Straight Talk Says I Need a New Phone

Did Straight Talk tell you that you need to buy a new phone? Many people are asking me questions about this so I though I’d write this article to explain what is going on and answers some of the questions your questions.

Q. Why Do I Need a New Phone?

Straight Talk is updating their network. If Straight Talk told you to replace your phone, your current phone will no longer work once the network upgrade is completed.

In fact, it’s really Verizon that is updating their network. And many Straight Talk phones use the Verizon network. Verizon is shutting down their old CDMA network and moving to all 4G LTE and 5G technologies. I’d say every ten years or so, the big carriers shut down their old cell networks. Its good in that we all get better cell service but its unfortunate customers have to replace phones.

Q. Is this a trick just to get me to buy a new phone?

No, it’s not a trick. They are not just trying to sell you a new phone. And it reality, wireless companies make their money selling you service, not phones. I suspect in some cases Straight Talk breaks even or loses money selling some phones, and when they do make a profit it isn’t a lot of money for them.

Which iPhones are Compatible with Straight Talk?

In short, the iPhone 6 and iPhone SE and newer iPhones that are compatible with Verizon will work with Straight Talk’s Verizon towers and support the Voice Over LTE technology required to use their Verizon towers. The iPhone 5s and older iPhones are no longer compatible. You may be able to use iPhone 5s and iPhone 5 models with Straight Talk’s AT&T or T-Mobile towers.

Which Samsung Galaxy Phones are Compatible with Straight Talk?

In short Galaxy S5 and newer phones are that are compatible with Verizon will work with Straight Talk’s Verizon towers will support the Voice Over LTE technology required to use their Verizon towers.

While I Lose My Minutes When I Upgrade To a New Phone?

No. You can transfer both your phone number and remaining service balance of minutes, texts, and data from your current phone to your new phone.

However, if your current phone is eligible for Triple Minutes (3X) for life, your new phone might not be. If you are currently able add the $50 for 365 service days add-on your new phone may not qualify. Straight Talk’s smartphone’s and BYOP phones no longer qualify for the 3x plans. Consider adding minutes or the $50 1 year add on before transferring your service to your new phone,

Where Can I Buy a New Phone

Straight Talk sells a variety of both smartphones & basic phones. Any phone currently sold on Straight Talk.com is compatible. Straight Talk may have sent you an email or text message offering you a deal or discount on a new phone.

You can also check out my Straight Talk. I post the monthly Straight Talk deals here on smartphonematters.com see Straight Talk Latest Deals and Promo Codes

You can Bring Your Own Phone to Straight Talk if you want. You can buy a new unlocked iPhone from Apple or Samsung phones from Best Buy if you want. When you switch to Bring Your Own Phone with Straight Talk, you’ll have the option to use their Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile towers. Assuming you want to continue to use the Verizon towers, make sure you get a phone compatible with the Verizon networks.

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