Quote:
Originally Posted by vonCZ
I'm not so sure. Here in the Czech Republic the 3 major carriers--tMobile, 02, and Vodafone--started selling iPhones the middle of last year. Each of the carriers offers similar purchase options to those found in the US: you can pay full price for the iPhone with no contract, or pay a reduced/subsidized price if you also agree to a contract. Frankly, I have no idea why Apple chose to work with AT&T exclusively in the US; but here in CZ the phones are unlocked and they work with any carrier. I suspect this has actually helped reduce the iPhone asking price due to the competition betwixt carriers ('cause no one has a monopoly a la AT&T).
Anyway, my point is: carriers can subsidize phone prices regardless of whether or not they've a monopoly on said phones.
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Please reread my post. I mentioned the scenario you posted. The cost I mentioned would be the difference you'd pay for hardware upfront if you wanted to avoid a carrier contract (choice).