rippedoffverizoncustomer wrote:
I am going to dislike Verizon on all the media websites, to let everyone know what Verizon is all about.
That will show them.
Some phones ARE free when you purchase with a subsidized upgrade. Fees and/or taxes on those devices mean there is a cost for the transaction but that does not mean the device wasn't free.
For example, some states charge tax on the full retail value regardless if you get the device for free. This was also the case BEFORE the upgrade fee went into effect. So even before the upgrade fee was in place some people still had a cost for that "free" phone. That doesn't mean the device wasn't free, just that there were charges for other reasons.
Another example would be that I get a "free" plane ticket after flying so many miles. I still have to pay fees on that "free" ticket meaning there is still a cost for that "free" ticket. The airlines could simply not charge that fee, but they do. They didn't used to, they do now.
If you don't want to pay the upgrade fee, simply pay full retail for the phone and you won't be charged the $30 upgrade fee. Let's see, free phone with a $30 upgrade fee OR $500 phone with no $30 upgrade fee??? I know which one I would choose.
Of course, then you have to decide if taking the subsidy is worth it or taking the discount on the line access fee instead. Decisions, decisions...