Theres nowt wrong with subsidised phones, it allows access to low income consumers. If they offer a phone for a range of upfront prices and charge a fair monthly amount, to make a fair profit, then its fine. The problems start when carriers try to lock you down for multi year contracts, remove and block features, charge over inflated prices and offer little in return. Carriers know change is coming, so they are screw*ng you for every penny while the goings good.