k - i'm with you. also use AT&T, and use the monthly plan only when we travel. it served us well for a while. especially if one uses texting (much cheaper).

but, unlike some of you, we are (unfortunately) tied to our business these days, and we like to stay in close contact with our kids. the more we go, the more we end up making calls to friends within bz. last trip, AT&T screwed up big time and we got hammered with charges ($900+) that took 2 hours phone time to straighten out.

what everyone says is so...the rates aren't that bad if you don't use it much, but if something happens and you need to use it, you can really get walloped at month's end.

i also know others who like skype, but i haven't used it.

as always, JMHO, but i'll show ya those AT&T bills if you want to see...