Best inexpensive cell phone that gets excellent reception?

In my experience good reception depends on the carrier and not the phone. I had Verizon phones in all different price ranges and never had a problem. Since I got my iPhone and had to switch to AT&T, it’s hit or miss. I lose a ton of calls now…I miss Verizon…

Until you buy him that phone, you should consider using Skype (as long you both have a computer and internet access). I use it to talk to people in Southeast Asia, and the reception is still great.

His school can’t support skype.

well, i know my brother uses a low end nokia, and so does a friend of mine, both phones are really geared towards simplicity, i’ll try to get you some model numbers

Thanks iwa. I really appreciate that.

If you can iChat (or some internet webchat). And for a phone I have AT&T and have the Sony Ericsson slider and have had no prblems. Maybe $50 and is on AT&T.

You can always use this thing I found iCall does he school at least support that???

Or ooVoo is another web or video chat you could use. But for calling maybe iCall like aboe