4 Phones that should work with Straight Talk and the Bring your Own Plan .

Straight Talk SIM Card Activation Kit

My Options for the Straight Talk : BYOP

RCA A1 4.7” 3G Unlocked Dual SIM, Android 4.1 US Warranty  (Amazon Affiliate Link)

List Price : 299$ (Click image to find the actual price)

• This unlocked cell phone is compatible with GSM carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, Net10, Simple Mobile, Consumer Cellular, Walmart Family Mobile, and Pure Talk USA. No contracts and data plans required;
• HSPA 3G Smartphone running Android 4.1.1 (Jelly Bean), with 4.7-inch multi-touch LCD display; 2G Network GSM 850/900/1800/1900, 3G Network HSPA 850/1900;
• Wi-Fi networking with Wi-Fi Mobile Hotspot and tethering capabilities, GPS for navigation and location services; Dual SIM card slot, 4GB storage, Micro SD expansion to 32GB;
• GPRS, HTML Web Browser, Built-in Apps: Google Play, YouTube, Google+, Google Search, Google Maps, Google Navigation, Voice Memo, Notes;
• Dual camera, back-5-MP, front 2-MP; HD 720p recording; Bluetooth 3.0 stereo music; FM Radio, MP3 Player, MP4 Player;Up to 6 hours of talk time, up to 360 hours of standby time, High Speed USB 2.0, 3.5mm Audio Jack

As you can see this might work for the price that I am needing.   Currently it is under 200$ and thus it is within my price range.   On a side note, it resembles the Samsung Galaxy S3 from my understanding of it.   It is a cheaper version of it but has the screen size and everything else associated with it.   I’ve heard people say they had problems with getting it to work with Straight Talk, but I am confident that if I get this phone.   I can figure out what the APNS are for the

Google Nexus 5, Black 32GB (Unlocked) (Amazon Affiliate Link)

List Price : $649 (Click to find the actual price!)

Speed and power to spare on a stunning 5” display. Powered by Android 4.4, KitKat®. It’s a 5” phone, and so much more. Built with precision, Nexus 5 delivers an intelligently simple design and showcases a stunning full HD display. Plus it comes in black and white. All-new photo and video features help you capture moments in fresh new ways. And thanks to the latest from Android, Nexus 5 is fast, powerful and truly yours.

I asked this question on Twitter and I got this respons:

@Laforge129 Nexus5. It rocks on #straighttalk

— ♦ ♦ Mark ♦ ♦ (@flag_mtn_hkrs) March 27, 2014

Although this is more expensive for those who might be able to buy this phone, it isn’t in my price range but  I still had to suggest it for those who might want the best possible experience with straight talk.   

Motorola Moto G - Global GSM - Unlocked - 16GB (Amazon Affiliate Link)

List Price: $199 (actual price Varies)

• US Compatibility: All GSM Networks including AT&T and (2G) T-Mobile
• Optimized to work with 3G (UMTS/HSPA+) networks when roaming outside the US. Only supports 2G coverage on T-Mobile.
• 4.5 inch 720p HD TFT display
• Quad-core 1.2GHz processor with 450MHz graphics processor
• 5MP rear camera, plus front facing camera

It looks to be promising to say the least.   I have heard some much great reports of this phone being used on every possible network and have heard of very little bad reports.  I would also like to point out that it is a smaller display for those who are looking for the largest BYOP phone.   It however comes with many features and it is an actual Google Phone from Google.   It used to be sold by Google directly but seems the Nexus 5 is the new one they are promoting, so this one is behind in times but still has so much functionality that it might be a good Straight Talk phone.

HTC A9192 Inspire 4G Unlocked Phone with 8 MP Camera, Wi-Fi, and GPS—(Black)  (Amazon Affiliate Link)

List Price :$799 (click on image to see actual price)

• This unlocked cell phone is compatible with GSM carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile. Not all carrier features may be supported.
• Ultra-fast, 4G-enabled smartphone running Android 2.2 with 4.3-inch multi-touch Super LCD display.
• Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking (with optional Wi-Fi Mobile Hotspot and tethering capabilities)
• 8-MP camera, HD 720p camcorder, Bluetooth stereo music, microSD memory expansion, HTML web browser, corporate and personal e-mail
• Up to 6 hours of talk time, up to 372 hours (15.5 days) of standby time, released in January, 2011
• 8-MP camera; HD 720p camcorder; Bluetooth stereo music; microSD memory expansion; HTML web browser; corporate and personal e-mail
• GPS for navigation and location services
• It will not work with CDMA carriers like Verizon Wireless, Alltel and Sprint.
• Up to 6 hours of talk time, up to 372 hours (15.5 days) of standby time; released in January, 2011
• Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking (with optional Wi-Fi Mobile Hotspot and tethering capabilities); GPS for navigation and location services

