The only thing I know for certain about mobiles is that they are a goldmine for the producers and operators. Another thing is that it is not only cheaper to buy a card in the country you intend to use it, international calls and texts have no justification if you are the least bit concerned about costs. It is much cheaper to buy an international card and use public telephones. Also, to call service centres, my local authority, and any other entity which has an 0870 landline number costs me up to 25 times more per minute than calling North America and countless countries in Europe from my landline phone. Bin your mobile and make landline calls - you'll discover the freedom of not worrying you are missing something. You never miss anything without a mobile and no true friend will think any less of you. Alternatively burn money just for fun.