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I bought the exact phone (unlocked Moto g6) from eBay for ~$87 billed as open box a few months ago - it arrived as brand new.
I'm a cheap ass, but this is definitely the phone you want - best budget phone out there. Don't nickle and dime here.

You need to buy a sim card for it. The cheapest services run on Sprint, so you need a Sprint sim. $3 from Amazon plus shipping.

Table that shows which sim card model# you need for Moto g6 in case you want to purchase elsewhere ( it is "simolw416q")
https://s4gru.com/forums/topic/7833-the-s4gru-aio-byod-sim-compatibility-chart/

If you buy it from Amazon:

Sprint Sim Kit - Your Phone. Our Plan. - Unlimited Plans Starting $25/Month https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SWDX7BF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_yEOKDb81WT77K


I happily used Tello for 2 yrs for cheap ($10 + tax lasted me a year of use with their PAYG service)

But now all is changing.

The minimum now to start service is $20, and you have to recharge for $20 every 3 months. So it will cost $80 per year, which is still decent at a little less than $7 a month. The rates come out to be 1 cent/ min for calls and texting, 2 cent/mb for data. And I believe the balance rolls over indefinitely ( just emailed them to make sure and awaiting their response).

You could also sign up for the monthly plan, which is $5 or $6 at minimum per month, which is no data and 100 mins voice and free texting I believe. Verify that.

I also need to checkout pageplus and also another service called twillio or something like that.

Very dissappointed with Tello's rate inc, but yes, they still might be the best option out there for users like us.

No, you can only use a Google Voice (GV) number. I'll add some more info in the event you're unfamiliar with GV, but you can quit reading otherwise.

Google offers free phone numbers to everyone (at least in the US). Normally you can get one in your local area code. Once you get the number there are some cool things you can do with it. First, it is a real phone number that people can call or text. You can receive the calls and texts on your computer either through Hangouts or Voice. When I list stuff on Craigslist, I always tell them to text my GV# since I can answer directly from my computer. I've used a Google Voice number as my landline for years in my house with an Obihai device.

On your cell phone, you can also make & receive calls & texts with your GV number via Hangouts plus Hangouts Dialer or the Google Voice app. The Voice app just got overhauled and it offers more comprehensive functionality that can also incorporate/merge your cellular provider's phone number with your GV #.

TLDR Get a Google Voice number--they're free, and VERY useful.

Definitely use the Cricket referrals! I'd recommend making it clear with the admin of the group you're looking to join that you'd like to have that credit applied to what you owe, which really shouldn't be a problem. You should get a confirmation e-mail that will serve as "proof" that you've earned your credits, which should roll in around month 2 or 3 of your Cricket service.

Every group is run a bit differently however, so I'd definitely be explicit before joining.

As for the IMEI problem, I'm pretty sure you can order a SIM from Amazon, and skip the checker:

http://www.amazon.com/Cricket-Wireless-Complete-Starter-Pack/dp/B0136NJTLS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1459351255&sr=8-1&keywords=cricket+sim

Also, it's cheaper right now than buying in-store or online!

I'm almost 100% positive that the 5x will work flawlessly on Cricket once you pop in the SIM and activate it, but it'd be great if another Cricket user with one could provide insight.

The 16GB Moto G is on sale for $200 (normally $220):

http://www.motorola.com/us/products/moto-g-gen-3

You could have it today if you can pick it up at Best Buy:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/motorola-moto-g-3rd-generation-4g-with-16gb-memory-cell-phone-unlocked-black/9047149.p?id=1219698447057&skuId=9047149

Or order from Amazon and do the Prime same-day shipping:

http://www.amazon.com/Motorola-Moto-3rd-Generation-Unlocked/dp/B00ZQVSKS2/ref=sr_1_2?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1464112426&sr=1-2&keywords=moto+g

Huawei Honor 5X is one of the best choices for your money and is available on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Honor-5X-Metal-Unlocked-Smartphone/dp/B019O8YWR0

Nexus 5X is also $200 but only for the 16GB non-expandable version (I would highly recommend spending an extra $50 for the 32GB), and must be ordered online with Project Fi. You would have to pay for the month of service and then cancel it. Probably not ideal for you, plus the Moto G is expandable and the 5X is not.

Edit: If you're thinking of just getting the 8GB Moto G to save a few bucks, the 16GB is vastly superior. The 8GB only comes with 1GB of RAM, which is not enough for multitasking. Your phone will probably struggle to play music while navigating, for example.