Early on when I first started this with Straight Talk, I used this phone which was locked to AT&T and then I unlocked it and went to Straight Talk.  Then I broke the screen and did not want to fix it.   So I put it away and went to Virgin Mobile, but I have had much success with this phone with wifi teethering and other good games on android but I am wanting to watch movies and shows on my phone more and more so this is a good option for the price which right now it is cheaper than it used to be.   I am guessing because it is an older phone that is not getting as much updates as the newer ones.   This is good for those who want to know which phone that will work with Straight Talk.   I made it happen with not much effort and was really pleased with it.

I have given you at least four phones to consider when you decide to go to the Straight Talk BYOP option but for me, I might either get the Motorola or the RCA myself and do a tutorial on how to set it up on Straight talk successfully!  

Need ideas on the next Unlocked Phone? Switching Carriers!

Androids And Friend — Flickr

I’ve Pretty Much Decided!

I’m going to probably go buy an Unlocked Cell phone from Amazon.  They have some Great selections of phones unlocked Cell Phones for under $200 (Amazon Affiliate Link).   I still have my old AT&T straight Talk sim that was used for the HTC Inspire 4g Phone.   Even though the LG Optimus F3 is not a bad phone, I was tempted to unlock it fully to use with Straight Talk.   I honestly thought it was better to go buy an unlocked phone that can be used for any carrier that I choose to use it with.

I’ve loved Android phones since, I started using them and will continue to use them but I have yet to enjoy the idea of Virgin Mobile US reducing my speed by a half to 2g speeds.   I’m really not happy with the idea of reducing my speed to that extent and I’ve been one of those that love Unlocked Cell Phones and no contract plans.   If the Sim from the HTC inspire can’t be used, at least Straight Talk still has options available to buy new sim cards for!!

Which Phone!

I’m calling all readers on which phone I should buy under a 200$ and I’m really interested in which one you want me to review on this site!   Please leave a comment and tell me what you want to see me review.   I’m like the Motorola Moto G that is nice!  I am up in the air on this but I will have to decide soon! ;)

Virgin Mobile Did what to my Data Speeds?

Got this text Message!

VMFreeMsg: Starting 5/6/14, if you use over 2.5GB of data during your mo. plan cycle, data speeds will now be reduced to 2G speeds. Info at http://msg4u.us/vwae

I don’t know about anyone else but when I first got this text message, I was like so How fast is 2g speeds verses 3g speeds on Google Now!  So Here’s is the breakdown of this:

Speeds

• 2g is on average about 115 kilobytes per second  (A little faster than voice calling people)
• 3g is on average about 614 Kilobytes per second (Good for some streaming media)
• 4g is on average about 20 Megabytes per Secong (On average it varies from phone to phone)

As you can see this doesn’t really explain it very well but let’s try to make it easier to understand this:

1 byte is 8 bits, so 1000 kilobytes(1,024 bytes which is 8192 bits) and you need 65536 kilobytes to make 1 Megabyte of data.   So you can see that the larger the file or anything you do on the phone will be drastically slowed down on the phone.   If yo do the math or at least think about it, you can go to a free wifi hotspot to get better speeds than this.   

Virgin Mobile and Boost is screwing you!

Virgin mobile seems to want you to go to another prepaid service.   Even with Straight Talk, they do something like this on their networks.   They do limit there speeds but I am unsure as to what the speeds are lately but they aren’t unlimited either.

It looks like I have a few options, Straight Talk although they do the same thing but not as bad, T-mobile Which looks to be comparable to Virgin Mobile or Boost.   You could try MetroPCS but I can’t seem to verify that it is truly unlimited and that is what I am looking for.   I am asking for help to find something that isn’t as restrictive as what Virgin Mobile is doing.   I might buy a data plan for my home now.   So I am going to look into this some more but if you know of a prepaid plan that is truly unlimited, please leave a comment and let everyone know!

My Reasons Why I use Prepaid Cellular Service and avoid contracts!

Prepaid Service is Better!

