Originally Posted by In Absentia
T-Mobile and
Cingular definitely offer it relatively cheaply. You can get some from some convenience stores (7-11 for sure), but with the large carriers you can be sure that you'll have a signal in all but the remotest of locations. You can also check specific coverage areas on their websites or at their stores to be sure that you'll have a signal on your usual routes.
Thanks for the links!
This is what frustrates me every time I look into cell phones -- too many weasel words, sub-conditions, modifiers, hidden charges, etc.
Since the credit on the phone charges after 30 days (depending on how much you paid), you essentially have a monthly service charge. Or, if you pay at once, a deal of $100 per year. There might be a way to work it if you never use your phone and renew at the end of every 90 day grace period -- making it $30+ a year (but only usable 1 out of 4 months) assuming that you can re-activate on the fly with the 611 number ... unclear if that's a possibility.
But really, I expect that I'm usually within 2 miles of a pay phone. I carry a phone card, though I'm not sure (more weasel words!) whether the pay phones will take it as currency. The real issue is getting home. Sounds like the general consensus says that the suggested program is not worth it. What about the associated membership in LAB and subscription to Bicycling magazine? Does that change the balance at all?