Rugged flip-phone for US/Canadian use
January 9, 2020 8:33 PM Subscribe
Due to a dry-bag leak I recently inadvertently drowned my smartphone in the sea. Since then, I have been enjoying my pocketcomputer-free existence, and decided that it's time to go back to a flip phone.
Verizon, the bastards, will not activate my 3G Verizon G'zOne Ravine Verizon flip phone because they're getting rid of their 3G network. I want to either (1) unlock my G'zOne somehow and activate it with a different provider, or (2) get a new rugged flip phone.
My goal is to have something that I can use in the U.S. and Canada for calling and texting. I reside in the U.S. and travel to Canada fairly often. I am willing to get a separate SIM card and plan for Canada, if necessary. (Would the G'zOne would let me insert a new SIM card for a different country?)
I am planning to use Republic Wireless or another small, cheaper, more user-friendly provider, which I assume means I need a phone that's unlocked? Is that correct?
Please help me understand my phone situation! Is there a way I can use the device I already own? If not, what's the best phone to get for my needs? Thank you!
Verizon, the bastards, will not activate my 3G Verizon G'zOne Ravine Verizon flip phone because they're getting rid of their 3G network. I want to either (1) unlock my G'zOne somehow and activate it with a different provider, or (2) get a new rugged flip phone.
My goal is to have something that I can use in the U.S. and Canada for calling and texting. I reside in the U.S. and travel to Canada fairly often. I am willing to get a separate SIM card and plan for Canada, if necessary. (Would the G'zOne would let me insert a new SIM card for a different country?)
I am planning to use Republic Wireless or another small, cheaper, more user-friendly provider, which I assume means I need a phone that's unlocked? Is that correct?
Please help me understand my phone situation! Is there a way I can use the device I already own? If not, what's the best phone to get for my needs? Thank you!
Response by poster: Update: Apparently Republic Wireless does not offer service for flip phones.
posted by cnidaria at 9:10 PM on January 9, 2020
posted by cnidaria at 9:10 PM on January 9, 2020
Keeping a flip phone going is getting to be much more difficult now that 3G networks are starting to be shut down. Canadians have until 2025 for 3G networks to be turned off, but in the USA a lot of carriers have already shut down 3 G or are shutting down 3G this year. So, you need to find a 4G/LTE dumbphone and there are very few of those available for the North American market. The problem with most 4G dumbphones is that they don't use the North American cellular bands.
One of the only ones I know of is the Punkt MP02, which is $350.
posted by fimbulvetr at 7:03 AM on January 10, 2020
One of the only ones I know of is the Punkt MP02, which is $350.
posted by fimbulvetr at 7:03 AM on January 10, 2020
My niece has a lovely flip phone from Alcatel - it's sturdy, with easy to see and push buttons. She's got a smart phone now, but my mom is switching to hers and really looking forward to it.
It functions on 4G and can access email, etc. But data is, of course, something you should be able to opt out of.
posted by jb at 9:34 AM on January 10, 2020
It functions on 4G and can access email, etc. But data is, of course, something you should be able to opt out of.
posted by jb at 9:34 AM on January 10, 2020
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by mhoye at 9:05 PM on January 9, 2020