Cell/Mobile Phones - Information for International Students

Question

How can I get mobile service? What do I need to know about?

Answer

Note: Yes, it’s true: mobile plans tend to be more expensive and complicated than what you are used to at home. Providers are also selling you a service, and it is easy to end up paying for more than you need. Do your research and learn the vocabulary (SMS vs. MMS text messages, e.g.).  What we have compiled below is only an introduction.

Pre-Paid Plans

  • Most providers in the US make their services accessible for international students and do not require a security deposit or social security number (as they did in the past) for pre-paid plans.
  • All providers offer pre-paid options, in which you pay your monthly bill in advance.
  • Pre-paid plans do not require you to stay with the provider for a fixed time period, but they may have higher monthly fees.
  • Almost all providers allow you to add additional options if you are looking for pre-paid international texting.
  • Available data on prepaid plans can vary widely, so opt for a higher data plan if you use your phone for most internet functions.
  • Costs for such plans range from minimal to similar to contract services.

 

Contracts

The traditional way that most Americans get their cell coverage is through a contract with one of the Big Four cell providers: AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, or T-Mobile. Users sign a 12-24 month contract with a provider and are obligated to pay the pre-agreed per-month cost. Please keep the following in mind if you go this route:

  • Most plans give you a set number of call minutes, text messages, and/or data usage per month. Overage minutes are charged at a much higher rate.
  • If you don’t have a social security number (SSN), you may have to pay a deposit as a way of guaranteeing that you will make your monthly payments.
  • Make sure to understand what your plan does and does not cover, and what is charged at a higher rate (such as out-of-network data usage).
  • For most companies, you must have a compatible (locked) phone. Ask specifically if you want to use one you currently have before signing a contract.

Note:  Once a contract is signed, you will be obligated to pay for the entire contract period. Expect to pay a fee if you break a contract. Contracts generally last 1-2 years. Due to this, we do not recommend that students enter into family plans with other students, as you can be held liable (i.e., required to pay the whole bill) if another student in the plan breaks the contract.

 

Options at Walmart

Wal-Mart sells new cell phones from Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, TracFone and other cell phone companies. Some students find it to be the best location to purchase prepaid phones and calling cards. StraightTalk Pre-Paid and TracFone are some of the options you can purchase. See major cell phone carriers below for additional options. 

 

SIM Cards from Third-Parties

  • Third-party providers, like Mint Mobile, will mail SIM cards.
  • These companies use the cell towers of the major providers yet charge more reasonable rates for small amounts of data/minutes.
  • You can do a Google search to see what options are available to you and at what cost.

 

Major Cell Providers

  • When subscribing, ask the representative about their student discount program (if available) as well as international calling plans.
  • If your phone uses GSM technology (most phones purchased outside the USA do), you most likely will not be able to use Verizon and Sprint with your phone, but could utilize AT&T or T-Moblie.
  • Verizon and Sprint use CDMA technology and you may have to purchase a cell phone in the U.S. to use them as a provider.
  • Check your phone’s cellular frequency to make sure it will work with one of the carriers.
    1. AT&T
      • AT&T Authorized Dealer, 1100 Broadway Ave, Yankton, SD 57078
      • 605-665-4256
      • www.att.com
    2. Cricket
      • Cricket Wireless, 3013 Broadway Ave, Yankton, SD 57078
      • 605-661-2644​​​​​​​
      • www.cricketwireless.com
    3. Sprint
      • Sprint Dealer, 2422 S Louise Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57106
      • 605-367-6670​​​​​​​
      • www.sprint.com
    4. T-Mobile​​​​​​​
    5. Verizon Wireless​​​​​​​
      • Verizon @ Wireless World, 839 E. Cherry Street, ​​​​​​​Vermillion, SD 57069.
      • 605-624-7905​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
      • www.verizonwireless.com

If you need further assistance, please contact the Gallagher International Center

 

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Tue 9/19/23 2:44 PM
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Reference Article relating to Resources for International Students
International Students can find information from the Gallagher International Center.