[jare45]

I would like a backup emergency cell phone. I plan on using about 100 minutes / year. That's right: 100 minutes / YEAR for US nationwide calling. No text. No data. No international calls. I just want to grab one of my friend's old phones, pay a one time fee, and be set for the year. I'll only be using this phone in the continental United States. Perfect coverage is not a necessity. I am looking for my cheapest option. Bonus points if I can simply get a SIM card sent in the mail instead of having to walk into a store. What carrier should I choose and how much will it cost me per year?

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› See More: Best pre-paid, talk-only carrier

[avenue]

Lyca Mobile is a newer provider and they have good rates. The cost is just 2 cents per minute. If I understand what I've been reading correctly, the minimum top-up is $10, and it doesn't expire, and long as you make a call, send a text message, or use data once either every month or every 90 days. I believe it is every 90 days.

It will probably work out to be one of the cheapest providers for just 100 minutes per year.