FP site not giving plan advertised on activation.

i saw the links to those two locations for $35.

• https://www.target.com/p/freedompop-3-in-1-lte-sim-kit-12-month-prepaid-plan-unlimited-talk-text-1gb-data/-/A-53511519
  
  
• https://www.amazon.com/FreedomPop-Less-month-12-Month-Prepaid/dp/B0792D3LLZ
  
  ordered mine from Amazon since nearest Target was out of stock, and same price of $35, but getting treated like a plain sim kit.
  
  https://www.freedompop.com/activate is the page to use per the kit packaging, but after nope on premium services, trying to force me to pick a plan, instead of giving me the one the kit is advertised for.
  
  has anyone successfully activated this on 2019-08-18 or later? and without giving a cc info? and exact steps, please, so it is repeatable.

Yeah but make sure you have correct phone, compatible with total wireless

Anyway, Amazon is running a promotion and you will get $25 back via Amazon gift card, check at https://www.amazon.com/eGift-Promotion-Total-Wireless-Prepaid/dp/B072FTW1MB/

I did it last month and it came quite fast.

$70/month for ProjectFi unlimited is definitely your best bet if you need reliable international usage (with your local number). Otherwise you can go with anything recommended here and just grab a local sim card wherever you travel (or something like this).

Not a permanent replacement. It's 2G. And it doesn't support these new VoLTE functionalities. Consider it disposable after 2020 when they shut the 2G system gown.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009IRGQPO/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Holds two Sims. These were once popular in South America where owners attached them to Yagi antennas so they could reach cell towers 50 miles away :) Battery lasts a long time. I charge our glovebox phones once per year and they always have charge. Good sounding phone - especially outgoing voice.

Really cheap if you can find any.

Band 12 (aka 700MHz and where available) helps a lot with indoor coverage. In my area, T-Mobile got as good as AT&T and Verizon when it was lit up. Of course, YMMV in your area.

If it were me, I'd get the MintMobile starter kit - it includes two SIMs: one for testing service and one of you choose to move: https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Compatibility-SIM/dp/B0786RD524

If the test works, you can see which T-Mobile MVNO or reseller offers the best plan for your needs. I'd also check what Metro deals are available if you do decide to switch.

I have used the Orange Travel SIM and the 3 Travel SIM which are both available on Amazon. They give you a decent amount of data, texts, minutes, and an EU number. They also offer roaming throughout the EU for free. The Orange SIM assigns a French number, the 3 SIM a UK number. They both offer different allotments for very different prices so check them out! I definitely recommend the 3 SIM if you’re going to be in major cities, but if you plan on traveling into rural areas Orange is partnered with better carriers.

Orange SIM

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XBYMX58/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_5Ff6Cb9KH7ME9

3 SIM

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FI1JW72/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_pHf6Cb3617S6J

I just went through the process of setting up an M1 with external antennas and can give you my experience. For background, I'm located in a pretty rural area where satellite is the only option for internet, so I was probably willing to put in a little more time and money than the average person.

Initially, with no antenna, I was getting around 3-4Mbps most of the time. Occasionally, I had issues connecting at all.

Added the following equipment (x2 of everything for MIMO):

• Antenna https://www.amazon.com/Electronics-Wideband-Directional-700-2700-314411/dp/B00J14YEHQ/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=wilson+antenna&qid=1573746790&sr=8-4
  
• Cable (LMR-400 low loss) https://www.amazon.com/Wilson-Electronics-Black-WILSON-400-N-Male/dp/B0018PVVBS/ref=pd_bxgy_107_3/139-1718440-5788748?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B0018PVVBS&pd_rd_r=8d6f1840-34a4-4572-8713-4822574eecf0&pd_rd_w=VYOji&pd_rd_wg=nasqR&pf_rd_p=09627863-9889-4290-b90a-5e9f86682449&pf_rd_r=99B6JM5BAAC48ZBM3Z3B&psc=1&refRID=99B6JM5BAAC48ZBM3Z3B
  
• Pigtail connector https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07LBRK94Q/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  
  With these antenna at a high point (~25ft above ground level) in my attic at +45/-45 degrees, I'm getting consistent 25Mbps minimum and frequently 60+Mbps, no issues with connectivity or slow speeds since moving it. Before getting the antenna up high, I could only ever connect to band 12, but moving to the attic allowed me to pick up bands 2 and 14 which I assume is where I picked up the massive speed increase.
  
  This wasn't a cheap setup, unfortunately, but I am very pleased with it overall.

