We live rather remote and don't have a landline or cellphone coverage in our area. However, we currently use an old basic 2G cellphone for when we are in town.

We only top it up now and then when necessary on a prepaid basis on Vodafone.

We now hear that the 2G network will soon be closing and that we will need to upgrade our current piece of technology.

We note that there are some prepaid plans (Vodafone) that have a cost of (say) $16 plus an initial charge for, I presume, the initial SIM card. Does this mean we will have a standard charge of $16 per month, or will this data allowance carry over to subsequent months if we make use of the phone at least once per month, either texting or ringing.

With the 4G networks coming on line, should we consider a 4G capable phone or would a 3G system suffice? Remember, we are only interested in the basic texting and calling attributes.