Unsubsidized

Now that carrier frequencies are more standardized, like the "desktop" Internet it'd be better if we bought handsets from a free market, which would lead to more competition, better prices, and no contortions around "contracts."

Carriers like Rogers embed a 'subsidy fee' for handsets (phones) which is a substantial part of every bill (about 20% of a smartphone bill), if you want to get your own handset you're paying nearly double. In the future a smartphone will be many people's only computer, so choice, competition, and free will from the carrier's decisions are all very important, yet today buying a handset is very different from buying a computer.

Do you think it'd be worthwhile to try to create a movement around subsidy-free pricing?

Interested?

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Posts on the topic

Post made to http://redboard.rogers.com/2010/redboard%E2%80%99s-faaq-frequently-asked-android-questions/ June 1, 2010 by DavidM:

I agree. Android 2.1 is running on the Dream handset, yet Rogers won't let us install our own version (as we would an operating system on our home computer). After less than a year, stuck in a two year upgrade term, we have an effectively obsolete handset (can't run the latest Google Maps and other apps) which was sold to us as an "open" Android device.

For the Magic, we're forced to use HTC's version which is encumbered with the battery sucking Sense which after a few moments of "gee whiz" makes it more incompatible with "Android."

Want to get your own handset on the free market? You'll pay TWICE as much because you're continuing to pay for subsidization.

I'm going to keep complaining and looking until a carrier offers me reliable cross-Canada wireless Internet at the lowest price, which is where this should be heading, not branded experiences and lack of choice.