The key here is to getting the cheapest wireless service, be it from the cell phone company or from Clear Wire - new up and coming wi-max company, that will connect you to the internet.
Once you can get the internet this way you need to install Skype on your computer and cell phone (if you have it) . Then make all the calls through Skype Voice Over IP (VOIP) instead of using the minutes bought from the service provider.
The prices vary depending who is the provider and what is available in your area. I forgot that you need to buy SkypeIn phone # to receive calls just like a regular phone (you can always make calls to regular numbers from skype). Currently one year subscription costs $60. Also you need to buy the Skype credit, which is $3/month unlimited US or $10 unlimited world.
To recap, your monthly costs will be like this:
$??? - cell phone / wireless internet provider costs
$5 - SkypeIn phone #
$3(10) - Skype credit
As I mentioned, if you dont want to use your laptop as the phone, you will need to by Skype VOIP phone for home usage - it plugs to the computer instead of wall outlet. Cost is $25-$150
Now, if the above is better or not than what Vonage offers I don't know. 1 thing to consider is that Skype does not provide a lot of tech support - you are pretty much on your own with the whole setup etc.

: I rounded off the $1400 as I couldn't remember the exact figure but it was
: around $52 per month. I ask about a cell phone with it and as I remember
: that ranged in different add on prices depending on the style of phone and
: the monthly minutes and I would get one monthly bill for the 3-G cell
: cervice and another bill for the phone service. It's all a little
: confusing. I do have a desk PC and a laptop so the USB plug-in could be
: used in either one. We have Vontage here in the US that seems to be well
: liked for cheap phone service using one's hi speed connection and runs $18
: to $25 for full service. The reason it's confusing for me is it would seem
: I would pay $52 for Verizon high speed service, say $25 for the Verizon
: phone per month and then $25 for Vontage full service plan. That would be
: near $100 per month.

: John