Question for cell phone enthsiasts

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11. the whys

Where I live apparently Verizon is the only cellphone service that works.

They have a store about 25 miles from here and I have contacted then online. The prices online include a 3-year contract with prices being close to $50 a month.

Plus, I need to get one of their phones. Do you have to buy one from Verizon or can you buy it online at Walmart or on ebay? They seem cheaper at these places.

They don't have much of an Uber service here and taxis are scant and few.

There are a few local transit buses available and a service I qualify for called "Dial-a-Ride". It is for disabled people and the cost of that ranges from $3.00-$9.00 for a one-way trip.

I don't understand the difference between "locked" and "unlocked".

What would be the cheapest way for me to have one of these.

It would be useful at times I suppose as I'm trying to go it without much help at all.

The local phone line I have is from AT&T. When you call them to find out what services they have available you may end up on the phone for hours with only to be disconnected. Very frustrating.

Thanks for any ideas, etc.