Cell Phone advice?

[gmoney]

Need to replace my dad's cell phone, and was wondering if anyone had recommendations for who has the cheapest no-frills plan (not pay as you go). Basically, he needs maybe 60 minutes a month, not to get raped on roaming charges when he travels, and a bluetooth compatible phone that's simple to use, possibly with speakerphone function built in. No cameras or flip panels or keyboards or anything needed. Ideally, we'd like to be able to port his AT&T number to the new phone.

Also, is the built-in "dock" for a cellphone extinct? He's been to two places and both have said they can't really do it any longer.

I know I could spend sixteen hours online and at Best Buy and AT&T and Radio Shack and all the other retailers, but I'd love to just cut through the crap, so I throw myself on the mercy and collective wisdom and experience of the Lounge.

Many thanks in advance for your suggestions.

[BelleCarolinaPeridot]

1. Try Sprint.

I just bought my new cellphone from there. Great servce.

All the best.
CP

[LeftyMom]

2. If he's in your area, for that few minutes it might make more sense to add him to your plan

Any carrier should be able to get you the phone you want, since you're not looking for an obscure featureset. The trick is to pick out the carrier and plan first and the phone last.

Number portability was congressionally mandated years back, so he should be able to keep his phone number.

[gmoney]

3. Thanks for the replies... kick for the afternoon crowd?

TIA

[kay1864]

4. letstalk.com

You can put in number of minutes per month, roaming minutes, etc, and it'll recommend several plans. Phones are free, and oftentimes you actually make money from the rebates.

You can port the number only if he switches carriers.

**CAVEAT** His current contract has to be expired. Otherwise AT&T will charge a fee for breaking his contract.

[meegbear]

5. GET A MAC!!

Sorry, wrong tech item.

Have you looked into that "Jitterbug" phone? It's supposed to be geared for people like him.

[Hugin]

6. My collective wisdom is asking, "Why not 'pay-as-you-go'"?

Everybody is in love with contracts, I guess.

[gmoney]

7. because he wants to keep the number, and I don't think you can

port your number to pay-as-you-go plans... I know I can't port mine AWAY from Virgin

[Hugin]

8. As good a reason as any...

Unfortunately, it's also a problem I don't know the answer to.

Sorry.