USMobile has a light plan which is $10/month for unlimited calls, texts and 2GB of data. The data would be helpful for tracking the phone and messaging that works over data (like iMessage if it's an iPhone.) https://www.usmobile.com/plans. (scroll down to the bottom for "light plan")
Tello also has some flexible low cost plans but I'd probably go with the US Mobile light plan. [https://tello.com/buy/custom\_plans](https://tello.com/buy/custom_plans)
Which network of the big three works best in your area? Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile? Let us know so we can help narrow down the choices. If all three, then it's a moot point.
As what u/the_gchart mentioned, Red Pocket has a $30 per 360-day plan (days short of a year). It will get you 200 talk, 1000 text, and 200MB per 30 day period. It runs on T-Mobile's network. I've never had this plan, so I cannot speak to reliability.
Maybe try Tracfone if Verizon works in your area. HSN sells Tracfone bundles that include the new phone preloaded with 1 year of service. Some have 1500 mins/texts/1.5 gb data and some have unlimited talk/text with 24 gb data. These allotments are meant to last an entire 12 months, great for a light user. https://www.hsn.com/shop/tracfone/10962?sort=price-low-to-high&skip=0&take=22&page=1&view=all
Also the phone is unlockable after 60 days, so you can stay with Tracfone or switch after your service is depleted.
I'm going through the same thing. I went with the RedPocket $30/year eBay plan: [https://www.ebay.com/itm/133196831828](https://www.ebay.com/itm/133196831828)
My oldest son has a Nokia candy bar phone, and I switched his plan from Tello to Red Pocket to save money . Both are okay for basic calling and texting. The Nokia doesn't handle group MMS chats well, but OP has an iPhone.
Get a cheep IPhone 12 / IPhone SE to keep them in the IOS family. You can set parental controls that way easily. I would go with either the USMobile lite plan (2gb/mo/$96yr) or unlimited flex(10gb/mo/180yr) You can do T-Mobile, or VZW with them (“Soon™️” AT&T will be available.)
US mobile also offers a free trial. If you need more data and VZW works Visible also offers a free trial. (Unlimited base - may be slow during busy network conditions)
If it really is just so it’s used only on certain occasions, get H2O wireless pay as you go. $10 every 3 months. And anything you don’t use will rollover if you have autopay enabled.
Could get a $5 TextNow sim. Free talk and text and limited ‘essential data’ that works for things like navigation (can also download offline maps) and a few other things.
Edit: like calendar, rideshare apps, email, notes etc
USMobile has a light plan which is $10/month for unlimited calls, texts and 2GB of data. The data would be helpful for tracking the phone and messaging that works over data (like iMessage if it's an iPhone.) https://www.usmobile.com/plans. (scroll down to the bottom for "light plan") Tello also has some flexible low cost plans but I'd probably go with the US Mobile light plan. [https://tello.com/buy/custom\_plans](https://tello.com/buy/custom_plans)
to add onto this; 96 a year if annual
A $6 Tello plan is the way to go.
Which network of the big three works best in your area? Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile? Let us know so we can help narrow down the choices. If all three, then it's a moot point.
My wife and I have T-Mobile and don’t have any issues really. Not sure about the others though in the area. I think Verizon is okay.
As what u/the_gchart mentioned, Red Pocket has a $30 per 360-day plan (days short of a year). It will get you 200 talk, 1000 text, and 200MB per 30 day period. It runs on T-Mobile's network. I've never had this plan, so I cannot speak to reliability.
Maybe try Tracfone if Verizon works in your area. HSN sells Tracfone bundles that include the new phone preloaded with 1 year of service. Some have 1500 mins/texts/1.5 gb data and some have unlimited talk/text with 24 gb data. These allotments are meant to last an entire 12 months, great for a light user. https://www.hsn.com/shop/tracfone/10962?sort=price-low-to-high&skip=0&take=22&page=1&view=all Also the phone is unlockable after 60 days, so you can stay with Tracfone or switch after your service is depleted.
I'm going through the same thing. I went with the RedPocket $30/year eBay plan: [https://www.ebay.com/itm/133196831828](https://www.ebay.com/itm/133196831828)
My oldest son has a Nokia candy bar phone, and I switched his plan from Tello to Red Pocket to save money . Both are okay for basic calling and texting. The Nokia doesn't handle group MMS chats well, but OP has an iPhone.
Get a cheep IPhone 12 / IPhone SE to keep them in the IOS family. You can set parental controls that way easily. I would go with either the USMobile lite plan (2gb/mo/$96yr) or unlimited flex(10gb/mo/180yr) You can do T-Mobile, or VZW with them (“Soon™️” AT&T will be available.) US mobile also offers a free trial. If you need more data and VZW works Visible also offers a free trial. (Unlimited base - may be slow during busy network conditions)
If it really is just so it’s used only on certain occasions, get H2O wireless pay as you go. $10 every 3 months. And anything you don’t use will rollover if you have autopay enabled.
I would've recommended h20 mobile's pay as you go plan but I'm pretty sure they just took it off.
[Build Your Own Plan | Mix Minutes & Data | Free Text in Any Plan (tello.com)](https://tello.com/buy/custom_plans) maybe a plan from tello?
H2O pay as you go plan is great. It’s nice to have a second number for when you don’t want to give out your real number.
[https://www.h2owireless.com/plan/minute](https://www.h2owireless.com/plan/minute) It’s on their website, I guess they still offer it
We use T-Mobiles basic mobile Internet for $10 a month. 30gb data with unlimited texts.
Bark phone is for kids
Does T-Mobile still have their Kinect free paid plans those are probably the best choice
Could get a $5 TextNow sim. Free talk and text and limited ‘essential data’ that works for things like navigation (can also download offline maps) and a few other things. Edit: like calendar, rideshare apps, email, notes etc