In my country, I bought my own favorite phone, then I chose a mobile phone company, signed up for a prepaid plan & got a number. I only need to pay a small amount per year to keep that number active. I don't have monthly fee & I don't need to have any credit though I would keep a minimal amount in there in case I need to call out (I would use the landline to call out if it's not urgent). And that amount, if unused, will only expire to nothing after a year.
How do I get the same thing in US? What's the plan? What company should I go to? I only need the number in case anyone needs to reach me when I'm out. I only text & surf when I'm on WIFI. I don't call out & if I do, I would use the landline.