> getting the free phone as part of a 24/36 month agreement ended up being cheaper than many alternatives This is generally strictly true, but most people don'

> getting the free phone as part of a 24/36 month agreement ended up being cheaper than many alternatives This is generally strictly true, but most people don't move on to the next deal once they've paid off their device, and end up paying more than they would have had they bought the device outright, device+plan cost considered.