My sister called me wanting to know about prepaid cellular services.   She is getting tired of paying for contracts and all those really high fees for unlimited everything.  She wanted me to research this and tell her which service is best for her whether it be Straight Talk, Virgin Mobile, T-mobile, and Cricket Wireless. I know I’ve talked about some of these services and ideas in the past and  they have been nothing but a way to keep my bills from to high and they actually help me save money in the long run.  I will talk about some of these and hopefully they will make it easier for you to decide.

Lower Payments!

I know this might sound like everyone else but I have found, that since I have yet to buy a contract.  I’ve have keep my fees really know.   Like this Virgin Mobile USA phone the Kyocera rise, I have yet to pay anymore than 36$ a month on services.  I’m paying for 200 minutes an unlimited text and Data. I have been using Google Voice, as my VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) provider and only had to pay $10 for the phone number.  So I am basically using the unlimited Data to do all I need and rarely use my minutes.

On a side note, you basically pay more for your contract services because you are paying for the Phone you buy and buying an Iphone can cost anywhere from $800 to $1,000.  So they add that on to your bill in small amounts but you they don’t pay for it but you do in one way or another.

Unlimited Data!

Something seems to be happening in the Phone industry where all contract providers are giving you limits.  So you can avoid those limits and tell them you don’t want to have limits.  I am seeing Virgin Mobile USA, Straight Talk, and T-mobile all have unlimited data even though they throttle your data you still can use it after you go beyond the limit.   AT&T and Verizon Wireless charges you for more data services.  So you have to be careful and not go over your limit.

Unlocked Cell Phones

Having seen this in the past with my HTC Inspire, I can take my phone with me when I want to and switch my service and possibly get even better signal strength but it isn’t always the case because some prepaid cell providers will not have SIM Cards to use with your unlocked cell phone.   So it will just depend be a smaller amount of places like Straight Talk and and T-Mobile who will carry sims that you can buy to use with their services.   Others are starting to sell sims but it will take time for other providers to have them and sell them.

Better Customer Service

With smaller companies you get to be a little more personal with customer service.   The Bigger the company the harder it is to get anything done.   It seems they like to build more red tape and keep you frustrated.  I have found the smaller companies want to keep you as a customer and will do almost anything to keep you with them.   If they have to give you a discount to keep you they will over look small stuff and not penalize you for it.  So you can save money from time to time by talking with them and you could even get a free month of service if you do it right.

I am sure these are just a few but these are why I will always go with No Contract Cellular services and not be bound down by a contract.   I can save so much money this way that I will not even consider using anything else but no contract providers.

Paul Sylvester

Reception Issues with AT&T, Maybe it time for change!

Speeds on AT&T!

I've had plenty of time playing around with AT&T and their so called 4G.   I've once talked about Data Speeds and broadband Modems.  So I thought it was high time, we talk about understanding your coverage area.  Even though you have a smart phone, in essence it is just a modem because you are basically using it for Data.   I'm not saying that buying a Cell Phone Antenna sticker [Affiliate Link] will not work, it just varies because of personal opinion on them.   Some say it will work others claim it is just foolishly wasting money.   I tend to think if you paying a dollar to try it out, it at least is a good try!

Why Do I get poor Reception or Signal?

 This is almost a really common question because everyone at some point as a really bad signal strength and thus some blame it on their cell phone, others on their service provider.   I'm here to explain to you that it is more than likely more than one reason why your not getting the signal you are wanting and I am going to go into detail about that.   Even if you were standing right next to an cell tower, you might still not get any signal! Some of the more common reasons are:

• Cell Phone Antenna -- Depending on where the manufacturer put the antenna, you may always have problems but it isn't always the culprit.   
• Other devices -- you may not know this but your TV is putting out interferences and even you Microwave could be causing problem with your signal getting to your phone.   
• Location of Cell Tower -- Even if you next to a cell tower that might not be in your network and thus you may not be connecting to that tower.  Depending on which provider you are using will depend on which tower you will user.  
• Walls -- If you are in an open park, you will have problems with signal strength due to the thickness of walls and how radio waves have a hard time getting through them.  Another reason why you might have low signal strength.

As you can see there are many factors to why you might not be getting a very good signal where you are.  I am not saying that you can't blame it on your phone or provider.   This is just so you might figure out ways to increase you signal strength.

Straight Talk With T-mobile!

