Cheap Nokia GSM phones are probably much easier as they just have to throw in a SIM card and replace the vibrate motor with a connection to the detonator

http://bit.ly/fF3Ggu

You can get cell phones for under $20, and if stopped by the police have a plausible reason for carrying one.

But... not a plausible reason for carrying the bomb it's attached to.

If I was building a bomb activated by a mobile phone, I would try to keep the two separate until necessary.

Maybe if the world wasn't already awash in a sea of GSM phones. As it stands, I'm sure the incremental cost of acquiring an active GSM cell-phone is very much less than $50 (and probably comes closer to free).

I'm sure you can get a Nokia for half the price and hassle.

Yep, you can walk in to a best buy and pay $15 (cash) for one: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/AT%26T+GoPhone+-+Nokia+2320+No-C...

To be exact, this particular price is likely slightly subsidized by AT&T because they expect to make money on your airtime use. For a better comparison, you'd have to find an unlocked, unbranded phone which doesn't come with a carrier SIM.

Ahem-- I don't think suicide bombers need to worry much about the fine print.

incredible! I was sure there are some under $50, but $15?

NewEgg sells a motorola for $20, just gotta provide your own SIM :P