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If you do the math, unlocked phones turn out to be cheaper over 2 years. http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/08/02/prepaid-phone-plans/ http://bits.blogs.nytime

by chintan 14y ago

If you do the math, unlocked phones turn out to be cheaper over 2 years. http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/08/02/prepaid-phone-plans/ http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/08/02/prepaid-phone-plans... I hope people start avoiding the contracts because of this stupid law.

jackalope 14y ago
As one commenter points out on that page, this may only be true for plans with a single phone. I have a family plan with 5 phones on it, and I couldn't find a prepaid account with comparable service for the same price.
leejoramo 14y ago
Are they really cheaper? Last I looked if I purchase an unsubsidized and unlocked phone, I still pay the same monthly service fees to AT&T, Verizon or Sprint. They don't give me a discount. So the only benefit is the ability to stop service at anytime. But since I can't use their phones on another service where does that get me? Yes, T-Moblie or the service resellers (Virgin, Credo, SmartTalk, etc) may provide cheaper monthly service with your unsubsidized phone. However, I have found them to be inferior in their service (technical, coverage and/or administrative) compared to the big three At least, that has been my direct experience and research. I am actually hopeful that this will change in the coming year. I would very much like to take this path with my next phone.
- jdechko 14y ago
  Exactly, for someone like me who doesn't make international trips, the only benefit is not "being in a contract" which gains me practically nothing other than being able to leave on a whim. But to whom would I switch really? Unlocked phones are a big deal to people in Europe, people who travel internationally a lot and people who just want to have an unlocked phone. That said, when my contract goes up, I will be getting AT&T to unlock my phone because it makes it easier to sell should I desire.
  - leejoramo 14y ago
    I forgot to mention the international travel angle. I think that I will get my old iPhone 3GS unlocked for use in Europe if I need it in the next couple of years.

by chintan 14y ago

jackalope 14y ago

As one commenter points out on that page, this may only be true for plans with a single phone. I have a family plan with 5 phones on it, and I couldn't find a prepaid account with comparable service for the same price.

leejoramo 14y ago

Are they really cheaper? Last I looked if I purchase an unsubsidized and unlocked phone, I still pay the same monthly service fees to AT&T, Verizon or Sprint. They don't give me a discount. So the only benefit is the ability to stop service at anytime. But since I can't use their phones on another service where does that get me? Yes, T-Moblie or the service resellers (Virgin, Credo, SmartTalk, etc) may provide cheaper monthly service with your unsubsidized phone. However, I have found them to be inferior in their service (technical, coverage and/or administrative) compared to the big three At least, that has been my direct experience and research. I am actually hopeful that this will change in the coming year. I would very much like to take this path with my next phone.

jdechko 14y ago
Exactly, for someone like me who doesn't make international trips, the only benefit is not "being in a contract" which gains me practically nothing other than being able to leave on a whim. But to whom would I switch really? Unlocked phones are a big deal to people in Europe, people who travel internationally a lot and people who just want to have an unlocked phone. That said, when my contract goes up, I will be getting AT&T to unlock my phone because it makes it easier to sell should I desire.
- leejoramo 14y ago
  I forgot to mention the international travel angle. I think that I will get my old iPhone 3GS unlocked for use in Europe if I need it in the next couple of years.