Oh hey, you can get a Cricket SIM for $.99 from Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Cricket-Wireless-SIM-Card-Kit/dp/B0136NJTLS/
You can sign up for a free 30-day trial of Amazon Prime to get free shipping. Read the most helpful reviews to see how to activate it. Looks like there's no activation fee (at least if you do it online) but it looks like you have to insert the SIM in a compatible phone. Also, I don't know whether you have to select a plan and fund the first month. (It wouldn't be worthwhile if you do.)

> Get a SIM card for either Cricket or Ting. (Cricket you can get from Best Buy, Amazon, ebay, etc...)

Like this?: https://www.amazon.com/Cricket-Wireless-Complete-Starter-Pack/dp/B0136NJTLS/ref=sr_1_1?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1474500992&sr=1-1&keywords=cricket+sim+card

She's going to make friends so she's going to want a local number. That's not to say that there aren't options like WhatsApp, but it'll make life easier for whatever official things she may need to do with a local number.

For yourself, I've picked up sim cards from Amazon for European travel. Stupid cheap for gigs of data from 3UK, with international roaming for pretty much all of Europe. I'll go find the link and edit my post.

Link to 12gb 300 minutes currently $28

Link to 1gb 'Tablet' for $13

To be quite honest, most devices under $200 are complete trash. The Honor 5X at $199 is a very well regarded device. You could also look at Swappa.com and go with a used flagship device such as a Moto X Pure Edition, an LG G4, a Galaxy s6 or even an iPhone 5S.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FI1JW72/

It roams on ATT and T-Mobile in the US and you can call US numbers by calling +44 7755 545454 and then your number. iOS let’s you add the prefix to individual contacts which is very helpful if you like to call using Apple Watch or Siri and not type the number afterwards.

Looks like Amazon has it too: https://www.amazon.com/T-Mobile-Prepaid-Complete-SIM-Kit/dp/B00LPPHHFK/ref=pd_lpo_107_bs_t_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=K4N1D4SNB3RV6W611FRQ

Any idea if either those will work fine with this plan?

I recently got this for an international visitor who needed data only for email/whatsapp:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0728N8PT9/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It lets you choose number of service days. You can choose network (AT&T/Tmobile/Verizon). For 2 months, you will probably spend roughly $5-$10 (after Amazon gift card) depending upon how much data you need.

You can get the Three UK sim here in the US. Amazon is your friend

5 GB data at $18.09

https://www.amazon.com/UK-destinations-including-European-countries/dp/B0753DK9JP/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=2MFZTAGA6DO3A&keywords=three+uk+prepaid+europe+sim&qid=1569527845&sprefix=three+uk%2Caps%2C207&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&smid=A38G8TI537EHUQ&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyQTI0SzNNMUlKTVlEJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzEyMTgyMkdEUDdKVVZNMUJBNCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUExMDI1NTY0MkFKQ0hJQVZQM0laRiZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

12 GB data at $21.43

https://www.amazon.com/PrePaid-destinations-including-European-countries/dp/B01FI1JW72/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=2MFZTAGA6DO3A&keywords=three+uk+prepaid+europe+sim&qid=1569527845&sprefix=three+uk%2Caps%2C207&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&smid=A38G8TI537EHUQ&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyQTI0SzNNMUlKTVlEJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzEyMTgyMkdEUDdKVVZNMUJBNCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUExMDI1NjMyMlJWM09CWFdSS1A0RCZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

This might be your best bet. It gives you 100mb of data and 100 minutes and texts.

I switched from a Moto G to a Moto X and used this: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009P16FKY/ref=pe_385040_121528360_TE_dp_1

Worked just fine, easy and takes like 10 seconds to cut it.

Don't trust coverage maps, they all lie on them.

Mint has a $5 trial sim. It gives you 7 days with 200 text, talk, and 200mb of data. Its really a good away to try the T mobile network out. If you buy it an decide to join mint they give you $5 off your first bill.

https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524/ref=sxin_2_ac_d_rm?ac_md=0-0-bWludCBtb2JpbGU%3D-ac_d_rm&crid=12X76ST3M0YHP&keywords=mint+mobile&pd_rd_i=B0786RD524&pd_rd_r=d9c60673-b2a0-49f8-b6f3-e55e8349a616&pd_rd_w=OlJrS&pd_rd_wg=5nqcA&pf_rd_p=d29bc9bc-49e2-46b8-bc05-387917c341ec&pf_rd_r=SS6QCZSQMR4VH7BCSGGV&qid=1567027081&s=gateway&sprefix=mint%2Caps%2C150

​

edit: You will need an unlocked phone that can use T mobile.

another thing that can be done with google voice is get one of the obhai boxes from amazon, the has the convince of google voice, with the ability to make the occasional outbound phone call..
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BUV7C9A/ref=s9_acsd_al_bw_c_x_1_w

I had good results using this for my 2 week trip in the EU (Milan, Munich, & Berlin) last fall:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072ZNGK88/

YMMV, but make sure you follow the tips in the reviews.

