<p>Try mobiledia.com for phone reviews. Pick a sturdy, inexpensive phone. Do not buy Verizon’s insurance ($5/month and $50 deductible) – it’s cheaper to buy a replacement phone on Ebay (or you could upgrade your phone and send him your old phone).</p>
<p>Many students (like our son) at college share family plans with parents and so have non-local area codes. If you already have Verizon, you should be able to add your son to your family plan for $10 a month. Buying him a new phone and plan is expensive (if you must do this, PM for discount coupon at letstalk.com).</p>
<p>Try to avoid any additional long term commitment if you add your son to an existing plan. For practical purposes, this means getting the “basic” free phone from your carrier and perhaps a 1 year commitment on the additional line. Another option is buying a cheap compatible phone on EBay and adding it to your family plan.</p>
<p>Mobiledia has a coverage review by zip code at [Cell</a> Phone Carriers - Cell Phone Service and Tower Search](<a href=“http://www.cellreception.com/]Cell”>http://www.cellreception.com/)</p>