I get 3,000 minutes at $139 a month, wife has an extra phone at $9.99.
Free weekend minutes and anytime between 7 P.M and 7 A.M unlimited minutes.
Looked at Verizons coverage site per Evansville (sp?), there are some areas where there is no coverage (small, but there are some). Also looked and knew about Verizons coverage in W.V, and same story.
Seems like it's a trade off at times between a local company who can offer great minute pricing and good calling areas LOCAL, but once outside of that area, you'll get nailed. With Verizon, you may not have the absolute best coverage, but they probably have the best nationwide coverage out there. I can honestly say that using my phone in about twenty different states, there has never been a time where someone has had reception with their cell phone and I have not. I have however had times where I did have reception and the person I was driving with did not (ALWAYS the case with Nextel users).
One time however that I can remember that really ticked me off and made me remember something. With Verizon, you will NEVER be hit with a roaming charge, period. HOWEVER, if you are in an area that they have to "piggyback" off another carrier, you will have to give that carrier your credit card number so they bill you direct. Happend one time with me out by Bryce canyon in Utah, had a work related issue that I had to take care of, a real PITA. Keep in mind, in seven years, it's only happend once to me, but man, it was aggrivating.
Also, see if you can get the software to load the cell numbers into your computer. If you have over four hundred numbers stored in your phone, and by chance you lose that phone, another real PITA. Another reason to look at insurance. Usually $5/month with a $50 deductable, if ANYTHING happens to the phone, new phone. Up on a commerical roof, put the phone where it should not go, and did a David Letterman "watermellon" test off the building. Another reason to store your numbers.
I really wish Verizons two way radio would of taken off like Nextels, but seems like its a dud for some reason.
Junk, yes, you're right about the "taxes". Sometimes you have a $50 plan and it turns out to be $70. Also read the "fine print" on the agreement, particularly if you think you might discontinue the plan before the agreement expires.