Everyone is encouraged to have a data heavy plan for use while in Europe.  Voice minutes are not as important. This can be accomplished several ways.

1. You can get a SIM card for use in Italy from one of the cellular providers here in Italy.  Vodafone has been the most popular so far.  You get 300 minutes to call anywhere, 300 texts and 3GB of data for eur 20.  The only down side is you have an Italian phone number.  But if you download WhatsApp or Vonage you are good to go.

The key here is to be sure your phone is unlocked by your US cell carrier.  Contact them for the instructions.  Verizon has been the easiest to deal with.  AT&T has been the most difficult.  Frankly, if you are still within your service commitment AT&T will not unlock the phones.  Even if you have less than a month on your commitment, you are SOL. (Ask me how I know)

2.  Get a plan through your provider.  Sprint has the best option for their customers.  AT&T has the worst plans by far.

3. Buy a smartphone here for about eur 100.