Talk:United States/@comment-78.218.33.37-20150515151242/@comment-25567354-20150515182022

I use Tmobile's $30/month plan, 100 voice minutes, 5 GB data, unlimited text. I'm based in US and use this as my only plan. This plan is only available for online activations. Monthly topup cards are available at most retailers. Buying direct from Tmobile.com incurs heavy fees and surcharges, 16%! I refill on comfi.com and the refill posts immediately to my sim. Comfi doesn't offer a $30 option so I buy their $60 every other month. $1.75 fee per $60. Comfi also refills other carriers.

100 minutes meets your 1 hour/month need, and 5 GB more than covers your data need. Tmobile's network is best in populated areas, less so in more remote ones.

I looked briefly at MVNOs that run on Tmobile's network but wasn't able to find as good a value. $30 at an MVNO doesn't get as much data.

If you need more than 100 voice, Tmobile's network is robust enough to carry voip. I use well over 100 minutes but rarely touch the plan minutes because I voip my calls. If you do go over, calls are $0.1/min, deducted from your topup credit.