# Cheap SMS-only or SMS/Data SIM in the USA? For Arduino? **URL:** \ **Category:** Networking, Protocols, and Devices\ **Created:** [July 12, 2018, 7:19pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/cheap-sms-only-or-sms-data-sim-in-the-usa-for-arduino/536142 "2018-07-12T19:19:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 10\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![davepl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b77776/32.png) [@davepl](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/davepl)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2018, 7:19pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/cheap-sms-only-or-sms-data-sim-in-the-usa-for-arduino/536142/1 "2018-07-12T19:19:04Z")
I picked up a little GSM module to experiment a bit with text and data. Since I'm sure others have been down this path before: In the USA, what's a good deal on a SIM I can order that has a low monthly plan fee, ideally doesn't expire all of the time, and let's me send text and get data? I don't need unlimited or anything! Just super-basic cheap texting and data. Thanks Dave ---
**Author:** ![xl97](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/xl97/32/213707_2.png) [@xl97](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/xl97)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2018, 9:13pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/cheap-sms-only-or-sms-data-sim-in-the-usa-for-arduino/536142/2 "2018-07-12T21:13:19Z")
Subscribing. I too have an old SEEED Studios GPSR shield.. that I'd liek to get a dedicated SIM for. I used the SIM in my current phone to TEST and ensure it worked... but thats not a very practical long term solution. I'd like to know here people in the US get theirs.. and the costs? I only found some (sketchy) places.. and from what I recall.. you had pay a monthly fee.. Not like you pay for XX amount of minutes.. without any time frame requirements... (which is what I would prefer) ---
**Author:** ![davepl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b77776/32.png) [@davepl](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/davepl)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2018, 3:36pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/cheap-sms-only-or-sms-data-sim-in-the-usa-for-arduino/536142/3 "2018-07-13T15:36:21Z")
This seems to be the best I can find - T-Mobile has a $3 a month SIM plan that includes 30 minutes of talk and 10 texts, something like that. But the $3 a month is nice. > **[compare\_plans.pdf](https://prepaid.t-mobile.com/marketing-module/compare_plans.pdf)** > > 7.09 KB ---
**Author:** ![xl97](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/xl97/32/213707_2.png) [@xl97](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/xl97)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2018, 4:47pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/cheap-sms-only-or-sms-data-sim-in-the-usa-for-arduino/536142/4 "2018-07-13T16:47:55Z")
Nice find. 30 min of talk 30 texts (with going over that costing $0.10 each minute or text) There is NO data plan. Is that even needed though? I believe it uses SMS/text to communicate..no? Cons: Still a 'monthly fee' (even if you do NOT use it all.. kind of a bummer.. but not sure if you can get anything else no-a-days?) Pros: $3.00 only!! So a total of $36 a YEAR! not bad.. although I guess it depends on the project you want use it for? ---
**Author:** ![xl97](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/xl97/32/213707_2.png) [@xl97](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/xl97)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2018, 4:55pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/cheap-sms-only-or-sms-data-sim-in-the-usa-for-arduino/536142/5 "2018-07-13T16:55:54Z")
Anyone looked into TELLO before? > **[Tello Mobile | The mobile carrier you deserve | No fees, whatsoever](https://tello.com/buy/custom_plans?src=google&mdm=cpc&cmg=tello.com%20-%20Search%20Intermediate%20US%20EN&device=c&geo=9018827&adgroup=21495309854&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5oLE_sOc3AIVAjFpCh0lTwPgEAAYAiAAEgJUuPD_BwE)** > > Build your own plan with minutes, texts and data starting at only $5/month. No contract, no hidden fees! You can also buy a new phone from Tello or bring your own mobile. It's all up to you. Also.. to clear up the T-Mobile thing: **T-Mobile:** Pay As You Go gives you 30 minutes and texts per month in any combination; so if you send 20 texts, you’ll have 10 minutes left in that month before you go over. Minutes and texts used beyond the 30 included in the plan cost 10 cents each. ATT looks ot have a $2.00 a day.. but ONLY if you use it that day? > **[Best Cell Phone Plans of 2023 - NerdWallet](https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/cell-phone-plans)** > > Here are some of the best cell phone plans of 2023 for heavy to light data users, families, global travelers and more. ---
**Author:** ![davepl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b77776/32.png) [@davepl](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/davepl)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2018, 1:39pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/cheap-sms-only-or-sms-data-sim-in-the-usa-for-arduino/536142/6 "2018-07-14T13:39:08Z")
Looks like the AT&T one is a good deal too, but if you use it in bursts, could get expensive if you use it every day for two weeks, for example. I wound up ordering one of the T-Mobile "PayGo" sims with a $3 monthly fee. Did cost me $20 for the SIM itself though, couldn't find a coupon. When I entered the IMEI it suggested that the unit may not be compatible with T-Mobile, I'll let me know one I receive it and have some time to tinker if I ever got it working@ ---
**Author:** ![davepl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b77776/32.png) [@davepl](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/davepl)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2018, 2:01pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/cheap-sms-only-or-sms-data-sim-in-the-usa-for-arduino/536142/7 "2018-09-15T14:01:07Z")
BTW, I've been on the T-Mobile plan at $3 or whatever and so far no surprise billings... ---
**Author:** ![xl97](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/xl97/32/213707_2.png) [@xl97](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/xl97)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2018, 3:09pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/cheap-sms-only-or-sms-data-sim-in-the-usa-for-arduino/536142/8 "2018-09-15T15:09:52Z")
Thank you for the update!!! So you just walked into a TMobile store... Asked for this $3.00 SIM card... they set you up how? $20.00 for the SIM.. then $3.00 every month... how do you pay? (are you like auto paying? you need to stop in to a stoire each month? There is a place on the web to pay your $3.00?) Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![davepl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b77776/32.png) [@davepl](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/davepl)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2018, 3:21pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/cheap-sms-only-or-sms-data-sim-in-the-usa-for-arduino/536142/9 "2018-09-15T15:21:27Z")
Store? Is like a building for a website? 🙂 I just went to T-Mobile and did it online (I don't have the link handy or would share it). A few days later a little box with a phone and a sim card showed up. I set the phone aside, never used it, and plugged the SIM into the GSM module. I was able to send and receive text messages no problem. Never tried a voice call. For what it's worth I never put the SIM in the provided phone, and didn't have to unlock anything. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/system/32/1140315_2.png) [@system](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/system)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2021, 11:11am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/cheap-sms-only-or-sms-data-sim-in-the-usa-for-arduino/536142/10 "2021-05-06T11:11:35Z")