<p>I’m not a big cell phone user (I only make a handful of calls and text messages a day), so I’ve always used a generic phone that uses my parent’s plan.</p>
<p>I’ve recently received a PDA/smartphone as a gift but currently it has no SIM card. I believe it is locked to Cingular.</p>
<p>What would be the most economical solution/cell phone plan, considering I am a very light cell phone user? I kind of know what a SIM card is, but I’m not really sure how it works. Is it synonymous with a cell phone plan? :(</p>
<p>I’d like to use my parent’s family plan if possible (they are on AT&T).</p>
<p>Also, do I have to buy a separate plan to use the internet/email? Someone told me if I am satisfied with just using free wi-fi hotspots than I wouldn’t need to buy one, but I just wanted to make sure.</p>
<p>Cingular is now AT&T so you should be able to use your family plan. That is the least expensive way to go. I have a PDA on that plan. The itnernet/email is an extra cost. Unlimited use is $29.99 above the cost of $9.99 for the phone only. I don’t believe you can be on the internet at all without paying the $29.99 which activates that part of the phone.<br>
The sim card stores your phone number and data. It is placed in the phone and is what activates the phone. Without the sim card the phone will not work.<br>
You will need to go into an AT&T store and purchase the sim card and review the plans. Note: if you are very cel phone savy you can buy a sim card on ebay and activate the phone by just calling AT&T. It is sometimes a little cheaper but I wouldn’t recommend that for you given that you don’t know much about how the phones work.</p>