4 Comments For This Post

1. Chris Donahue Says:
   August 20th, 2009 at 2:40 pm

   It’s not so much the upfront cost as was mentioned. It’s the monthly costs. The Blackberry and other smartphones require more than a basic plan. We as in the USA pay the highest for our service. For me, because of my low use, do not need a smartphone. I am on Verizon Prepaid. A contract for me is not necessary.

2. Mike Cerm Says:
   August 20th, 2009 at 2:58 pm

   If the carriers weren’t overcharging for the service, the upfront costs would be a little higher. Either way, the barrier-to-entry is just too high for “normal” people to justify. Most people are just looking to make phone calls (and younger people, to text). You can do those things on a “free” phone, with $35/month service.

3. AJ Says:
   August 20th, 2009 at 7:14 pm

   My issue is the $35 vs. $15 data plans on AT&T. Basically if it’s a business-like phone, like the Blackberry, you pay $35 (used to be $30) for unlimited data. If you have the LG Xenon, you pay $15. For the most part, you do similar stuff on both devices except for perhaps push e-mail.

   Bottom line, I cannot justify a $30 increase on my monthly cell phone bill. I can probably get away with paying an extra $15, but the phone selections are more limited.

4. cheapskatecharlie Says:
   August 20th, 2009 at 8:57 pm

   AJ… you said it. To watch this video was painful… Another bunch of talking heads not stating the obvious.. Hello techno-brainiacs.. its the MONTHLY FEE not the one time upfront cost. Hell, I’d pay $600 once for a phone that had a fair monthly fee. The cell phone industry is run by a bunch of crooks who overcharge for everything and nickel and dime you for everything else. To hear you guys focus on Facebook and the purchase price of the phone without talking about the monthly fees, service contracts, and the BS wireless carriers pull makes me wonder what planet you are on.