"It has been posted that the phone schould not be activated..."

An unactivated phone isn't good for much. I think the cheapest cards ($20) are good for 3 months (correct me if I'm wrong, please). Just write on the card when it is due to expire, and do some "practicing" just before it runs out.

If they truly are good for three months, that would give you a year of security for $80. How much would you be willing to pay if you needed it and didn't have it? $80?

Sue