I've decided to have a little try on the T-mobile network using the Straight Talk Sim card.  I'm going to be ordering the SIM to use with the HTC Inspire to see if that works any better.  I think this will be very educational for me to find out some of the APN Modifications that I will have to do to my phone and thus will teach me a lot about T-mobile in the process! In the coming weeks, I will have a step by step guide on which APN'S seem to work best for me and hopefully it will help you out in the same process.   Thank you for all your support and using my Amazon Affiliate Link, every time you use it to buy from Amazon really helps keep my blog up and running.  

Paul Sylvester

Amazon Affiliate link

Getting you Picture Messages and Multimedia Messages to work on Straight Talk AT&T!

The Need to Update your APN!

I've found an updated APN that can be used to give you access to Multimedia Text message, in essence picture messages for some of you who are on the Straight Talk AT&T Network!  This APN setting will only work for any that have #89014 on their sim.  If you don't then you might try looking elsewhere or maybe consider contacting me, and I'll do the hard work and find the right APN for your situation!  This also will only work if you have an Unlocked Phone [Affiliate Link]!

Before you do this though, It is time to do a APN Backup of your settings.   You wouldn't want to have to look for those APN Settings that are working all over again.   This might work for you but then again it might not.  It seems to work for me and Another reader on our HTC Inspire 4G Unlocked Cell phones [Amazon Affiliate Link].   So I'm not entirely certain that it will work 100%.

Delete all existing APNS and enter these APNS!

Name: HOME

APN: att.mvno Leave everything else alone

EXCEPT the bottom selection that says:

APN type: default,supl

Then save, next choose to add another APN

Name: MMS

APN: att.mvno

MMSC: http://mmsc.cingular.com

MMS proxy: proxy.mvno.tracfone.com

MMS port: 80

APN type: mms 

THEN SAVE You will see that only one APN has the option to be chosen, that is ok, Just choose the one that is able to be chosen. Now go back to Homescreen and then reboot your phone.  If this doesn't work you can always restore you APN's and no harm no fowl.   I just know that some of you are wanting to recieve the Pictures messages on Straight Talk AT&T.   I encourage you to contact me if you need help finding the APN for your Straight Talk Phone.  Please remember to support my blog, because it is only with your help I can keep this site running.  

Paul Sylvester

My Amazon Affiliate Link

My FAQ's About Straight Talk!

Sim card's aren't always easy!

Let's face it, nothing in life is ever going to be easy and this is no exception in my book.   I've had my Straight Talk sim and I've posted about it on my blog.   I've been asked a few different questions about the Sim Cards from Straight Talk and I've figured a good little post about this would help people out.  Some of these questions will be repeats, please skip the ones you have already read!

Do I have to unlock my phone to use Straight Talk?

The Short answer is NOT necessarily. You'll probably have to need to unlock your cell phone later on but if you have a T-Mobile phone and use Straight Talk T-Mobile Sim, you shouldn't need to unlock it.   Just because I did it with my HTC Inspire AT&T 4g Phone, Doesn't mean you will need to unlock your phone.  I did it just to be on the safe side, this was my first HTC phone after all and of course because I could.  As long as you buy the right  SIM for your phone from Straight Talk, you really shouldn't have much problems with the SIM.   

Will the HTC Inspire have "Jelly Bean"/"Ice Cream Sandwich"?

The Short answer is NO!  The HTC Inspire is basically end of life cycle and won't be updated.  It is be replaced with the HTC Desire and others like that but that doesn't necessarily mean you can't have those Operating Systems on your Phone!  You can get past that if you really want to use that operating System.  You basically have to Unlock your Inspire and Root it all at the same time.   

Can I tether with my HTC Inspire and Can I use 4g Speeds?

Short Answer is YES!  Long answer is if your want to tether your Straight Talk phone you will most likely need to unlock it and root it.  Although if your are planning to use the 4g network you will need to make sure you area has it.  You can do that from AT&T, T-Mobile, Or sprint website depending on which card you use and if they have the capability for 4g.  Remember if your are downloading heavy and other such stuff they might call you, so you just need to remember not to use to much of their so called Bandwidth.  

Also, If you have great signal strength then you will have better speeds but if you don't have the signal strength the you will have slower speeds.   Just keep that in mind when you are traveling and tethering.

Why do I See the Word HOME on my screen?

Short answer is "It's basically your local network, where you live!".   Although some people also have ROAMING and I get that whenever I go to a different city.   It isn't going to charge me any more or any less, it is just their.  If you are worried about it, just remember that this is for the network to identify with more than you.   Straight Talk and other MVNO's like to keep cost down so they don't have to pay higher fee.   This is one way they do that, by telling you are either HOME or Roaming.   It really is an ingenious idea because most people will unconsciously stay closer to home!

