<p>Needed to evaluate some options, any idea which company gives a decent plan? Usage will be international calls and sms to start off and data usage. As he makes friends he will use more local calls and sms's. He does not use his phone much though. We still need to get him a number.</p>
<p>He has an iPhone, he could use that or we could get one off the plan and I get to keep his ;)</p>
<p>Thanks!!</p>
<p>I have heard that Verizon has some of the best service(call connections) at USC. does anyone have experience with this?</p>
<p>A much cheaper way to make international calls would be through using google voice or skype. Iphones or all google android phones should be able to install and use google voice.</p>
<p>I have an android phone through Sprint and have it set so whenever I make international calls it auto-dials using google voice instead of Sprint so it is much cheaper.</p>
<p>Thanks for this thread. I was also thinking of the same. </p>
<p>I have two other queries that are also related to cell phones for international students so let me add these here as I think it could be useful for others as well.</p>
<p>1) I understand cell phone companies require a deposit from international students as the students do not have social security numbers. Does anynone know if this is correct?</p>
<p>2) are there some cell phone shops/outlets nearby (walking distance?) to pick up a phone?</p>
<p>Kids are not going to have landlines so they definitely need a phone number.</p>
<p>Any of the major carriers (AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, T-Mobile) work great around USC (mainly because it’s in downtown Los Angeles).</p>
<p>If your son has an iPhone and it’s unlocked, you can get a plan with AT&T. For 450 minutes, iphone data plan, and unlimited text, the monthly bill looks to be around $85.</p>
<p>If you’re looking for cheaper monthly options, T-Mobile or Sprint are the way to go since they’re the smaller US carriers. The best phone on T-Mobile is the Samsung Vibrant ($199 with 2-year contract). For 500 minutes, unlimited text, and data it comes to about $80/month.</p>
<p>As for Sprint, the best phone available is the HTC EVO 4G ($199). Unlimited mobile-to-mobile along with 450 minutes to landlines, unlimited text, unlimited data costs $69.99. Sprint’s the most economical way to go</p>
<p>Thank you MisterShooby! That was great info! When you open an accnt you can give the dorm address?</p>
<p>what do most peopple use?</p>
<p>Note that some companies give discounts to students.</p>