4. Alltel

Though its coverage map is not all inclusive, one of Alltel's prepaid wireless plans might work fine for those who live within the company's calling area and don't plan to stretch out

Activation Fee: $33
Must replenish monthly
Weekdays = M - F from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm
Nights and Weekends = M - Th. from 9:01 pm to 5:59 am, and 9:01 pm to 5:59 am

Two Alltel Phones (phones and prices are as of mid-January 2006)

Kyocera KX424 Blade: voice-activated dialing and predictive text-input. Price: 99 cents after $104 instant rebate.

Nokia 6235i: vga camera/camcorder, fm radio, voice dialing and recording. Price: $129.99 after $50 instant rebate.