Update: As of 7/20, the plan is now $35 per month.
If you’re looking to trim your cell phone bill, but still love the idea of smartphone antics with unlimited data, this post is for you. While best known for their prepaid phones, Virgin Mobile also has a set of monthly recurring plans called Beyond Talk that starts at just $35 for 300 minutes and includes unlimited data.
Here are some more details of the plans:

- No contract, no credit check, no activation fees.
- Price includes all taxes and fees.
- Virgin Mobile is owned by Sprint, and uses Sprint’s 3G network.
- Unlimited text messaging and data (email, web browsing)
- Additional minutes are 10¢ each. Sales tax and fees may apply.
Now, other brands like StraightTalk offer unlimited data with a very limited set of phones. But with Virgin Mobile, you can get Android OS phones like the LG Optimus V for $150 or the fancier Motorola Triumph for $300.
Price Comparison
Local taxes and fees add up to about $5 per line in my area, which makes the $35 basic plan comparable to a $30 plan from a conventional contract carrier. As long as you don’t need that many talk minutes, I would say this is a very flexible and affordable plan.
If you include the cost of the smartphone ($150) and 300 minutes service for a year, that comes up to 150 + 25×24 = $750 over two years. Extra minutes cost 10¢ each.
You can buy the LS Optimus S (for Sprint) from Sprint for only $20, but the cheapest plan with 500 minutes + unlimited data is at least $60 a month (not including taxes). That’s a total cost of 20 + 60×24 = $1,460 over two years + taxes. That a difference of over $700, or $350 a year, although you do get more minutes this way. Extra minutes cost 45¢ each. (*Excludes any employee or student discounts.)
Hat tip to Lazy Man for bringing it to my consciousness. For way too much information about Virgin Mobile plans and the Intercept in general, visit Howard Forums.

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