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General discussion

Google fails to revolutionize cell phone sales paradigm

May 14, 2010 5:53AM PDT

Discussion is locked

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It really sucks too.
May 14, 2010 9:48AM PDT

Because I always thought that Apple could have truly revolutionized the industry by selling the iPhones contract free from their stores. I gladly paid 600 dollars for my first iPhone (even though the original iPhone buyers were inexplicably locked into a contract even though they paid full price). Had this model taken off the cell phone companies would have been put in their place and their influence over artificial phone limitations would have been limited. Granted, Google's online sales strategy was different because there were no places to touch or feel the phones, but I really like the idea of buying a phone without the carriers getting their grubby little fingers into the feature set.

But sadly, the USA is addicted to low upfront prices with no regard to overall cost over the life of the phone. Which means the subsidization model is here to stay and the few people who choose to buy more expensive unsubsidized phones will continue to pay the same prices as every one else for their plans.

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I have the choice in Australia
May 14, 2010 12:50PM PDT

To buy the iPhone unlocked at an Apple store for around $800. Or for $0 locked to a carrier. I pay $20 for voice plan, around 100 minutes. $31 for the phone repayment and $25 for a 2GB data plan. In Australian dollar which is worth 90 US cents.

US carriers to me, look absurdly expensive and restrictive. But I still envy the unlimited data plans. Top data plan is 5GB for $45...

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would never buy a phone I couldn't play with first...
May 14, 2010 12:48PM PDT

dumb. move. google.