In the past I have had contract phones with monthly charges, cancellation fee etc. For me that was not worth it as I only need the phone for infrequent use. I have had two tracfone (C139) for a few months now. I am perfectly happy with them. Each Tracfone only cost $20, and that will also include free minutes...10 with the phone...10 if your activate online...and 120 if you allow me to refer you...we both will get 120 free minutes. I also have 2 additonal codes for 30 and 60 more free bonus minutes. The service will last 2 months when first you activate, and 2 more months when you add the free minutes. After that point if you have not used up all your minutes you can roll over your unused minutes when you buy more minutes...for as little as $20 every 60 days. If you decide your don't need the service after you have used up the time and minutes...store you phone and reactivate it at a future time...no fee...just buy as little as $20 for 60 minutes...however, you will be assigned a different phone number, which I don't think is a big deal. Contact me (matman713 at hotmail dot com) for my referral and get started with a bunch of free minutes!