Cell phone for emergencies

D

dizos

Joined
Nov 22, 2002
Messages
385
I hate cell phones. I used to carry one for work, but the damn thing rang all the time. However, there is no denying their usefullness for emergency situations. Does anyone know of a way to get a cell phone for which you don't have a monthly fee and only pay for time you use? It would be no problem if the use rates were high because I would only use it in emergencies.

I would also like to hear make/model recommendations for a cell phone with the right weight/range/durability combination.

Thanks

Dizos
 
Don't know which company has the calling plan you are looking for.

But IIRC *ALL* cell phones will dial-through to the 9-1-1 emergency number even if there is not a plan carried for that particular phone. So any cell phone will work for your "emergency only" scenario, assuming that 9-1-1 is the only number you want to call.
 
During a major ice storm here in Maine we lost power for a week. Cell phones were useless due to the fact that the towers require electricity. You're better off with a hand held ham set.
 
RokJok

Thanks for the ham radio tip. I know nothing about them, but am looking forward to reading up. The VX-5R sounds pretty sweet for only a couple hundred dollars. Please let me know if you have any recommended links to more information on ham.

-- Dizos
 
Ham radio is great. If you get into the two meter band, you can make a phone call through the two meter repeaters using the auto patch. Hams have been doing this way long before the cell phones came into existance. The holdup for many people is ham radio requires an FCC license. The higher the license the more privliges you have on the airways. Licenses require passing tests on rules, electric theory, and operating standards along with learning Morse code. Do a search for "ham radio" on the internet for lots of information. The American Radio Relay League "ARRL" web site has tons of information about getting started. There are local clubs all over the country.

I have had a license for about 15 years. KB5UAZ
 
Originally posted by dizos
Does anyone know of a way to get a cell phone for which you don't have a monthly fee and only pay for time you use? It would be no problem if the use rates were high because I would only use it in emergencies.
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Have you checked out getting a prepaid phone plan? I would imagine that every company offers this. Verizon is good where I live but they that may not be the case where you are. http://www.verizonwireless.com/ics/plsql/prepay.intro
 
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