Thread: Harmattan?
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Posts: 2,869 | Thanked: 1,784 times | Joined on Feb 2007 @ Po' Bo'. PA
#84
Originally Posted by fms View Post
Not really. The blaming game stops at the consumers getting crippled subsidized handsets (a committing themselves to contracts) instead of just buying hardware onl their own. The subsidized model works relatively well with generic phones used "just to call people" but it utterly fails smartphone users, narrowing their choice of options to 2-3 [crippled] models offered by their network operator.
Unfortunately the American markets are not as densely populated as European or Asian markets. On top of that we use 3 totally different network technologies that don't always overlap. Add to that equation the fact that two of the network technologies are proprietary and the usage rights to one of these technologies is controlled by a single handset manufacturer.

In many instances geography determines what handset is used and customer choice is rather limited.

...besides, the horse is out of the barn already.

The change to an un-subsidized phone for some would require an additional $400 up front...

A $200 Early Termination Fee plus a $200 dollar premium for the equipment itself.
 

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