We reduced our cell phone cost while cruising to the absolute minimum. We use a Magic Jack VOIP connection coupled to a Mac Powerbook when in a marina or within range of a reliable wi-fi connection. The price is hard to beat, $19 a year. Using a home built "cantenna" the range is about 1500 feet. On the ICW, LI Sound and the Hudson we invariably find a free connection within a few minutes. In those instances where we have to make a quick call or for emergencies we have a TracFone pay as you go cell phone. These are available at any supermarket or big box store for less than $20. Air time is about .10 per minute. We have been buying the 1 year plan for about $98 at WalMart. Nominally you get 400 minutes a year but with promos, freebees, and a double minute plan option we get over 1000 minutes. So far we have never used up the time and have accumulated about 2000 minutes in reserve. In total I would estimate our entire annual marine telephone and internet communication cost at about $150/year. Larry Z