That made me laugh

It's the truth though. I'm sure there may be some differences when consider how things are in other countries but in the U.S., one would be hard pressed to find a deal like AT&T/Apple have with the iphone.

Yes, there are many smartphones that can be had for $0 plus contract but those phones don't offer the user experience of the iphone.

It's not uncommon in the U.S. to pay around >$80 for unlimited email and web, with text and talk.

It wasn't too long ago that verizon was charging $45 for broadband access. I believe they just lowered it to $30 but there is a monthly allowance.

Before I got my iphone, I was using a verizon phone with tethering plan (40 for talk and text and 45 for broadband tethering with n800 or laptop) and n800. It was great but I found that I could go to AT&T and pay less and have most things that I need in one device.

I still use my n800 and it hasn't been replaced. I'm just saying that other companies need to smarten up...at least in the U.S.

Can't speak for other countries.