From the articles that I've read recently, more and more people are getting away from the contracted phones and going to prepaid cards with their phones. You can purchase some nice phones in the retail stores now and it's a much better deal for people like you (and me) who just want to TALK on a telephone.
Recently a repairman came to my house and he had a prepaid type phone. He said it was cheaper for him to use. He even had internet service on his phone! The same towers are used as for contracted phones, but he said his service is actually better than when he was under contract. Go figure!
It's something I'll definitely be looking at when my current contract runs out. I'll be interested to hear what others have to say.