They're a no-contract cell provider, been in business since '93, all calls ride Verizon's (huge) network w/o any other affiliation/obligation to Verizon (they're generally evil ;-).
Lots of different competitively priced 'plans' available (voice/text/data/etc), but I use the pay-as-you-go service:
* $10 = 100 minutes = .10/min
* $25 = 416 minutes = .06/min
* $50 = 1,000 minutes = .05/min
* text=10¢ ea .. pix=25¢ ea
You're only required to add minutes every 4 months, minimum of a $10 refill.
These days I rarely use the cell, so only spend ~$50/year .. if you're phone's mainly for emergencies, you could get by on the minimum $30/year.
They're based in OH .. the handful of times I've needed to contact them over the past three years, they've been prompt, courteous, and they've been Americans speaking English.
They'll also port your current # for free.
Along with printer ink, cell service strikes me as one of the great scams of the digital age .. this solution works for me, and I'm a satisfied customer.
ps: plus, all unused minutes carry over