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US Cellular Talk Tracker Prepaid Service Review

Last updated: January 19, 2022 by the Prepaid Reviews Staff

Our Editorial Rating

Rated 3.0 out of 5

Overview

US Cellular is a big name cell phone carrier serving 26 states that also entered the prepaid cell phone market with the launch of Talk Tracker. US Cellular was founded in 1983 and is based in Chicago Illinois.

Pros: Since Talk Tracker is provided by US Cellular, calls occur on their national network. The service supports modern features and you can activate any compatible cell phone; you do not need to purchase their phones.

Cons: US Cellular is a regional provider, so they don't have service in all areas. Charging 10 dollars per month to get a 10 cents per minute rate is above the industry average, as is the 50 dollar activation fee.

Detailed Provider Information

Plans: US Cellular offers three tiers of prepaid plans. The voice, messaging, and data tier has two plans. The first provides unlimited minutes and messaging plus 2GB of data for 65 per month. The other provides the same, but 1GB of data, for 50 dollars per month. The voice and messaging plan provides 400 minutes, 400 text messages, and 400 picture messages for 35 dollars per month. Overage minutes are 25 cents each. THe pay-as-you-go plan requires a monthly payment of 10 dollars, and all minutes are 10 cents each.

Customer Service: Customer care is available airtime free from your cell phone, via email or by calling their toll free customer service number.

Free Nights: Unlimited available.

Credit Check: None

Free Weekends: Unlimited available.

Contract: None

Daily Access Fee: No

Payment Options: You can refill your account at US Cellular retail stores (there is a 5 dollar minimum on refills). You can also automatically refill your account from credit card, debit card or checking account by calling customer service. Refills can also be done via Western Union stores.

Text and Picture Messaging: The voice only plan offers text and picture messaging at 25 cents each. That is also the overage rate for the voice and messaging plan.

Data Plans: US Cellular offers 2GB of data with its 65 dollar plan an 1GB with its 50 dollar plan. Data is not available on the other plans.

Downloads: Downloadable ringtones available only on the Kyocera KX-9b phone.

International Calling: U.S. Cellular does offer international calling capabilities. Calls to Mexico and Canada are charged at 50 cents per minute. Calls to other international destinations start at $1.25 per minute. You'll want to call customer service to find out the rates to the destination country you plan to call before placing calls.

Text Messaging Available: Yes

Roaming Charges: Calls made from outside your service plan area are charged at 69 cents per minute.

Shop Phones and Plans: Shop for US Cellular

Text Messaging Charge For Incoming: No

Calling Features: Voicemail, caller ID, 3 way calling and call waiting are offered with all of US Cellular's prepaid plans.

Unlimited Text Messaging Plan Available: Yes

Activation Fee: The 65 and 50 dollar voice, messaging, and data plans require no activation fee. The voice and messaging plan requires a 20 dollar activation fee, while the voice only plan requires a 50 dollar activation fee.

Nationwide Long Distance: All US Cellular prepaid plans include nationwide long distance. Calls made to destinations within the United States are treated as regular calls.

Unlimited Plan Available: No

411 Calls: Directory assistance is available for a cost of $1.50 per call.

Earliest Minute Expiration: There are no pay by the minute plans with US Cellular. All minutes expire at the end of the monthly billing cycle for your chosen plan. Unused minutes do not rollover.

911 Calls: Yes.

Phones: It appears that U.S. Cellular has many phone models listed under their prepaid section. Most are very basic models which are best used for just talking and texting. They do have a number of higher end phones for their postpaid service, which can be purchased at full price and activated on a prepaid plan. However, full retail price can get very expensive, which may deter some cost-conscious shoppers.

Standard Calling Features: voicemail, 3 way, caller ID

Some Available Cell Models: Motorola Grasp (shown) LG Mystique Samsung Profile Motorola Quantico

Coverage Map: US Cellular Talk Tracker Prepaid Coverage Map

Cheapest Phone Model: $79.95

Average Rating By Users

3.2
Rated 3.2 out of 5
3.2 out of 5 stars (based on 116 reviews)
5 star34%
4 star6%
3 star31%
2 star7%
1 star22%

Most Recent Reviews

Consumer Review

Rated 1.0 out of 5
September 10, 2013

I hate how you cant get any ringtones.

tricia

Consumer Review

Rated 3.0 out of 5
September 10, 2013

THE PHONE IS ALRIGHT.I MIGHT BE THINKING TO SWICH TO T-MOBILE FOR ROLL OVER AND FAVE FIVE AND RINGTONES MOST DEFINATELY.I THINK CONTRACT IS THE ONLY WAY FOR ALL THAT STUFF AND I DON’T WANT THAT. I PAY 60 DOLLARS EVERY MONTH WHERE AS I CAN HAVE ROLL OVER. SO I GUESS IT’S NOT WORTH MY WILD.

ASIA

Consumer Review

Rated 3.0 out of 5
September 10, 2013

i like the fact that we get free incoming calls, nights and weekends. i dont like the fact that when i travel out of my area, i cant use my phone, the company sucks for that.

shonnie

Consumer Review

Rated 5.0 out of 5
September 10, 2013

It would be nice if u.s.cellular had this plan in Jackson,Ms and Laruel,Ms and also in Houston Tx. My family would be able to get this plan. I love u.s.cellular.

Felicca

Consumer Review

Rated 3.0 out of 5
September 10, 2013

WE MUST HAVE RINGTONES THAT WE CAN DOWNLOAD ON TO OUR CELLULAR.WE MUST HAVE ROLL OVER MINUTES. I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE THANK YOU VERY MUCH

carl

Consumer Review

Rated 3.0 out of 5
August 25, 2013

I switched from at&t; thinking that us cellular had an online prepaid for me manage my account and view my historys like at&t; has but I haven’t found yet and so very upsetting cause wen my hubby goes to playen I can show him that I know who he playen with and he normally. Stops and well since fone in my name ihave right to go see…

carrie

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