You are talking though your hat now ... there have been a variety of plans available through the years - some as reasonable as 66 cents a day plus 10 cents a minute for 'security' use ... my use during my time with a carrier was 'non-rev' (non-revenue generating since it was a company phone that was allowed to be used for personal calls as well).
So much for me (or the public) getting 'ripped off'.
Thanks for playing here on FR and be *sure* you put something in the kitty on your way out ...
You have yet to reply to the points I raised. For starters, are you or are you not locked into a service contract with your cell phone? What does that contract cost you per month? When we get past this, we can move on to the other issues you are ignoring.
Now, so you don't accuse me of ignoring the really important details, I am off to make my donation to FR!