My elderly mother needs a cell phone for emergency use only. She will probably never use it -- only if her car breaks down on the road, etc.

What is the best plan for such occasional use? I've heard of plans that charge a $1 daily access fee only for days the phone is used. This would be ideal, but what companies offer this plan, and is there truly no charge for days when the phone is not used? Not even a monthly fee for service?

The cheapest phone plan for granny would be a prepaid phone. Look for prepaid phones and you'll find a plan that suits her needs. There are no other cell phone providers who don't charge an arm and a leg each month.

I use Virgin Mobile and have the plan where I pay $15 every 3 months as I have the cost automatically billed to my credit card. Sure the $ accrues in the account but for about $1 a week the cost is worth it. You can also get phones from them that last longer battery wise as well on the prepaid plans.