Thanks for the input guys!

I think we're going to run a "test" of the coverage offered by straight talk in my area before I commit to buying a GSM phone to use on their network (or looking into verizon prepaid). Here, the straight talk service uses AT&T, verizon (only on 2 phones here like you said mechnut450), or sprint networks.

They have a "free" basic phone (I think it runs on AT&T's network) and we're planning on getting it and a $30/month credit. My husband wants to try it out around town and see how good the coverage is (although this may not tell us about 4G coverage, we'll at least know if we can get calls / texts in town). If that works out fine, he'll keep that basic phone and I'll get a smart phone to use on their network.

I'm thinking verizon pre-pay will be my second option (they are 3G and it would be $60 a month for a small amount of data, before taxes / fees) or just see if I can do their pre-pay basic phone service ($35 a month).

Either way we'll be saving money from what we're paying now with no smart phones.

Mike41793- I just don't know if I'll use it enough to justify spending about $90 a month... I have a tablet at home and computer at work, so my internet usage will be low at best... Plus I've been with verizon so long and am tired of their customer service... Not that smart talk would be any better. *shrug*

Thanks again folks!