http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/ Engadget Comments for Editorial: the American phone subsidy model is a RAZR way of thinking in an iPhone world http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/Feb 23rd 2010 8:26PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/Feb 23rd 2010 8:06PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/Feb 23rd 2010 8:12PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/Feb 23rd 2010 8:18PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/Feb 23rd 2010 8:26PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/Go outright... It's your phone, you can do what you want with it and you don't get bastardised firmware! It will also save you money in the long run.]]>Feb 23rd 2010 8:59PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/Feb 23rd 2010 9:01PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/
What you are advocating is a terrible idea. Wouldn't you rather pay the full price for a phone with no contract and say a 30 dollar a month discount for not getting a subsidized phone? If the carriers did this, this would be more upfront and transparent for consumers. Not to mention a crap load cheaper since you arent locked into paying them for two years on contract. ]]>Feb 23rd 2010 9:16PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/you idiot, you prefer to get midrange devices for $200 instead of free like in Europe?! I'd prefer they allow you to choose any phones, and subsidize them based on tiered plans, and offer better selections of devices. I'm sick of carriers blocking access to devices in America. Just tell me the minimum amount of money you need monthly to make it free.

Also, why should they give $500 subsidy for an iPhone, but only $300 for an E71x with the same plan requirements when one is half the price of the other? I say stop subsidies altogether, or go with tiered plans, like Europe, and only offer unlocked devices. The US has issues learning from the folks that paved the way, like we aren't fans of history. Just do it and get it over with.

I guarantee we wouldn't see Apple with its unfair subsidies and growth sucking up at&t costs and passing it along to everyone else. (Notice how Euros can get any premium device for free, but always choose the Symbian phone? Take notice from the folks that know way more than we about smartphones, etc.)]]>Feb 23rd 2010 10:06PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/"Shop around, get a gray import outright and then hop on whatever plan you want. No early ETF's and no insane data rates. "

Does anybody ever stop and think about this? If you are going to buy an iPhone, or a Nexus, or a Pre, you're going to be paying the same amount for data with or without a contract! Yes, ETF's suck, but when you realize that there's really only one carrier you can switch to when you buy a phone due to the split technologies we have for cellular phones in the US, there's almost no way you'll need to switch more than once, which would cost about the same -or less- than buying a phone without an ETF. $600 for an iPhone on AT&T. Congratulations, you can now move over to T-Mobile if you want! And then back to AT&T! Yayyyyy! Or, you can buy an iPhone at $200, and if you really hate AT&T that much, bail, pay the ETF, and still be below the cost of the full priced iPhone.

I'm all about the consumer having the option, but I really can't stand it when I hear stupid comments like how much money you'd save without a contract. The contract doesn't cost the consumer any more money unless you change carriers 2-3+ times within a 2 year span. I haven't even brought up activation fees, so have fun paying that every time you feel like using your freedom to move from 1 out of the 2 available carriers that will work with your phone to the other.

Subsidies keep phones cheap for us. I'd much rather pay $200 up front for a nice phone than $600, considering it will cost the same amount to use the features of that phone over thr next two year - contract or no contract.]]>Feb 23rd 2010 10:35PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/Feb 23rd 2010 11:29PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/
I generally agree with your sentiment. ETF's suck but you have to get service from someone anyway.

The only saving grace could be the prepaid space. Being able to use any CDMA phone on Boost (as an example) would be a huge win. You can get unlimited talk and data (3G) for $50/month and no contracts. Unfortunately, from what I've read, it appears that the phone selection is less than stellar for CDMA prepaids.]]>Feb 24th 2010 12:14AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/
I remember selling the old StarTac flips when they came out for $1,500. I believe the most we'd knock off at the time for a new line activation was $200. So for $1,300 you'd walk out the door with a phone that pretty much sucked in comparison to today's phones. With that said I'd still like to be able to walk into a Sprint store and pickup a HTC Touch Pro2 for free with a two year extension.]]>Feb 24th 2010 12:30AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/
Boost does have a good pricing plan but it's NOT A GREAT CDMA NETWORK. Boost uses the Nextel iDEN network NOT the Sprint CDMA network. I would also mention that as far as pre-paid carriers go both CricKet and MetroPCS plans pretty much blow even Boost out of the water.]]>Feb 24th 2010 12:36AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/Feb 24th 2010 1:01AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/
Charge whatever price they want to charge for their phones.
On approved credit, you take out whatever payment plan u want (pay ur phone off over 1 year or 2 years for example).
The price of ur phone is split into equal payments every month and clearly shown on your phone bill.

If you don't like the carriers phones or prices, buy it somewhere else. Since you didn't buy the phone from the carrier, no extra charges should show up on your bill.

The best part about this idea? Lower monthly service charges if you buy your phone elsewhere because subsidies (that u didnt even take from) are no longer built into the plans. And "required" features like data wouldn't be needed for carrier purchased phones because the customer is already paying for the phone directly on the bill.

