Go phones - or similar pay-as-you-go plans

[jiminy]

Anybody have one?  I've been paying $42/month for cell service, and I use it maybe twice a month.  I just don't like them, don't like being on call.  Anyway, my old TDMA phone has to be replaced since that network is being shut down, and I want to replace it with a go phone.  Are they really pay-as-you-go or are there some hidden fees/taxes and startup costs?  Any problems with coverage?

[AMP]

Biggest problem is the money on your card/phone expires every 30 days, It is on the "Use It or Loose It" type deal on most of those plans.

Plus most charge you double time if you are out of your calling area calling into your calling area, or when calling long distance from your calling area, and 4 x per minute if calling Long Distance outside your calling area.

Cricket is by far the best value for what you describe, plus in your calling area you can talik 24/7 for the flat rate of your plan.  Long Distance and Travel Time outside your calling area are additional and on the pay as you go system, but not required.  They have another service called Jump Wireless which is pre-paid, you may want to look into it, but once again they are all around $40 per month bottom line.  

www.mycricket.com

[USRufnex]

when I was barely using a cell phn, I had good luck with Virgin Mobile.  I didn't feel like I was getting screwed if I didn't use the phone enough.

They use Sprint's network.  Seems like I had a plan that was .35 each day I used the phone, then .10 per minute.

could be wrong... these plans/prepay services seem to change alot.

[waterboy]

The pre-pay I had rolled over excess minutes when you renewed. I think it was every 3 months. We liked having the out of pocket cost defined. No surprises. At the time I found it cheaper than anyone but Cricket but no contract.