Can you get better cell plan deals buying phone?

[a-10tankkiller]

Curious if there is a benefit plan cost wise to buying an unlocked phone, and then going into Verizon or whoever to sign up for service? Normally I thought they subsidize the phone deals with their rate plans, but do they actually cut you a deal if you come in with a phone of your own? I didn't see anything online at the various websites, and haven't gone into a store to ask as I thought it might be nice to have input before going in, as they aren't always willing to spill the beans on better rates.
Thanks

[Prngr44]

I have no idea but I wouldn't think so.

One thing I HAVE saw is that the major networks license their infrastructure out to a lot of one-off companies.

I saw a thread at another deals site where a company used all of Verizon's network, but charged half of a Verizon plan, but it was a "prepaid" deal.

[bachviet]

Curious if there is a benefit plan cost wise to buying an unlocked phone, and then going into Verizon or whoever to sign up for service? Normally I thought they subsidize the phone deals with their rate plans, but do they actually cut you a deal if you come in with a phone of your own? I didn't see anything online at the various websites, and haven't gone into a store to ask as I thought it might be nice to have input before going in, as they aren't always willing to spill the beans on better rates.
Thanks

Yes with T-Mobile Even More plus plans (no subsidize, no contract, and $10-$20 cheaper).

[clutchy]

Yes with T-Mobile Even More plus plans (no subsidize, no contract, and $10-$20 cheaper).

this is the only one i know of ^

it's kindof stupid...

i have an unlocked phone that i purchased, but i'm still under contract. I think when my contract re-ups in july i'm going to get the new iphone and hock it on ebay for a cool $600 subsidy...

[a-10tankkiller]

I checked out T-Mobile and I think I'd be better off doing the 2 yr. with phone and plan deals. It looked like it came in a about $10 cheaper than our Verizon plan. I looked at some of the reseller providers that buy the service from the big guys and when I figured out usage they ended up being almost the same price. Cell phone service shopping is falling into the same category as clothes, and car shopping, a big pain in the a**.
Thanks for the ideas.

[Prngr44]

The reseller for Verizon I'm planning to switch to had 29.99 unlimited talk and text. That was with no data plan, I'm not sure if you had that requirement or not.

[bachviet]

I checked out T-Mobile and I think I'd be better off doing the 2 yr. with phone and plan deals. It looked like it came in a about $10 cheaper than our Verizon plan. I looked at some of the reseller providers that buy the service from the big guys and when I figured out usage they ended up being almost the same price. Cell phone service shopping is falling into the same category as clothes, and car shopping, a big pain in the a**.
Thanks for the ideas.

T-Mobile EM+ plans are perfect for single line since you only need to buy one unlocked phone. You can't find cheaper national plans out there especially with data/messaging. If you have 3+ lines, it's better to go with a contract because of the phone subsidies.

[a-10tankkiller]

Prngr44,
If you don't mind who is the Verizon reseller? We are with Verizon now and am happy with the network at least.
bachviet,
Yea, we have 3 phones, and probably another in a year, so for the reason you note, the phone included plans so far are better.

[kimchicowboy]

make sure that you get a corporate or government discount if that applies. i get like an 18% discount for being a state worker.

[ramazank2]

The key benefit of buying a phone is that you do not need a data plan and can use WIFI in its place.

[a-10tankkiller]

Thanks, I actually meant to ask initially also, what the point of buying a phone seperate was if it didn't give you a plan discount.

[clutchy]

Thanks, I actually meant to ask initially also, what the point of buying a phone seperate was if it didn't give you a plan discount.

not to be locked down a for two years i guess.