The Differences Between a Cingular Go Phone & a TracFone
GoPhone and TracFone both offer a prepaid alternative to contract cell phone services. Prepaid carriers are a good choice for consumers who use cell phones exclusively in emergencies. Cingular is now AT&T Wireless.
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Features
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The AT&T GoPhone offers voice services and a full complement of data services, including text messaging, picture messaging and mobile Internet access. TracFone service offers voice and text messaging services, but no data-intensive features.
Plans
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Both plans offer prepaid services, with the service expiring when the allotted minutes are used. Both allow you to add time by prepaid cards, online or by phone. AT&T also allows the user to pick a monthly service plan that does not require a credit check and TracFone offers value plans that for a monthly fee automatically add minutes to the phone.
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Benefits
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For users who seldom use their cell phones, the prepaid TracFone service offers affordable phones and a service agreement that provides up to a year of uninterrupted service. AT&T's plans are better suited for frequent cell phone users who seek a no-credit check option.
Function
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GoPhones function on the AT&T GSM network, available throughout the United States. TracFone does not have its own cellular system. Depending on your location, major carriers like Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile, provide access for TracFones.
Expert Insight
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Only purchase a prepaid phone if you are confident it will cost you less per month than a contract phone. While there is no contract with a GoPhone or TracFone, you may find that the services are too limited to meet your needs.
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