cell towers because they themselves have limited infrastructure. And Verizon prioritizes it's own network over servicing other networks. Also, most 'other' providers don't bother buying coverage for areas with limited population, such as small mountain communities.

I'm not saying a TracFone or other disposable phone won't have coverage where you are wanting to use it, but don't be surprised if you have to find a payphone in more than a couple of towns.

Personally, in Colorado and Wyoming where I live and play, I won't count on any other network besides Verizon when I'm in the mountains. Where you live may of course be completely different.

If the cards are in your favor you can force a TracFone to "home" on the network of your choice, provide it has a presence in your area.

Mine is "homed" to AT&T. Verizon has a presence here. I could order a phone online, give it a "verizon preferred" zip code (to force the connection preference and technology) and have Verizon as my primary carrier, roaming to everyone else if I can't find Verizon.

This is a good solution when the carrier TracFone prefers in your primary area is crappy, while another carrier, like Verizon, performs well.

"I use gmail to make calls from my computer at home when I need to"

With an Android smartphone or tablet device, Gmail can be teamed up with the GrooVe IP app and make calls over WiFi from any fastfood/coffee joint that has free WiFi, just like on your home computer. I did this at work for a couple years, utilizing their WiFi and my non-phone android device for free phone and texting while at work. There are other smartphone apps that work this way too. Not the greatest clarity to talk over, but excellent for texting.

I know you really seem set against a smartphone of any kind, but there is a connection between what you're already doing and the mobile version. Just food for thought.