I ordered him the Wilson Wideband Directional Antenna found here:
https://www.amazon.com/Electronics-Wideband-Directional-700-2700-314411/dp/B00J14YEHQ/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=wilson+yagi&qid=1569347723&s=gateway&sr=8-2

I'm waiting on an adapter to connect the antenna cabling to the LB1120 modem, so I can't give any insight on speeds yet. (I recommended he get two for a MIMO setup, but he would like to try one first before doubling up)

All together, here is what we purchased:
AT&T Prepaid Sim ($10)
Nighhawk AC1750 Router ($80)
Wilson Wideband Directional Antenna (700-2700 MHz, 50 ohm) ($50)
LB1120 4G Modem ($100)
32 ft of N Male to RP SMA Male cabling ($15)
Connectors to convert to a TS9 plug ($6, part I'm waiting on)

All this for under $275, not too shabby. If he decides to go with the second antenna, add $70-ish. I'll report back once the connector is in on Thursday.

Getting a local sim is usually the best and cheapest way to go. It does depend on which European country you're going to though. Do your homework before going here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_mobile_network_operators_of_Europe . Check out the rates for prepaid from providers in the country you're going to first. They vary greatly from EU country to country. For example, I recall getting a prepaid huge data plan from Eir in Ireland that worked across the EU when I flew into there once. By comparison when I went to Belgium, the deals were much worse.

You should check out Orange. Orange is a French carrier (the largest in France). They offer a Europe-wide Tourist Sim that works for 2 weeks after activation with 20GB for around $50 USD https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XBYMX58 . Even though it is from a French carrier, it works across all carriers in Europe including those not part of the EU such as Switzerland.

I ported my home phone to Google Voice ($20 one-time port) and use this to get calls (They regularly go on sale at Newegg too). It gives you free calls in US and Canada. You can purchase e911 for $15/year.

If you port it to google voice you can get one of these and make it your new landline and keep using it for free.

https://www.amazon.com/OBi200-VoIP-Phone-Adapter-T-38/dp/B00BUV7C9A/ref=pd_lpo_229_bs_tr_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=FGCBC7Y5NPH5SJZ3SVGC

I found this on amazon buy only works on GSM which is att or T-Mobile. Here a few more on eBay cordless kind too.


Desktop Wireless GSM Unlocked Telephone Full Size Cell Phone with SMS FM Radio Function Sourcingbay M281 Bright 2.4" LCD Screen with Caller ID Battery https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LYN9671/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_VYJSDbC9TGWZ4

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F401767571383

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F312779236154

Freeup mobile works on att and gives you 1000 mins/texts for free. Just log in once a month to renew. Started by one of the guys who founded simple mobile before it was sold to slim/tracfone. They have a $10 unlimited talk and text plan if 1000 is not enough.

If you want the sim quick get it off amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/FreeUP-Mobile-SIM-Card-Compatible/dp/B07BN2391K


Since it is on att any att phone will work even a prepaid one.
eg https://www.bestbuy.com/site/lg-lg-phoenix-3-4g-lte-with-16gb-memory-prepaid-cell-phone-black-at-t/5748617.p?skuId=5748617

Been using it for 4 months with no issues with the service. You can reduce the cost of your bill with rewards eg coupon printing but it isn't necessary.

