Earlier quoted context omitted.
I doubt they want to, but the device openness on that spectrum is mandated by regulations.
Just because any ODI-approved device will be allowed on their network doesn't mean that they have to sell/subsidize devices that are free to use the data connection for calls.
Details Of Android 3.0 Gingerbread – SIP Support, Gtalk Video Chat and More
31–37 of 37 posts
Re: Details Of Android 3.0 Gingerbread – SIP Support, Gtalk Video Chat and More
#32All of which is completely unsubstantiated rumor attached to a blurry picture that could just as easily have been any number of 3rd party ROM themes... Edit: Also, good luck seeing Google Voice/SIP over data connection if you ever intend on buying a carrier-released phone. Or at least not without paying a surcharge equivalent to the cost of a voice plan a la tethering.
> if you ever intend on buying a carrier-released phone Why would you ever do such a silly thing?
Excepting developers, most people are happy to save $400-$600 even if it means they have to deal with a Blockbuster app cluttering the menu.
Re: Details Of Android 3.0 Gingerbread – SIP Support, Gtalk Video Chat and More
#33Earlier quoted context omitted.
> if you ever intend on buying a carrier-released phone Why would you ever do such a silly thing?
Because it's a lot easier for most people to justify dropping $200 now and paying out the rest over time in a plan that you'd be paying for anyway than it is to justify dropping $600-$800 now. I am pretty sure that the carriers don't discount rates for non-contract phones. People just don't have the money to justify spending that much on a phone when there are so many cheaper alternatives. Excepting developers, most…
T-Mobile is the only US carrier that does -- the smartphone plans are $20/month cheaper if you bring your own phone or buy at the no-contract price.
They also have an installment plan where you can pay full price for the phone, but spread it out over 20 months with no interest and pay it on your phone bill. This seems like the best of both worlds.
Re: Details Of Android 3.0 Gingerbread – SIP Support, Gtalk Video Chat and More
#34Earlier quoted context omitted.
Because it's a lot easier for most people to justify dropping $200 now and paying out the rest over time in a plan that you'd be paying for anyway than it is to justify dropping $600-$800 now. I am pretty sure that the carriers don't discount rates for non-contract phones. People just don't have the money to justify spending that much on a phone when there are so many cheaper alternatives. Excepting developers, most…
I am pretty sure that the carriers don't discount rates for non-contract phones. T-Mobile is the only US carrier that does -- the smartphone plans are $20/month cheaper if you bring your own phone or buy at the no-contract price. They also have an installment plan where you can pay full price for the phone, but spread it out over 20 months with no interest and pay it on your phone bill. This seems like the best of bo…
2 years @ $80/mo, no cost for hardware: $2099
2 years @ $40/mo, $520 for hardware: $1466
Re: Details Of Android 3.0 Gingerbread – SIP Support, Gtalk Video Chat and More
#35Earlier quoted context omitted.
I am pretty sure that the carriers don't discount rates for non-contract phones. T-Mobile is the only US carrier that does -- the smartphone plans are $20/month cheaper if you bring your own phone or buy at the no-contract price. They also have an installment plan where you can pay full price for the phone, but spread it out over 20 months with no interest and pay it on your phone bill. This seems like the best of bo…
Indeed, if you look over the total cost for 2 years, it's really a no-brainer: 2 years @ $80/mo, no cost for hardware: $2099 2 years @ $40/mo, $520 for hardware: $1466
Re: Details Of Android 3.0 Gingerbread – SIP Support, Gtalk Video Chat and More
#36Earlier quoted context omitted.
Indeed, if you look over the total cost for 2 years, it's really a no-brainer: 2 years @ $80/mo, no cost for hardware: $2099 2 years @ $40/mo, $520 for hardware: $1466
The parent says it's $20/mo off for no-contract, at that rate ($60) the no-contract comes out to $1960, barely a savings of $100 overall. Definitely worth the contract if you don't have $520 to drop when you need a phone.
A G2 is $199 with the 2 year contract and $499 with no contract. My understanding from their website is that your first installment is due when you take home the phone, so your down payment on a new G2 would be $25.
So using nice round numbers on the prices,
24 months @ $80/month + $200 = $2120
versus
24 months @ $60/month + 20 months @ $25/month to pay off the phone = $1940
So you save $180 over 2 years, and your up-front payment is only $25 instead of $200.
Re: Details Of Android 3.0 Gingerbread – SIP Support, Gtalk Video Chat and More
#37Earlier quoted context omitted.
Indeed, if you look over the total cost for 2 years, it's really a no-brainer: 2 years @ $80/mo, no cost for hardware: $2099 2 years @ $40/mo, $520 for hardware: $1466
The parent says it's $20/mo off for no-contract, at that rate ($60) the no-contract comes out to $1960, barely a savings of $100 overall. Definitely worth the contract if you don't have $520 to drop when you need a phone.
Looks like this changed recently; when I signed up it was $80/month for the subsidized-phone full voice+data plan and $40/month for no-contract data-only.