I'm from Australia. There are a couple of low cost alternatives here for the moment. The plan I am on gives me 1.5gb/mo and pretty much unlimited talk/text for my use.

When I was in Canada/US I couldn't really find any low cost options without a contract.

If you're in the US, check out Black Wireless (GSM, ATT network), or Republic Wireless.

I use 'Straight talk' (with AT&T based sim) in the US. It is not a lot, but still is cheaper than just being with AT&T and also gives me much more high speed data per month. Problems? The high speed internet might not be as reliable as AT&Ts (I feel I get 2G at more places when compared to AT&T), but mostly it is good.

US is really costly when it comes to phone bills. One of the most advanced countries in the world, and can't give cheap internet.

I have been very happy with Republic Wireless, but I am considering Ting because I am an Apple Fanboy. Black wireless looks very good. I am not sure I how I missed them before now.

I never heard of Black Wireless, but the fact that they're selling a bogus "radiation blocker" thing makes me instantly dislike them.

T-Mobiles $30/month plan is also worth checking out.