I don't remember the actual numbers, but check out T-Mobile, which is what I have. I bought it because it had the best "refill" option. You have to buy one refill card every 30 days, and the lowest card value is $10. But if you get your account over $100, then the refill period goes up to 1 year. If you don't use your phone much, you end up paying $10/year to keep it going. They still charge you for the per/minute calls, but if you don't use it much, the account lasts a long time.

I also get text messaging and voice mail and low-end ring tones, but that's it. None of the fancy stuff like games and photos--crap I don't use anyway.

[Link]

My wife only uses her Virgin cell for brief calls, and we probably haven't spent more than 12 bucks a month on it.

And the phone itself was only 19 dollars with no hidden charges.

Los Angeles July 2007

[Link]