1) With long distance rates via calling card down to 2.9cents per minute, there's no reason to use your cell phone for cheap or free long distance. A great provider is http://www.onesuite.com and I'm sure there's others. Note that the use of this calling card does not require you to change long distance providers. They have a feature called zip dial that recognizes the number you are calling from and does not require you to enter a password. I have their 1800 number programmed into my home and work phones, and together with "zip dial" simply hit that quickdial, and then enter the number I wish to dial. Their international rates are good too. With OneSuite I no longer wait for 8pm to call family (when my cheap cell phone minutes begin) nor do I use cell phone minutes just to secure cheap long distance. This allows me to buy a cell phone plan with fewer peak minutes included. Only caveat with onesuite is that it is pre-paid, and you must add minutes at least every six months or you lose your accural.

2) My regular long distance provider is GTC Telecom which gives me 5 cents a minute long distance which is better than some, and easier than dialing the calling card. These are just the two companies I've used with good success, I'm sure there are others. The point is long distance is so cheap (almost free) that there's less of a reason to consider long distance into your consideration of cell phone plans.