You could purchase your own cell phone, and sign on to a service without a contract. You would still have to pay as you went, but at least you wouldn't be stuck with the provider if you don't like the service.
Yes, satellite phones are necessary for hiking in remote areas as they provide reliable communication in areas without cell service, allowing hikers to call for help in case of emergencies.
No contract cell phones can be a useful purchase, as they allow one to obtain a cellular phone without being required to keep a certain service for a long period of time. In the United States, there are a few ways to obtain a cell phone without contract. One is to purchase the device unlocked, and then go to a provider and sign up for a month-to-month service. T-Mobile, a GSM provider, has given a separate option, in that a user is never constrained to a service contract in their plans.
You can purchase such phones at websites like Amazon.com and Ebay.com. Just remember to check the seller's ratings before you buy - this will ensure that you get a good condition phone.
I believe that all phones can come with a service plan. I have a service plan from Cingular but it has pretty terrible service. It is very cheap, however. For a good service plan, I would suggest Verizon, as it is known to be highly reliable in terms of cost and service.
Digital phones are more reliable than analog phones. The digital signals are easier to produce and the technology is more reliable than that of analog signal.
Phones with large buttons can be purchased online from eBay. BT branded big button phones which would be reliable can be purchased online from amazon.
Sprint provides a prepaid phone service with no contract. Sprint offers affordable solutions for those who want prepaid cell phones, and are reliable.
Verizon would definitely be the better choice, if you are looking for a variety of different phones to choose from and not to mention extremely reliable coverage and service.
One can purchase a Windows phone from most stores that sell mobile phones as well as from most mobile phone service providers. Telus and Rogers both sell Windows phones.
Cell phones available for purchase on MyCricket are: Basic phones and smart phones - Apple, Android and 4G LTE. Android phones like HTC, Samsung, Kyocera, Cricket, Alcatel. All these phones are available with a contract or without. Users also get a $20 web discount.
No, GPS tracking phones dot not have the ability to trace a persons position if the phone is turned off or if there is no cell phone service in the area.