Quote:
Originally Posted by ramonajim
When you sign up with one of the mobile service providers, you're applying for credit. Until recently, EVERY major provider in the US subsidized the hardware cost (free or reduced cost phone/tablet/access point) and made you sign a two year or longer contract (pro-tip: you're paying $X.XX per month for the service, and $Y.YY per month to pay off the loan you got for the phone).
In the US, social security number is still one key identifier. You're not gonna get a loan from a mobile service provider without one.
There are now some providers who will allow you to pay full price up front for the phone/other hardware, and you don't have to sign a service contract.
|
Oh right - I didn't realise there was a hardware purchase / credit agreement included
I've only ever bought hardware with no SIM locks so I can swap SIM cards about when I'm in different countries. Being "abroad" with a mobile phone can get pretty expensive if you're not careful.