I couldn't do the contract either. But found Page Plus Cellular. They are a prepaid company that use Verizon's network. For $30/mo, I get 1200 minutes/3000 text/ and 100megs of data. While thats not much, I'm on wifi most of the time and 100 megs is enough to get me email all the time, gps and geocaching from time to time, some product surfing when shopping, and I don't come close to using all my data. Best part is they are BYOD, bring your own device. I started with a new palm pixi plus (can find them for $40 or less new still) at the end of April. Couldn't do everything I needed it to (GPS navigation wouldn't work.) So bought a used LG Ally for $50 in May. That was great and I'd still have it if a friend didn't sell me a Droid 2 Global for $90 2 weeks ago. Sold the Ally for $90 with all the accessories. 3rd phone in less than 7 months. Careful the bug doesn't bite you. But the service works great and if you're okay providing your own tech support and responsible for your own phone, PPC is worth a look. Kittywireless is a great online dealer for them with some very helpful forums if you need more info.