In many countries people still pay for their phone as part of their phone plan. Whether that is due to a lack of credit, some perception they get a discount or

In many countries people still pay for their phone as part of their phone plan. Whether that is due to a lack of credit, some perception they get a discount or just habit, its a real thing. Many people only buy a phone outright after they break the one they have on a two year contract. I was recently in Thailand, and even in major metro areas it was obvious that most shops were owned by a cabal of monopolistic fat cats. Similar situation in many parts of the middle east. Prices for equipment which would just work with a direct import (like iphones) are ridiculous.