While tracfone is convenient in many respects, they aren’t the best bargain. Consumer Cellular is one of the best carrier values for domestic use, with custom plans for various needs. When absolute connectivity outside the US in the most countries is the priority, T-Mobile wins hands down.
i just picked tracfone as an example. not that there are no other low cost alternatives.
Yes, there are alternatives. We’ve been using Republic Wireless. You have to buy the phone (great Motorola phones at a good price), but the plans start at 10 bucks a month. My wife’s phone is 25 bucks for unlimited talk and text and at least 5 gig of data a month. Mine is 15 for talk and text, but mine needs wifi for data.