NO data
NO smartphone (I use a stupidphone)
Almost no texting in/out

For me, it's a mobile *phone*, not a computer! All the companies seems to be selling fancy packages - data, texting, long distance calls etc. Hey, all I need is a phone like in 1999.

My needs are simple...

1. No registration required, or even if there is easily circumvented (one person buys, another person uses and maintains account). In Indonesia small kiosks are loosey-goosey last time I was there, but in Vietnam ID is now required. This is a worldwide trend. Last time I bought a SIM in Malaysia, even though the clerk was *supposed* to ask for ID, he didn't, and the SIM still worked.

2. Can top up using cash payment with no ID required - receipts with codes you type in, or top up cards also purchased for cash. No online accounting required.

3. incoming calls very cheap (0.30 at Chatr and Speak Out) is not cheap if one gets five calls per day. I understand that at least with Chatr if you go to a landline and call the number the retrieving voice mails is free, but that sounds cumbersome.

4. No monthly fee, pay as you go. Or if you must pay a monthly minimum no more than $30

5. Credit lasts a long time. The problem I had in Malaysia is if you don't use it up the credit disappears. But at least there if you buy in big enough amounts it can last for months.

6. No/low activation fee

7. SIM card reasonable price. I was amazed to see the high price of SIMS for iphone compatibility!

8. Can use with any unlocked phone.

9. Call in customer service, reliable signal, etc - all extras. I don't need them. But they would be nice to have.

I wasn't happy making politically sensitive calls in China where registration identity is strictly enforced. I know this is Canada, but I prefer to be 'off the grid'. I use an out of date non-trackable phone with the most basic service possible. I am a journalist not a drug dealer.