You have to activate the plan online via T-mobile.com; you can't go to a T-Mobile store to sign up for the plan. Just buy the T-Mobile SIM and sign up via T-Mobile.com web site. FYI Here are the links for the SIM card, $5 at [Best Buy](
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/t-mobile-complete-sim-starter-kit-white/8699899.p?id=1219359704883&skuId=8699899) and Amazon

You can use https://www.fakepersongenerator.com/imei-generator to generate ipad imei and sign up for the ATT iPad unlimited data plan. I just generated a few below to see if you can use any. Once you activate AT&T sim card with the following imei, take this sim card and place it in any unlocked phone or AT&T phone and you should have a data connection. You can also place it in a AT&T hotspot device or you can place it in your phone and use google voice for all incoming/outgoing calls as well as text. Port your actual number to Google voice because in order to use google voice, you just need data which you are going to get it with AT&T iPad unlimited plan. If you go with the hotspot device, the link is below:

https://www.amazon.com/ZTE-Velocity-Mobile-Hotspot-Unlocked/product-reviews/B0747PF6P6/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_viewopt_srt?ie=UTF8&reviewerType=all_reviews&sortBy=recent&pageNumber=1

​

iPad IMEI generated numbers: 358531057468284, 126670081228974, 990001276725975, 130990004976267

Most of the mobile hotspots have TS9 RF ports. At that point it is all about finding what fits and your specific use case.

This is a good place to start https://www.amazon.com/Netgear-6000450-MIMO-Antenna-Connectors/dp/B00DN3J03O and if you are a little more serious, a tripod, along with a TS9 male to N male adapter, and this antenna https://www.amazon.com/Electronics-Wideband-Directional-700-2700-314411/dp/B00J14YEHQ/ can pull in signals that normally are unusable.

Something like this should work. Note, to call back to the U.S from Ireland requires an additional top-up ($0.03/min).

Is this instore or online only??

Edit

https://www.amazon.com/FreedomPop-Less-month-12-Month-Prepaid/dp/B0792D3LLZ

Amazon has it for $40

MintMobile sells a test SIM on Amazon for $5. Take out your current SIM, put in the test SIM, and try it out for a week. MintMobile will give you an additional phone number with the SIM. Would that work for you?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0786RD524/

amazon has them for a 1$ right now also...


https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0136NJTLS/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

I still see the 3gb 1 360 day plan for all networks being available at amazon for $255.00

https://www.amazon.com/Red-Pocket-Mobile-Contract-Unlimited/dp/B01D50H1L2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1522685226&sr=8-3&keywords=red+pocket

https://www.ebay.com/itm/FreeUP-Mobile-3-in-1-SIM-Card-Fast-4G-LTE-for-any-UNLOCKED/174042238910?hash=item2885b9cfbe:g:yY0AAOSwrsRdikSf:sc:USPSFirstClass!07047!US!-1

https://www.amazon.com/FreeUP-Mobile-SIM-Card-Starter/dp/B07BN2391K/ref=sr_1_9?keywords=freeup+mobile&qid=1571359095&sr=8-9

$2.99 from https://www.amazon.com/Sprint-Sim-Kit-Unlimited-Starting/dp/B07SWDX7BF/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=sprint+sim&qid=1573975383&sr=8-1

which is a kit that includes sims for all current phones.

https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Compatibility-SIM/dp/B0786RD524/

The starter kit includes the 7 day trial.

https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524

So will this work? And is this all I would need besides the SIM card?

https://www.amazon.com/ZTE-Velocity-Mobile-Hotspot-Unlocked/dp/B0747PF6P6

Or do I need another hotspot and/or something else?

If you're activating a new line, you could also get a $25 egift card if purchasing a $0.99 sim from amazon

amazon

Is this the sim card I would buy?

https://www.amazon.com/T-Mobile-Prepaid-Complete-SIM-Kit/dp/B00LPPHHFK/

Nano SIM cutter

The port out doesn't finalize until you activate the SIM, but you can also avoid the worry by buying sim card kits through Amazon for cheaper (link below) then activate on cricket website once you have sim cards in hand.

Cricket Wireless Complete Starter Pack: Nano SIM Card with Standard & Micro Adapters https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0136NJTLS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_MSMIxb67RXSVQ

You could always get a desk phone that connects to the cell network.
Less learning curve but you will lose the ability to make calls when the power is out.

You could try going to Walmart and picking up either this or this and using one of those to activate on Red Pocket Mobile.. I am not sure at all if that will work and the packages for AT&T and T-Mobile look the same in store. Amazon also sells 3 carrier SIM cards online but again I am not sure they will work either. If you 100% want it to work, you have to buy a Red Pocket SIM card. Either on eBay or their website. I cant think of any retail stores that sell starter kits for Red Pocket since they mostly sell service online.

No you can leave anytime, no contract. But I have to warn you, if you're used to Verizon you will hate Sprint. It is slow, coverage is not too good, and your data won't work while you're on a call.

If 3GB each works for you, why don't you try https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01D50H1L2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_mUg3BbTRYSD2C
for $22 a month per line you get UT&T with 3GB each on any network you want, including Verizon.