For extra incentive, the carriers could even give a slight discount for higher priced plans on contract. And I don't mean subsidy. I mean actual discount. I suppose they could charge an ETF equivalent to the discount if you cancel early, but it should only be to recover the discounted amount at the most.

Very simple. The end.]]>Feb 24th 2010 1:24AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/Actually, you can bring ANY Verizon CDMA phone you want like the Droid to Page Plus Cellular. and they have pretty good plans.like $30/month for 1200 mins,1200 texts, and 50MB data. Or unlimited talk for $40/month. Sounds like the same Verizon towers for about half the price.]]>Feb 24th 2010 1:42AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/
BION, that's exactly how it USED to be done before the many regionals condensed (more/less) into the big 4 today. Back when I worked for Houston Cellular (partnership of Bellsouth Wireless and AT&T), with approved credit, you were allowed to make monthlies on the equipment.

I'm no great fan of credit, ever. I do like the idea that, if I agree to contract, I get to pay for the phone over the course of said contract at no interest. Should I decide to leave, I'll return the phone or you can hit my account up for the balance on the phone.]]>Feb 24th 2010 2:58AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/
You can get any phone for free, as long as you're willing to sign up to a €X contract for Y months.

However, there's also a range of SIM only contracts. These contracts usually only have a 1 month lock-in period and are significantly cheaper. Add your own phone and away you go.

The problem with the American market is poor regulation. Because there's only one wireless standard across the whole of Europe, it makes swapping carriers much easier. This has lead to greater competition and more innovative ideas. ]]>Feb 24th 2010 5:44AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/
Cable companies make there situation work by charging a stb fee, DirecTV charges $5 a standard and $10 for HD and DVR. Plus they recover the box after the service is over. Seems like a working plan, and the customers always have the newer units. ]]>Feb 24th 2010 7:53AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/Feb 25th 2010 9:29AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/Feb 24th 2010 9:20AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/Great idea except reverse it 180 degrees:
1) CDMA dies and we're left with GSM on a set of commonly agreed-upon frequencies.
2) I go to a manufacturer or a retailer and buy whatever phone I think has a good price/feature/whtanot ratio for FULL price.
3) I go to a carrier and offer to pay on a monthly basis an amount that will get me a certain service, which reflects the fact that I bought my own damn phone. Let me repeat: I buy my phone for full price, I get service for cheaper than people who didn't, I get to cancel with 30 days notice with no charges. ]]>Feb 24th 2010 9:30AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/
Because I spend most of my day in college or in coffee houses with free Wifi, I don't really need a data plan, so my monthly payment is 12.50€ for free SMSs to everyone with the same provider, which is the same as me for most my contacts, and 5 cents a minute calls to them too. Over the course of 24 months, I spend about 300€ to my provider.

This is the plan that suits me best, and while I believe many in the US wouldn't make much use of this plan, as many or even more would actually spend a lot less money overall on wireless communication. ]]>Feb 24th 2010 1:10PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/>>Does anybody ever stop and think about this? If you are going to buy an iPhone, or a Nexus, or a Pre, you're going to be paying the same amount for data with or without a contract!

This is not true anymore in the case of T-Mobile and Nexus One. T-Mobile's new plans charge $20 per month less for the same minutes with unlimited text and data without a contract if you bring your own unlocked phone. So if you buy unlocked Nexus One, you'll save money over buying the subsidized price phone in the course of two years. As far as I know, no other carriers in the US are doing this, though. This could be attractive to people who want to use old phones or keep their current phone for a long time. It also makes sense to people who like to switch phones very often. Buy a phone, use it for a few months, sell it on eBay, buy a new phone, repeat as desired, all while saving money on your monthly plan.]]>Feb 24th 2010 2:15PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/Well, not really you know?
I happen to be an " Euro" and just 2 months ago I got rid of my last Symbian smartphone: a Nokia N97 that costed me less than 200 USD on a 6 month contract (phone NOT locked), now I got an HTC Hero that on the same 6 month contract (50 USD /month for free data and voice within the country with unlocked phone) costed me 5about 60USD upfront; but I also bought an HTC HD2 with no contract ( for exactly 476,85 USD) because I calculated that paying 200 USD upfront plus 50 $ for six month for the plan would amount to 500 $ while buying only the service and paying all the HTC HD2 upfront would save me little more than 100$ in six months having the same service , avoiding bloatware and being able to get all the updates and firmwares as soon as they become available.
Next month the scandinavian telcoms will begin pushing the HTC Bravo and SE X10 for the usual 200 bucks + 6 month plan and I will definitely change my Hero with one of those, but most probably I'll be buyng an unsubsidised phone again.
More and more "Euros" too are discovering that subsidized phones are convenient only for the telcos.]]>Feb 24th 2010 3:35PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/Feb 24th 2010 3:44PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/Rogers has a Nokia XM5800 on offer for maybe $50-100 after contract. Now here's the thing that really bothers me. The 2.5G bands on the XM5800 doesn't work here in US/Canada, so we're stuck with whatever slightly-higher speeds the network can offer, but that's not the end of the story.

