In alt.cellular.t-mobile Bert Hyman <bert@iphouse.com> wrote:
>
> When you initially contract with a provider, they usually provide a
> phone at no or reduced cost. Similarly, if you renew your contract, you
> can usually get a new phone at no or reduced cost.
>

Sprint PCS and others, will not allow you to activate a phone [that you
purchased elsewhere .. perhaps used] on a new account without a contract.
THAT IS WRONG! They have no investment stake in you if you provide your own
phone. For instance, if you buy a "clear" Sprint PCS phone, used, off of Ebay
and create a new account with Sprint [you are a new customer], they FORCE you
into a one or two year contract in spite of the fact they put exactly zero
investment dollars into subsidation, which is what they claim these contracts
are required for.

> With no contract, you'd be expected to bring your own phone or pay the
> retail price.
>

Yes, that is the way it should be, but that is not the way it is with some
providers. I am not sure if T-Mobile does it this way or not, but I know
Sprint PCS will rope you in [with a noose] to their contract.

--
Thomas T. Veldhouse

America is the country where you buy a lifetime
supply of aspirin for one dollar, and use it up in two weeks.