A while back I polled readers for guidance on getting a new cell plan. After much deliberation, we finally made a decision…and it wasn’t any of the options we were originally considering.

Again, our requirements were as follows:

• Minutes – at least 400. Our current Verizon plan cost $40 (per phone) for 400 minutes with no texting/data plan extras. We got a 20% discount through Booz Allen, which was nice.
• Texting – optional. Adam wanted to add a texting package, but Rebecca didn’t think she’d use it much.
• Data/web – optional. While Adam would love to geek out with a web-enabled phone, Rebecca wasn’t as convinced. Neither of us thought we’d use it all that often, though it would be nice when we needed it.
• Phones – mid-adopter range. Rebecca likes a basic cell phone, as long as it has a decent battery life. Adam geeks on gadgets, but doesn’t necessarily like to be the first to own a new model.
• Providers - considering all. We’ve had a great experience with Verizon, but were considering options from all providers.

The result…?

We went with Sprint! What?! Yes, the majority of you recommended AT&T and the iPhone, but our budget really didn’t support that level of splurge (for the same reason, I didn’t choose any of the HTC phones I was coveting).

An unexpected development occured shortly after we posted the survey. A friend from college reconnected with Adam through Facebook. This friend happens to live about 20 minutes away (small world!) and works for Sprint. He generously offered two of the six “employee referral” deals he’s given annually. For $30/month (per phone), this plan includes:

• 500 minutes (plus free nights, weekends, and calling other Sprint users)
• Unlimited text, photo, and video messaging
• Unlimited data on their EVDO (3G) network

Um, yeah, this was nearly a no-brainer, but I considered all of the poor reviews written about Sprint’s service in the DC area. And we get an 18% discount on this plan through Booz which brings the monthly fee to about $25 before taxes, etc.

The phones: Adam got the Samsung ACE, Rebecca the Samsung M520.

Now we’re in the 30-day “testing period” to see if we are satisfied enough to stick with the 2-year contract.

So far, so good. Reception in our house isn’t quite as good for Rebecca (her old LG phone got amazing reception), but is better for Adam (the RAZR got crappy reception). The ACE (the newer version of the Blackjack) is fun to use – Windows Mobile and a full keyboard mean it’s more of a portable computer than a phone. But it works great as a phone, too. Rebecca’s M520 is sweet, but sucks on battery life. We may look at getting an extended battery (or at least a car charger) if she sticks with the phone (and plan).

Thanks for all of your input! Let me know what you think about our decision!

Tags: ace, cell phone, m520, mobile, plan, samsung, sprint, verizon