Why am I not getting any signal from Straight Talk?

This is something that I've had to deal with on the HTC Inspire.   I've not had a good signal strength while using the Inspire on Straight talk thru AT&T network I should add.  I've troubleshooter this and found out that it was the way I was holding my phone.   I did occasional have to take the SIM card out and reboot and replace the SIM to get my network back.   I don't know if it is just a loose connection or if the phone just forgets that it has a SIM card.  This also could just be a problem with Ice Cream Sandwich version that I'm using.   You'll have to figure out your own little way to hold you phone and get signal.   I've found having a bluetooth earpiece [Affiliate Link] to work really well in my situation!

These are a few of the questions I get when I'm out and about and thought I'd make a post about it and hopefully help someone who might need that little nudge in the right direction.   I'll post another one if I get more questions.  Have a Good day!

Paul Sylvester

How to Tether on a HTC Inspire using Straight Talk!

Is it possible?

You might be asking this because you don’t know if Straight Talk allows this.  I don’t know if they do or not but I’ve been using my HTC inspire to tether to my Laptop without much problems but then again, I’ve had to root my device.  Is it possible to do this to all Straight Talk Android Phones for instance:

• Root Samsung Galaxy Precedent In One Click [How To]
• LG ESTEEM ONECLICKROOT NOW READY!!

To be truthful these are the only two that I could find out when you need to use Straight Talk as your carrier but I am sure there are going to be more ways to root your device for using the Tethering option.  

Will I get In trouble?

I don’t know about you but I am have had several calls in the past about to much data usage but I have not been terminated by them.  I am not sure if they are just trying to scare people or are just warning people.  I do know that I’ve been using tethering when I’m at a class and don’t have any wifi available.  That is kind of the reason why I haven’t been posting as much because I am hard at work trying to accomplish keeping my grades up.

I would like to warn people that they could very well disable your account if they find you are constantly teethering, so only use when you need.  If you are like me and you need it while going to class or something like that, they might not know but don’t constantly try to stream your Amazon [Affiliate link] or Netflix accounts to your laptop, that might be a red flag with them.

How do I teether?

After you’ve Rooted your device, like me using my HTC Inspire that I’ve rooted so I could unlock it and use it with Straight talk.  You will need to use one of these many apps to teether:

• WiFi Tether for Root Users — This is what I’m using and it works really well with my current setup.  I can use the wifi on the HTC to make a connection with my laptop and have had no problems with tethering with this app.
• 1-Click WiFi Tether No Root — It says no rooting needs to be done but I didn’t even try this because the first one that I did work well.  So I am guessing you will probably be ok with this one.  Let me know if this works or not!
• Barnacle Wifi Tether — I don’t know if you need to be Rooted or not but you can try this before you root your device to see if it works.
• Wireless Tether for Root Users — It looks like you will need to be rooted user like me so, you have a good chance of succeeding with this one also if your rooted.  I don’t think you can use this without being rooted but you could try!

These are just a few that I found that look promising but the one that does work on my HTC Inspire is the Wifi Tether for Rooted Users and It works flawlessly while I am in my class doing class work that is to be done.  I will remind users that you use this information at your own risk.  I can’t be held responsible if Straight Talk starts to terminate accounts for tethering.  Only time will tell if they will keep allowing this in the future.

Paul Sylvester

How do you boost signal strength with Straight Talk Wireless?

No or Little Signal?

I’ve been having that lately but that is because I moved to an area that my phone doesn’t expect me to be.  This can always be a problem when it comes to having a MVNO like Straight Talk But lately with my HTC Inspire I’ve been having problems with the signal strength due to my location. I have searched long and high and thou I’ve been look around at the Signal Boosters that I could use on my phone.  You could even try zBoost YX545 SOHO Dual-Band Cell Phone Signal Booster but I’ve yet to find out if it would help.  

Called Straight Talk!

I did call Straight Talk to see what we could try to improve my cell phone signal. They suggested two options, chaning my ZIP code of where I am, but I have yet to see much of a difference!  I think I might have to do option two, but that would mean I’ve need to get a new number.  I really don’t care about that because I give out my Google Voice number so it isn’t a big deal on my part.  It isn’t a big process to change the number but my family likes to use my actual number to get a hold of me.  They think the Google Voice number is too troublesome for them!   So if I change my number my family would have to get used to the new number!

I’ve look around!

