I hate when the gaming media does this....

[NotStan]

Cobretti2 said:

NotStan said:
I think what they do is, essentially sell on the old phone/tablet and purchase a new one by adding like 25% more, which isn't TOO bad I suppose.

Not trying to justify it at all, since I find it just as ridiculous but it's not like they throw the outdated model in the bin >_>.

still, in australia if you want the handphone for free or cheap you must go into a 24month contract. meaning most people will stick it out and wait till plan expires to upgrade. Then potentially sell old phone at lke half the price or give to a parent lol.

Galaxy SIII that launched today here, $59 per month bill. sure you get like $600 cap or something, but at the same time the cap plans charge per minute block upfront at like 80cents per minute. No cap plans use to be done per 30second block and cheaper, like 30cents or something. Both not including flagfall charges

eg if you talk for 5seconds you get charge a full minute. In the past 5seconds would be a 30second block, so 80cents vs 30cents. for the same time spoken. Not a bad way to inflate call charges aye?

Again, not sure about outside UK, but there are Pay as you Go tariffs available for those who just want to buy the phone upfront - usually the iphones etc are about £500, whereas the monthly contract is something like £35-40 a month for 24 months. Alternatives are available to those not wanting the obligation of a contract.