General / Current Rate Plans

Easy Bank

Making Payments & Taxes

Text Messaging & Voicemail

Current Wisconsin Plan Subscribers

General / Current Rate Plans

Q: What plans do you currently sell?  Do you have any minute plans?

A: We've found over the years that our Unlimited Minute Plans are the most popular and they are easy!  No more counting minutes, waiting until 9:00 or wondering what network your friends are family or on.  To view more detail on current rate plans click here. http://einstein.letstalk.com/product/browse.htm?pgId=101

Q: I've seen Unlimited Minutes for $37.95 advertised.  Can you tell me about it?

A: For only $37.95 you get unlimited minutes and long distance on the Einstein Network.  You can purchase additional features. 

Q: Can I still subscribe to the Wisconsin Unlimited Plan(s)?

A: We now have the Hometown Extreme Plan that includes unlimited minutes and home coverage in the entire state for $54.95 a month.   The majority of your usage must be on the Einstein Home Network.

Q: What about contracts and credit checks?

A: We know that credit checks can be embarrassing, deposits too high and contracts too long – so we eliminated them!  Because of these amazing terms, we no longer have "free" phones.  Phones in our retail stores start around $70.

Q: Do I have to buy a phone from you?

A: No. We operate a GSM network.  If you have an unlocked phone from another GSM carrier, all you will need to purchase is a new SIM card.

Q: Do you unlock phones?

A: To get a phone unlocked you need to call the carrier which the phone came from.  They may be able to provide the unlock code.  We do not have any unlock codes.

Q: Do I need a debit or credit card to activate service?

A: No – You no longer need a debit or credit card for any plan! 

Q: I'm a Hometown Plan subscriber and have not been active for 60 days?  Do I have to pay any fees?

A: Between days 1 – 90 of having no service there will be no reconnection fee.  Between days 91 – 180 there will be a $15 reconnection fee.   

Q: Is Canada calling included?

A: Calling to Canada, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands and Guam from your service area is included in our long distance.  If you roam to Canada you will be charged 30¢ per minute(s).

Q: How do I know when I'm roaming?

A: The Hometown Plan's home coverage is the Einstein Wireless home network. Your phone will display Einstein Home while you are on the Einstein network and Einstein Plus when you are off the Einstein Wireless network. For Hometown Extreme you are only roaming when you are outside of the state of Wisconsin

Easy Bank

Q: What is the Einstein Easy Bank (EEB)?

A: Think of the EEB as a checking account.  You make a deposit into your bank and each time you roam, use directory assistance, or send a single text message, money is taken from the bank. 

Q: What can I use my EEB(s) balance for?

A: Roaming, Directory Assistance and sending single text messages (if you do not have the unlimited SMS package.)  We will be adding new features in the future.

Q: Is there any other form I have to fill out other then signing the Service Agreement?

A: Yes.  You will need to fill out the Einstein Easy Bank form.  You will need to provide your social security number (ITIN will work, but a copy of the card must be taken), employer information, photo ID in addition to your address and an alternative phone number. 

Q: Why do you have to collect so much information to start an EEB?

A: You are responsible for all charges you accrue. 

Q: What happens if I do not have a social security number or ITIN?

A: If you do not have a SSN or ITIN you will not be allowed to have an EEB.  You can still sign up for the $37.95 Hometown Plan. 

Q: Does my EEB balance ever expire?

A: No. Your EEB balance will carry over each month.

Q: What happens if I have a lapse of service?  (being disconnected for a few days)

A: When you pay for your next month of service your EEB will become active and your balance will carry over.

Q: How do I know how much money I have left in my EEB?

A: Simply call 611 to check your balance and review charges.

Q: How do I add money to my EEB?

A: Money can be added to your EEB in $25 denominations at retail & agent locations as well as by calling 611.

Q: What happens when my balance runs out?

A: When your balance reaches $10, you will be notified via text message.  When the balance reaches $5, ONLY the additional service features will be disconnected.  When you deposit money in your EEB, the additional service features will be activated.

Q: I'm running short on cash.  Can I use money from my EEB to pay for my monthly service and voicemail?

A: Unfortunately at this time we are unable to take money from your EEB and put it towards your monthly service.

Q: Can I get a refund when I leave Einstein Wireless?

A: A refund will be granted via a check from the office upon your request.  You must make a refund request within 60 days of stopping service.  Service must be disconnected for a minimum of 2 weeks before the check is sent out.

Making Payments & Taxes

Q: Where can I buy a month of service or make a payment?

A: You can call 611 or stop into an Einstein Wireless retail store.  Both of these options have no fees.  A convenience fee will apply for payments made at agent locations as well as cards purchased at convenient stores.

Q: Can you explain all the taxes and fees?  What are they for?

A: There are currently 4 taxes and fees that are charge.  Brown country also has a stadium tax. They are:

Universal Service Fund fee (1% of normal monthly service charges):Telephones provide a vital link to emergency services, to government services and to surrounding communities, it has been our nation's policy to promote telephone service to all households since this service began in the 1930s. The USF helps to make phone service affordable and available to all Americans, including consumers with low incomes, those living in areas where the costs of providing telephone service is high, schools and libraries and rural health care providers. Congress has mandated that all telephone companies providing interstate service must contribute to the USF.

Regulatory Program Recovery Fee ($0.98 per line, per month): This is a fee added to your statement to offset our regulatory fees, taxes and other charges imposed for property taxes and expenses associated with federally mandated programs such as Universal Service and Local Number Portability.

State & Local Sales Taxes: This charge is imposed by state, and county governments on goods and services.

Q: Can I sign up for AutoPay?

A: Yes – Don't worry about rushing in to make a payment or paying a convenience fee.  We'll charge your card 3 - 6 days before your next service cycle starts.  The charge will be for the features and plan you paid for last month. 

Q: What about online billing for Hometown customers?

A: Online billing for Hometown customers is not available at this time.  We are looking into a solution.

Text Messaging & Voicemail

Q: I'm sending a text message and it looks like it goes through but the recipient doesn't get it.  What is going wrong?

A: When sending text messages make sure you dial a 1 in front of the area code.

Q: I only see an option for unlimited text messaging for $4.95 – can I send an individual text message?

A: If you have an Einstein Easy Bank you can send a single text message for 15¢

Q: How much am I charged to receive text messages? 

A: Incoming text messages are free on all Einstein rate plans.

Q: How do I set up my voicemail account?

A: If you have subscribed to voicemail (an additional $2.95 with the Hometown Plan) push and hold down the 1 key on your phone.  This will dial into your voicemail account.   Your generic security code is 9999.  The system will then prompt you to change your security code.

Q: If I delete a voicemail can I get it back?

A: You cannot get it back unless you are still in the voicemail system.  If you are still in the system, you can press *4 to undelete the number.

Current Wisconsin Plan Subscribers

Q: How much does it cost to use 411 or Directory Assistance?

A: Calls to Directory Assistance or 411 are $1.50.

Q: I'm under contract and want to move to a Hometown Plan – can I?

A: Yes – You will need to pay in advance for the number of months that remain in the contract.  No refunds will be given for monthly service.

Q: I was on the WI 500 and want to move to the WI 1,000 – can I?

A: Yes – Just call 611 (a free call from your Einstein phone) and a Customer Care rep will update your plan.

Q: I was on the WI 1,000 and was disconnected.  What happens now?

A: You will need to pay your back balance and a $30 reconnect fee.  You will remain on the WI 1,000.

Q: I have 2 lines and want to add a WI Plus – can I?