I've been playing the "How can I save Money with my Wireless Plan" for almost as long as I've had one.

I've tried Verizon, Sprint, ATT and T-Mobile. I've tried the Pre-pay guys, Boost, and Virgin (both on Sprint's network), and GoPhone (ATT).
Some were good deals on the surface.
Boost had an old deal of $1.00 a day unlimited push to talk, and unlimited night and weekend calls. They also had an old $5.00 unlimited international calling plan that was hard to beat. They still have it, but it's way more limited. The old plan included China, and many other countries UNLIMITED for $5.00 a month.

Virgin had a $25 a month, 300 anytime minutes, and unlimited Android plan that I'm still on (grandfathered into). This is my backup phone. Virgin recently raised this to $35 a month, but still not a bad deal. For $25 a month, I will stay with this as a backup. Since it's CDMA, it's a good alternative to my GSM full service plan.

The problem I find with discount pre-pay plans is that you get what you pay for no matter what. If you are an international traveler, forget it. You have to put in a foreign sim if you CAN to use it. It's got to be unlocked. Most CMDA phones have no Sim slots so you are stuck when traveling. Your phone will be useless in Canada, the UK, France, etc. With carriers like Boost you can only originate call from the U.S., period. Also, you are married to your carrier network only. NO ROAMING. You can't use a Boost phone (using Sprint) on a Verizon Network as a roam call.

I admit I pay quite a bit more for my T-Mobile service, but I can use it anywhere there is GSM service in the world. As a bonus, I've got UMA calling so I can call from anywhere there is WiFi coverage, and take calls via WiFi using my T-Mo cell number at no extra charge. Pretty handy. But again, I PAY for this by a large monthly plan! But to be able to just use your phone in Paris to call New York? That's convenient. And to have people call your number from the U.S. and get you in Paris? That's even more convenient. There is no roaming charge on UMA with T-Mobile.

So I always waffle on this issue. Should I just bite the bullet, and save a load of cash every month and go with someone like Straight Talk, or stay with my full service carrier?
Convenience VS economy. UGH! A decision I always wonder about.

I guess if I never traveled outside the U.S., I may be enticed to go with Straight Talk. I like that I could use my T-Mo phones.