Snowbird cell phone
I guess. Few months might be different, but when I go to Canada I can pro rate the plan for the length of my trip. They usually short trips, though. Question about the iPad thing for Helene2014- if one has a non phone (wifi only) iPad, I take you can't do this because there's no card slot and no phone on the OS, right? I've never seen the phone keypad etc one on, only FaceTime.
For OP, check with Radio Shack. They have a lot of non contract options, or pay as you plans. spoke wrench is right in that coverage is going to vary a lot by carrier, with many rural or undeveloped areas not having very good coverage.
2015 Liv Intrigue 2
Pro Mongoose Titanium Singlespeed
2012 Trek Madone 4.6 Compact SRAM