Cheapest no contract phone service?

I'm looking for an emergency no contract phone. Before i can pick a phone, i need to figure out the cheapest phone service. I was stuck on the highway last snow storm and it got me to thinking. I'm not doing any texting or web searches. I'm looking for a per minute plan. I'll rarely use the phone.
--If someone was to call my phone, is there a way to get notified that someone tried to call me without ringing up my minutes?
-- Cheapest i've found is $25 for 90 days or $100 for 365 days (att) so far.
Any suggestions?

Virgin Mobile, pay as you go, cheapest basic phone $20

GoogleVoice. Free.

GoogleVoice. Free. Originally Posted by BottomFeederKC

does Google sells phone too!

GoogleVoice. Free. Originally Posted by BottomFeederKC

I just bought a samsung tab 2. I've heard i can make calls with it, if i'm within a wifi hot spot. I already have g/v. Would the samsung app allow me to use the same g/v number?
So, if someone calls me on my no contract number, do i get a notice that someone tried to call me. Or do i have to run up my minutes checking if someone called?

I just bought a samsung tab 2. I've heard i can make calls with it, if i'm within a wifi hot spot. I already have g/v. Would the samsung app allow me to use the same g/v number?
So, if someone calls me on my no contract number, do i get a notice that someone tried to call me. Or do i have to run up my minutes checking if someone called? Originally Posted by new2thescene

Oh cool...you can download the Voice App. and then do the settings to have a email sent everytime you get a voice mail, text or missed call.

Tracfone has a pay as you go plan with 60 minutes and 90 service days for $19.99. They have phones from $15.00 and up.

For an emergency phone or hobby phone I think this is a pretty good option.

Tracfone is really cheap. Word of caution! Do not purchase a disposable phone at radio shack. Regardless of the manufacturer they take all of your personal info. You can pick up a tracfone at Walgreens and they don't ask any questions.

You can pick up a very cheap phone at Target, Wal-Mart, and Walgreens and they don't ask you a damn thing. Hell I picked up a 5 dollar flip phone and 90 days worth of minutes at Target for my grandpa to keep with him incase something happens. Everyone should have a cell phone regardless of what they do.

Tracfone by far, got an lg with triple mins and days, so every card is 3x longer now. Wish I was 3x longer. Hahahaha

Another vote for the Tracfon. Refill cards are at most C-stores.
Also, the don't ask any questions when you buy it. Cash & carry...