TracFone Wireless
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CNET Editors' Review
The bottom line: TracFone is a nationwide MVNO that offers prepaid services on both CDMA and GSM networks.
Editor's note: Because evaluating wireless coverage requires experience with the network in a wide variety of physical locations, CNET does not rate wireless carriers. We can, however, tell you everything you need to know about the major carriers. We invite your feedback and ratings in our user opinions section--the more input we get from around the U.S., the better our users can evaluate coverage at a national level.
TracFone is a Mobile Virtual network Operator that serves 10 million customers nationwide. The carrier offers services under three brands: TracFone, Net10 and Safelink. The latter is a government-sponsored ... Expand full review
Editor's note: Because evaluating wireless coverage requires experience with the network in a wide variety of physical locations, CNET does not rate wireless carriers. We can, however, tell you everything you need to know about the major carriers. We invite your feedback and ratings in our user opinions section--the more input we get from around the U.S., the better our users can evaluate coverage at a national level.
TracFone is a Mobile Virtual network Operator that serves 10 million customers nationwide. The carrier offers services under three brands: TracFone, Net10 and Safelink. The latter is a government-sponsored program that provides a free cell phone and airtime for income-eligible customers. Though all service is prepaid, rates, service options, and handset selection will differ between the two brands. Unlike most carriers, the carrier offers both CDMA and GSM phones, though handsets are limited to basic models from Motorola and LG. TracFone does not use contracts nor does it conduct credit checks, but customers are required to keep a balance of air time and days of service. Also, while customers have to activate their phones, they do not pay activation fees. Originally launched in 1996 as Topp Telecom, it changed its name to TracFone in 2000. It is now a subsidiary of Mexico City-based América Móvil, which operates wireless service throughout Latin America.
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As a senior managing editor for CNET, Kent German heads up the CNET Reviews team in San Francisco. Formerly a cell phone reviewer, he still blogs about wireless news and offers his take on the wireless industry. When not at work, he's planning his next trip to Australia, going for a run, or watching planes land at the airport (yes, really).
User Reviews
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Most Helpful User Review
stars 10 of 12 users found this review helpful
"Tracfone works fine for me" By jackzcnet
Pros Pre-paid 9 cents per minute. Easy to re-charge minutes. No contracts. No surprises. Good alternative for low volume users like under 300 minutes per month. If you used 300 minutes it would 27 bucks per month without any extra charges.
Cons Not a good deal for high volume users or big minute users.
Summary I don't have a need to make alot of cell calls but I wanted to have one for when I am driving or away and needed to make or receive a call. After checking out all the carriers I found Tracfone to be the best deal for me and ... Expand full review
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