Need a cheap prepaid/monthly phone/plan for my parents.

Any recommendations? My parents don't use cellphones much, only for when they go out and just in case for emergencies. Nothing fancy, no touch pads or internet. Just one of those old flip phones that can make calls.

TIA

I use straight talk 30$ 1000 min 1000 text 30MB internet. Basic flip phone. Or you can also check tracfone or one of the other mvno's

Quote from xNico : Any recommendations? My parents don't use cellphones much, only for when they go out and just in case for emergencies. Nothing fancy, no touch pads or internet. Just one of those old flip phones that can make calls. TIA

Tmobile prepaid has the absolute cheapest at $10/year after spending your first $100.

The Tmobile deal, otherwise Page Plus. Uses Verizon network, can use basically any Verizon phone you want, including fancy touchscreen ones and Startacs. Standard good prepaid plan is $75-$80 (depending if on sale), 2000 minutes/texts, expires in one year.

After that, or instead of that, $10/100 minutes, expires every four months.

I'd have to look, but I thought a mediocre part of Tmobile prepaid is the minutes are expensive relative to other plans like Page Plus' .04 to .10 cents. If it's only an emergency phone, that would carry less weight, though.

Talked it over with my sister, she told me that prepaid phones suck and the current tmobile shes using only requires her to add $10-20 and that lasts her for a month.

I'll probably just go for one of the prepaid year plans instead.

Quote from xNico : Talked it over with my sister, she told me that prepaid phones suck

I hate to be the one to have to tell you, but your sister may be spending the holidays in a psych ward because she's crazy -- everyone loves Page Plus.

While we are providing anecdotal evidence...
I set my parents up with Tracfone and spent maybe $25 on a phone with triple minutes for life...
Then I spend $20 every 3 months for 60 mins and to keep it online.
It meets their needs for calls on the go/emergency travel issues and when their land line is out.
The minutes never expire and with the 3x each add they have plenty to spare.
I've never had any issues with Tracfone services.

Quote from ddavidch : While we are providing anecdotal evidence... I set my parents up with Tracfone and spent maybe $25 on a phone with triple minutes for life... Then I spend $20 every 3 months for 60 mins and to keep it online. It meets their needs for calls on the go/emergency travel issues and when their land line is out. The minutes never expire and with the 3x each add they have plenty to spare. I've never had any issues with Tracfone services.

I agree. Same thing with my mom, she's had it 6 or 7 years. We rarely use a cell phone either and have used Tracfone for a couple years. You can just about always find a bonus code to add some free minutes to the 60 you pay for.

If AT&T has good coverage in your area, they have a prepaid mobile plan that might work. Pay by the month, day or minute. And get in store service too boot if desired. I set up a friend with the 10 cent a minute plan. $100 per year. Straight forward plan.

http://www.att.com/shop/wireless/...plans.html