Not so much related, but kinda ironic.
Last few times I looked in this thread I saw a Virgin mobile ad.
I already use them though, so nice try Neal!
Do you want an android Neal, or happy with your phone and hate your plan?
I use mine for easy internet access and the free GPS program. (verizon wanted 5$ a month to use gps on my old phone.)
I gotta travel, and NJ has so many roads for such a small state, I get lost sometimes.
Plus I am dumber than a pile of bricks, so that helps with my getting lost on roads I should know.
If it is your plan you hate, then go with a budget carrier (virgin/t-mobile) and use a cheapo 40$ phone. Budget does not equal bad, Virgin has better reception than my old Verizon phone in my location.
If you want an upgrade then follow one of the many suggestions you got above.
It all depends on what you need.