I'd suggest you look into PagePlus at pageplus.com
Far and away the CHEAPEST service plan if you're not going to make many calls and just need to carry a phone for emergencies.
They're a "prepay" service, and for $10 you can buy a card good for about 100 minutes or so, and it lasts for 4 months (120 days). They do charge you a service fee (about $ .50, I think) per month. So, if you don't use the phone, you can get a full year's subscription for about $30 - $2.50 a month.
They have a few phones for sale, or you can "bring your own phone". They use Verizon as their carrier, so any Verizon-compatible phone works.
I picked up a Samsung "930" from ebay for $61. Walmart was selling these for around $250 with a Verizon service plan, which I didn't want or need. You also need to pick up a PagePlus "activation" card if you bring in your own phone, they sell for $5 on ebay or you might find a dealer selling them locally (see the PagePlus web site for dealers in your area.
Again, if all you need is an emergency phone, PagePlus fills the bill. I've had my phone for about 3 months, and haven't made a call yet!
- John
Excellent idea, John. I’ll look into it. Thanks.