Prepaid phones in the U.S. (at least through T-Mobile, Verizon, and Virgin Mobile, which resells Sprint) do not roam. If you are not within range of a tower own

Prepaid phones in the U.S. (at least through T-Mobile, Verizon, and Virgin Mobile, which resells Sprint) do not roam. If you are not within range of a tower owned by your carrier, you do not get service (except 911). Look at coverage maps for the major carriers... even Verizon's map for prepaid is swiss cheese. Probably fine if you stay in the city but if you travel (or live in the suburbs of a city like Milwaukee) this is a dealbreaker.