waterboy, I think you will be happy getting him a cell phone. let him think you are being nice, but really you are buying him a leash. Never forget the value of caller ID, have him call you back "to save minutes" from the land line where ever he is if you do not believe he is where he is supposed to be. I always hated it when my parents did that. [
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Anyway, I wouldn't worry too much about the phone. They usually come free(ish) with a plan. My wife and I as well as a couple friends have the SonyEricsson flip phone from Cingular (the New ATT) that's a few years old now. Almost any phone you get will have text and camera on it now. Just shop around for plans and see what phones are offered from their website, you usually get the best deals on the web.
I switch from US Cellular to Cingular a few years back because my coverage sucked (not so much IN Tulsa, but random dead spots in KC and on highways). With Cingular/ATT I have driven from Tulsa to Memphis, Houston, Corpus, KC, Minneapolis, Des Moines, Chicago... all over the midwest with no problems. I flown to San Fran, Cleveland and Key West and was still covered just fine. I've been very happy with my coverage and service.
I would suggest getting a plan over a cricket pay as you go service. Generally there are more favorable terms. HOWEVER, you need to have a strict "if you go over you pay" policy as it can be expensive. Minutes are easily checked from your phone, online or with a call. Statements tell who talked when, to whom, and for how long and the same for data and text usage.
Just browse some websites to see what would work best for you. ATT works fine for me. And welcome to 1995 [
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