There are network to network offers:

For instance, verizon wireless, AT&T, T-Mobile don't charge for calls to other customers or cell phone subscribers in the same network using the same carrier. Alltel has something called the My circle plans that provide free calling to any 10 wireless or landline numbers that you designate. T-mobile has something called Myfaves, but you only get to pick 5 other T-mobile subscribers on 1 wireless line. This way you don't eat up your anytime minutes.

How to avoid overage charges the providers charge you?

If you purchased the 500 anytime minute plan and find there are some months you talk 700 or 1000 minutes, right away switch to a higher calling monthly plan. Some carriers will charge you as high as 45 cents per minute for every minute you go over the alloted calling plan that you bought. It helps to look at your cell phone bill to see you are not charged for extra features you are not using.

If you have teenager or college kids, put them on a prepaid plan

Otherwise plan on getting a divorce. If you are in a blended family. It is easier to control your own kids. What if you already have 2 daughters like me and marry a women who has 2 chatty daughters. Instead of getting a family plan for 6 people and sharing 1000 anytime minutes. You can not be a police to monitor how many minutes your step children talk on the phone with their friends. It is easy to go find a T-Mobile, AT&T smart limit wireless service or Verizon prepaid plan. What I really like about the AT&T smart limit for only $5 a month, I can play a dictator, and control the numbers my daughter can call, text, or instant message. As well, as the timing and duration of the cell phone call. Since I have my controls set for calling home or their grand parents. They aren't likely to have a long telephone or cell phone chat with their father. I tell my daughters, if they want to socialize with their friends, they can chat with their friends on the Internet using SKYPE. I would not advice tracfone, I tried it first of all they give you a refurbished phone. And secondly, a lot of times when I have tried to make a call to AAA roadside service. I keep getting no service available and I am in a major city