Are we slaves to contracts?

[SummerSnow]

Today I had lunch with my brothers. While we were at the restaurant he showed me his new Galaxy phone..really fancy.He started complaining that he usually loses his phone signal. No talk no text or web when it happens.So I suggested to
him that he might want to get a new phone.He said he has a contract phone .If he cancels it there will be penalty charges.Also, he pays $70 a month for his service under his contract. He then asked me how much do I pay.I told him $50 a month Android phone unlimited talk text and web..no contract.What was funny to me is that he scoffed at my pre-paid phone that does the same thing his phone does. He had no signal, but I did.Still he thought his phone was better cause be had a contract.lol. Several people I know scoff at pre paid cell phones.I wonder why?

[elleng]

1. Not if we're smart,

but we do have to be knowledgeable about all the conditions, options, potential problems, and possible unintended consequences.

[Seeking Serenity]

2. No, but as a general rule

one is bound by what one signs attesting that he has agreed to the terms of the contract.

No one can force you to sign one.

[dballance]

3. My AT&T Contract is up and I'm thinking of going your route

I think I can live without the status of an iPhone now that I've had one for years. Didn't even contemplate upgraded to the iPhone 5 because I just couldn't see any reason I needed to.

What are you using BTW so I can check it out and in part of the country do you live. That does still sometimes affect coverage sadly. Mainly because we have just the few companies with an almost complete monopoly and now even more captive customers. They just don't have the incentive to improve their networks.

[SummerSnow]

7. I have a android LG Net10 phone.

I live in NY.What I like is that every month if I pay early my payment goes down as a reward .My next payment is $45 .I have unlimited talk text and web.

[DJ13]

4. The non-dislosure in my contract forbids me replying

[brooklynite]

5. Depends...is he willing to actually pay for his phone?

American cell phone companies under-price their phones, and make up the balance inside the required two-year contract period. If your brother doesn't want a contract, he can buy the phone at full price, and sign up with a carrier that charges on a pre-paid or month to month plan.

[MrScorpio]

6. He's under the impression that having a contract and paying a premium price for it is a great deal

It's also a status symbol for him… Even if he can't make any calls on it at the time.

He was sold this idea in the same way that people are sold luxury items that they don't really need.

He's already rationalized that his phone is better and will be hard pressed to think otherwise.

This gives him an incentive to look down on you and your lack of status.

The privilege binds him to the contract and poor service, so he rationalizes that that privilege is the most important thing.

You can't tell him any of this, by the way. He won't believe you.

[SummerSnow]

8. I think that too.

He did keep saying..but I have a contract. LOL