No, I don't think that is a correct way to look at it either.... Because in this particular case, it IS intended to be used once (or a few times in just a very short period)then thrown away or otherwise disposed of.... For SECURITY purposes, not because it is no longer functional.
I think though that a more appropriate term is an ANONYMOUS phone... That is thrown away when it becomes "hot".
Here is an excerpt of what I just finished finished writing up in my blog on the subject:
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The media and some of the 'regular people' discussing this issue are using the terms "untraceable" (or disposable), and that is not an accurate term: By the very nature of the cellular network, a cell phone is very precisely tracked and traced every time it is turned on, whether you are making a call or not. A more precise term would be "ANONYMOUS"
By using a phone purchased for cash in a place where he is unknown and activated online by another person using a fake name and address, then passed on to him in secret, a terrorist has a very very 'clean', anonymous device with which he can communicate safely and securely with just about anyone in the world, including terrorist mastermind Ayman al-Zawahiri on his satellite phone while hiding in a cave on the Pakistan / Afghanistan border. And as long as the phone is disposed of promptly, it would take an absolute miracle to intercept the actual conversation, much less identify and capture the terrorist in the field who is getting his last minute instructions on completing his terror mission.
The average Joe buying such a phone isn't buying it to throw it away, since they are rechargeable and you can buy more prepaid minutes. I think I read that and that's correct! Also people with no credit card (still required I believe to buy a cell phone with a plan) can buy the trac phone with cash. The original idea behind this type of phone I would imagine.
The criminal and/or TERRORIST is buying it to use once and throw it away and not be traced/tracked as to having been the user, so yes, anonymous user of an anonymous phone!! The average Joe who continually uses his trac phone could be traced/tracked, not identity wise, but call wise?? Am I correct on any of this now??!! LOL!