The phone itself has GPS, WiFi, Bluetooth. What Rogers does is use a custom firmware and disable GPS and WiFi on it. Also, ALL cellphones that come from Rogers are locked even if you pay full price without a contract. It does similar tricks on many of its other featurephones and smartphones that aren't HTC, Apple, or the super-high end Nokia/Samsung/LG stuff.

So even if you want to, you can't, because all the phones you get are crippled out of the box with shitty Rogers Mall/App shit, unless you go to some third-party shop and just buy them unlocked.]]>Feb 24th 2010 4:51PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/Feb 24th 2010 8:21PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/Feb 23rd 2010 8:07PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/Feb 23rd 2010 8:58PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/
this. As long as carriers don't try to rip you off by charging the bloated MSRP.]]>Feb 23rd 2010 9:25PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/
The will not pay attention because it's more profitable to do so. Our cell phone plans have already been ranked some of the worst value in the world.

There are a number of differences with international plans.

1. As mentioned, they have a sliding scale handset model. The higher the plan you commit to, the more subsidies your receive.
2. They don't pay for any incoming calls or text. Why should they, when someone else called you?
3. The minimum spend also includes sliding calling and data rates.
4. You get to choose what you want to do with your minimum spend. Whereas minimum spend here means everything else is on top of minutes and costs extra.
5. The price includes taxes and everything else. No hidden taxes permitted. So a $39.95 plan, means you pay $39.95 period.
6. There is actually competition over there. Countries with 5 to 30 million have more carriers than our four.

Europe is a great example of why we need a powerful consumer protection agency. Without it, where left with slow data, shoddy coverage, an expensive network and hidden taxes.]]>Feb 24th 2010 10:44AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/
Also why I have switched by phone to pageplus cellular.

I now pay 4 cents per minute period.]]>Feb 24th 2010 10:52AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/
YOU HAVE TO PAY FOR INCOMING CALLS AND TEXTS? THAT'S FUCKING LUDICROUS!

I don't know why I didn't know this before, but I honestly think that it is ludicrous to make you pay whne someone calls you or texts you. BTW, what do you do when you run out of minutes or texts, do you turn off your phone? Damn, over here, a few years ago, we had a pre-paid plan where you would get a percentage of the cost of the call when someone called you.. ]]>Feb 24th 2010 1:27PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/
This is how the plans work here.

*. The handset subsidies are the same regardless of plan.
*. Low usage rates, or pay per use plans are non existent.
*. A $40 plan, for example, guarantees 450 minutes of use. If you text or use data, you have to pay more. You basically don't get to decide how to use your $40.
*. All incoming calls and texts are billed to you.
*. The plans are great value, but only when you sign up to the unlimited plans.
*. After all of the taxes and fees are added, a $40 plan can end up costing $46,
]]>Feb 24th 2010 4:55PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/Feb 23rd 2010 8:07PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/Feb 23rd 2010 8:08PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/Feb 23rd 2010 8:13PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/
right on borther...

one day you have a super device and the next its like a simple music player....makes me feel bad too. but then again we all have to update at some point in time...]]>Feb 23rd 2010 8:22PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/
Seriously, it's my only cell, and I've had it for four years . I'm still too poor to afford a proper smartphone, what with the minimum $50/month plans in Canada.]]>Feb 23rd 2010 9:11PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/Feb 23rd 2010 9:20PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/My Razr V3i has been the best phone I've owned so far. Thin, light, reliable, and great call quality. If you just want a phone to make calls, then this is it. If you want something more than a phone, then yes it's quite primitive.]]>Feb 23rd 2010 9:30PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/Feb 23rd 2010 9:37PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/Feb 23rd 2010 10:31PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/Feb 24th 2010 12:55AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/
I'd rather sign up for a 2 year contract with ETF and get a phone for a reasonable $100. It may not be pretty, but it's more economical for the consumer than spending considerably more each month.]]>Feb 23rd 2010 8:11PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/
Think the idea is you shouldnt have to pay more per month, just that they shouldnt be ripping off upfront too.

or apply a $350 EFT for a phone that costs $250 to buy sim free. ]]>Feb 24th 2010 5:32AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/
That is exactly how it works here in Europe. You can select the plan you want. If you want to pay for your phone then you get a cheaper monthly charge, as you pay less for your phone you pay more per month. I for instance paid £0 for my storm and pay £35 per month (and it is rare that I pay much in the way of call charges thanks to the plan) I could easily have chosen to pay £50 for it and got the plan for £25 per month. Or alternatively you can buy a phone outright and put it on pay as you go (ie no contract at all)
)]]>Feb 24th 2010 11:02AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/editorial-the-american-phone-subsidy-model-is-a-razr-way-of-thi/
So according to you. You pay less per month, and you get a cheaper phone? Do you also like sex?

I don't think you understand what phone "subsidy" means...]]>Feb 25th 2010 8:10AM