Ultra Mobile, on the T-Mobile network, is great for individuals who make calls to other countries. For $49 per month, this unlimited plan includes unlimited texting with devices overseas, a $20 international calling credit, and the ability for those out of the U.S. to dial your number like it's a local call, so there's no additional charge. But keep in mind this plan requires you to supply your own unlocked phone, so there's an additional $10 charge for a SIM card. Also, mobile coverage isn't as widely available as on other plans, so do your research before opting for this plan.

As an alternative, AT&T's H2O Wireless offers a similar unlimited plan but costs $60 per month. It also comes with a $20 international calling credit, but free outgoing international texts are limited to the first 100. This plan does have a small selection of smart phones, but the devices are outdated. So you may be better off bringing your own unlocked, compatible device and purchasing a $10 to $15 SIM card for this plan.

You're a budget-conscious parent

Zact, on the Sprint network, is ideal for families who want to customize their service on a continual basis. While it doesn't offer traditional unlimited plans, a plan offering 1, 000 talk minutes and 1, 000 texts and 1GB of data is $43.37 per month (which is shareable on multiple devices). Since the average teen texts 3, 300 times a month, according to Nielsen, you may need to adjust your plan's text allowance throughout the month—which is doable with the swipe of a finger on your device.

Zact also has a feature that lets you set talk, text, and data usage limits per device. So to prevent your teen from checking Facebook nonstop, you can set a monthly allowance just for that app on his phone. You can also lock the phone during family dinners so he won’t be tempted to text or call friends throughout the meal. The best part is that you can set "approved" numbers (like your own), and the kids can always dial 911 in case of an emergency. Helicopter parents will approve.

Source: www.consumerreports.org