Smartphones, like the Droid, require a data package of 29.99 or higher, so unless you are willing to go to a dumbphone, you gotta pay something. Verizon has a 9.99 data package that has limited access amounts, its a requirement for all web ready phones. My 13 year old broke her Alias 2 and for some reason, I didnt have insurance on it. I went to Verizon and they told me she could pick any phone for the 1 year contract price, which I thought was great. She chose the Chocolate touch. The rep advised me that there would be the 9.99 data plan charge because Verizon got tired of crediting thousands of dollars to parents of kids who went on the internet because the phone was capable and they didnt realize that it was an additional cost. I told them no and asked to see the phones that didnt require the 9.99 extra, they pointed to the lonely display in the back corner with 4 phones. We walked over there and the look of horror on my daughters face was priceless! I couldnt do it to her and I agreed to pay the minimum data fee. So, it all depends on what you want to carry as a phone. I personally have no issue paying 260.00 a month for 5 lines, its the price of mobility these days.
