I know virtually nothing about cell phones, having finally relented and bought them earlier this year. We're with Spectrum--$30/month for each line. International is 7 cents for calls and 2 cents for text--to or from SXM. No charge other than the minute charges. Sounds easier and cheaper than what you folks go through. If you're thinking of changing carriers, Spectrum might be an option--they operate over the Verizon network.