Aside from the cost of the device and the expensive monthly plan, you might have to face an additional charge just for the privilege of getting a smartphone.
According to a document found by the Boy Genius Report, Verizon Wireless has raised its $175 early termination fee to a whopping $350 specifically for "advanced devices," which probably includes all smartphones. The termination fee won't stay at $350 however: the sum will decrease by $10 for every month of service.
This isn't exactly painting Verizon Wireless in a positive light here, though we suspect it's just a way for the carrier to prevent customers from dropping a phone and selling it for a premium on eBay or Craigslist. The new $350 ETF will go into effect on November 15.