This is the determined time frame that the cell phone company designates for you to keep service with them to get the discounted price of the phone. You can opt not to this and pay the full (ridiculous) price of the phone. Cell phone companies really rely on the residual income versus the sale price of the phone. They actually profit more on the accessories and services that come or you can get with the new phone than just the phone itself
You can't sorry..
The average American changes cell phones once every 2 years. The average American (and most Americans) gets their cell phone free with a 1-2 year contract with a cell phone company.
A lot of cell phones can be free if they are purchased with a 2 or 3 year contract. For example, at Best Buy, it is possible to get a LG- Optimus G with the 4G internet for free with a 2 year contract. Other companies that offer this are T-Mobile and Verizon.
Current Nextel cell phone models can cost any where in the range from being free with a new 2 year Sprint wireless contract to about $600.00 with a new 2 year Sprint wireless contract.
Radio Shack does sell prepaid and contract cell phones. The store has some that are free after a 2 year contract, as well as prepaid phones for less than $40. Radio Shack has been doing a lot of advertising lately to increase their presence in the phone market.
Cell phones with no contracts are essentially pay as you go plans meaning you pay for minutes until they are used up then you recharge the amount you have, thus negating the need for a contract that binds you to a certain cell carrier for 2 years.
The only drawback may be the handset selection with no contract carriers. These companies are trying to close that gap and provide a great cell phone option. Cell phones without contracts generally implies a prepaid cell phone. Prepaid phones themselves aren't free, as the carrier isn't recuperating the money in a contract, and they typically cost more to use, about 2-3 times per minute what you might pay under a contract. Also, because the phones have limited time on them, you can run out of minutes at an inconvenient time.
Verizon has a large range of cell phones to choose from, as long as you are prepared to join on contract. Most contracts last 2 years and have around a $60 fee.
I found that you can get a blackberry for free with a new 2 year contract with sprint. Check out the following website:http://www.letstalk.com/cell-phones/productdetail.htm?prId=37790
You would have to get an upgrade after your 2 year contract on one of your phones is up.
This will vary depending on the phone company. I got a free phone for signing a year contract with Verizon. This seems pretty standard. Smart phones usually will cost extra. On average, cell phone service providers will ask for a 2-year contract.
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