I’ve check on the Google Marketplace to find anything that would help increase my cellular signal but have yet to find.   Some of the ones that look promising are:

•  Opensignalmaps — The ultimate wifi and signal finding tool. Supports GSM, CDMA, 4G, 3G, 2G.  Now you can refresh network! Boost your bars at the touch of a button.
• Network signal speed booster — Network Speed Booster gives you better signal by connecting you to the best available cell site tower around you!
• Signal Finder —App showing where the nearest towers are for the best cell phone reception.  This application provides the opportunity never to lose reception, showing where the nearest towers are for the best cell phone reception available as well as the strength the towers have at that location.
• Signal Booster Pro — Signal Booster Pro uses sophisticated technologies to dynamically assign your phone to the closest, or highest signal cell tower in your area!

These are just a few apps that look promising but I am quite certain that it will reduce my battery life to half unless I am constantly plugged in all the time.  So I am going to ask others if there is something else I could do to improve my Cell Signal strength?  If you know, you can contact me or leave a comment.  I’d love to hear your opinions on how to increase signal strength and how you did it.

Paul Sylvester

Is Straight Talk Unlimited Plan really Unlimited or just FALSE Advertising!

Unlimited Minutes, text, and Mobile Web Access Nationwide Anytime +Unlimited calls to 411!Data Usage and the Straight Talk!

I’ve been using my new HTC Inspire phone for the past month maybe less and all of the sudden, I get a phone call from 1-800-989-1506.  What gets me is they say they can cancel my service.   I am sorry but if it says unlimited, then is that really false advertising?  It really sounds that way with me.   Some people have complained about this.   I am just really confused about if they would really risk having people make a negative reaction to cutting people’s phone access off because they want to control just how much is UNLIMITED.  

So are they willing to Risk a Public Relations extravaganza?

I really don’t know what they are thinking but I do not know if this is a SCAM or just trying to scare me into stopping use of what they call a excessive amount of data usage.   If it is truely to be unlimited then they shouldn’t even worry about me.   I’m paying the money each month to have the unlimited usage and thus, it seems to be a really troubling about this idea!

Has this Happened to you as well??

I’m really curious as to what Straight Talk has done or said to get you to understand just what is going on.   I would love to hear what happened to you and what you did to get to this call from them.   Just leave a comment and let me know what you did and how you resolved the problem.

Paul Sylvester

How to figure out which Straight Talk Sim to buy!

So you have an Unlocked Phone!

Just because you have an unlocked phone and can use a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) doesn't mean it will work with Straight Talk.   Let's face it, not all phones are going to be compatible with Straight Talk service.  I talked about How I did it with  my HTC inspire 4G phone, but I am sure some of you have tried and failed at this because of the phone in question.   So what phones work with Straight Talk?   I'm here to help, I might not know all the answers but I will at least give you the important details and point you in the right direction.

It is about the Cell Carriers!

Knowing how some carriers only will work in certain areas can help you determine which SIM card to buy.  It however isn't always going to help.   There may be more than 4 to 5 Cell Carriers in your area and thus you might not know which phones will work with any particular Cell phone.  So I've decided to break this down into small parts and thus maybe then you can figure out if it will work with your phone!

The Data Speed of the Phone!

It isn't really the amount of data that we are worried about but which version of antenna your phone is using. Some phones use Code division multiple access (CDMA) and others use Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) and thus if your try to use a CDMA on a GSM network which really are incompatible with each other.   So I will tell you which ones the major providers use:

• AT&T uses GSM
• Sprint uses CDMA
• Verizon Wireless use CDMA
• T-Mobile USES GSM

This is just a short list of providers but these are at least the major players in the USA, so you can see it is a split between CDMA and GSM!  

Now that you figured that out!

You've figured it out now, you've can know if your cell phone will work with Straight Talk.   If you have a CDMA phone you will not be able to use it with Straight Talk, but if your have a GSM.  You now have to ask find out which Frequency your phone uses!  Many GSM phones will use different frequency, some use 800 mhz and others use 1900 mhz spectrum.   You have to choice the right SIM card from Straight Talk but you also have to have the right Phone.   I suggest buying an Unlocked GSM phone [Affiliate Link]and then picking the SIM card.  

This should help you determine if your phone will work with Straight Talk but you can always go buy a GSM Unlocked Phone [Affiliate Link]to be sure!  Nothing is a guarantee when it comes to phones though!

Paul Sylvester

Buy an Unlocked GSM PHONE [Affiliate Link]