Will 'unlocked' cell phones free consumers?

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YES it WILL!

Something noone seems to have mentioned thus far... Carriers - like T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon and Cingular (aka ATT Mobility) - only care about the contract.

Many, if not all, independent cellular vendors will give heavy discounts on unlocked phones - even those NOT part of a given carrier's stable - provided you sign up for a 2 year stint with the carrier.

Case in point. Last month, I purchased a Motorola A1200 - a great little GSM phone. The MSRP on the phone is $599. That's the full retail price that it's being sold for at CompUSA (whenever they get them in). The average price, sans contract for the A1200 is approximately $375 - $450. I got mine for $280. That's more than 50% off. Of course, I did have to sign up for a 2 yr extension on my T-Mobile contract - but then again, I would have stuck with T-Mo anyhow. I have a great deal and don't see the other guys beating it any time soon.

The sneaky truth is - affilliated dealers still get their commissions and such from the carriers they represent REGARDLESS of which phone you get. They usually take on the responsibility to get your phone configured for the carrier.

So, the truth is, yes, unlocked phones CAN liberate consumers - provided they shop around and research the phones on the market and get one that fits their lifestyle and taste.

Posted by: Wolfie2K3   Posted on: 01/25/07 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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