"I signed-up with PlatinumTel (PTel) in May 2013 (the Real PayGo prepaid/pay-as-you-go plan). So far, I am happy with them. Everything is working fine, and the sign-up process was easy. Customer Service is very responsive: I have not tried calling them; instead, I have used chat and email. If there is a long wait with chat, then I just email them, and they respond within a day.

I have my own unlocked Nokia 2330c-2b phone. It's a GSM phone, and it works just fine with PTel's service.

The only reasons I've had to contact customer service are: #1 to learn about Real PayGo prior to switching to PTel, and #2 to disable (or place blocks) on data and text (I don't use either feature with my phone...just voice).

They have their regular website (https://www.platinumtel.com or https://www.ptel.com), and they also have a support website (https://ptel.zendesk.com). If you email them, then they create a ticket that gets logged on their support website (all your tickets get logged there, and you can review progress and respond---or you can just respond via email). There are also forums, announcements, tips/tricks, and feature requests sections on their support site (you can subscribe to them, and contribute to them).

If you want to save a little money on the SIM card, then check-out eBay by searching for "ptel sim". You could buy a SIM for $1 on eBay, or buy it from PTel for $5.

After researching PTel's Real PayGo plan, here are my notes:

#1
PTel uses the T-Mobile network (GSM).
#2
pay each 60 days or if balance is below $1.50
expires after 60 days or if balance is below $1.50
cancels in 5 days of expiring
#3
They try to retrieve your phone# if account canceled 30 days, then have to reactivate with a new #, purchase new SIM card and minutes; also, lose prior balance.
#4
expires if you make a direct international call; direct international calls are not included; you must use PlatinumTel International service by dialing 835 to make an international call, see website for details
#5
$10 top-up, expires in 60 days
#6
unused balance carries-over for a full year from the date it is loaded onto the account
#7
$0.50 fee deducted on 13th of month; fee is for Federal Universal Service Fund and WLNP
#8
5-cents per minute for calls
#9
411 charges (directory assistance); $0.50 per call, unless you dial 1-(800) FREE-411 (3733-411) which is billed at the normal rate
#10
how to check your balance:
* normal fee if done by phone (233, or #ADD)
* My phone has a feature that gives balance after each call, but it doesn't work with PTel
* Setup text and data balance alerts via their website (after you create an account)
* View your balance in your account on their website
#11
no credit for dropped calls
#12
autopay - not available
#13
SIM sizes: Mini 2FF, or Micro 3FF, or get the hybrid card that has both (that's what I did)
#14
You have the option to block text messages & data. It's free to disable these features; just contact them.
#15
cannot place calls to:
500, 700, 900, 976 numbers; party lines; operator-assisted calls such as third-party-billed and collect calls
#16
contact info:
chat, email, IVR, social media, or...
mailing: PO BOX 1825, Bridgeview, IL 60455
physical: 8108 S Roberts Rd, Justice, IL 60458-1668,
Phone: 611, or ***-***-****, or 1-866-CALL-ME-1
Fax: ***-***-****
M-Sat 9-9pm Central, Sun 10-5pm Central
"