SC>I did some more thinking on the issue, you're right, the phones aren't 
free.
  >The day that I can walk into a cellular store and ask for a phone and have
  >them hand me one without asking any questions is the day that they can be
  >called free.
  >The word free seems to have a new definition, namely "at no additional 
charg
  >but because there are strings attached to getting the phone, I will agree 
wi
  >you 100 percent that they aren't free.
  >Looking at it from the side of the cellular carriers, I will say that they 
a
  >careful enough to list the strings that are attached to the "free phones" 
in
  >their ads. I don't blame them for advertising the way that they do and 
don't
  >think there is anything wrong with it.
  >BTW, it's nice that in your market you can go in and sign up with your own
  >equipment and not have to sign a one year contract. BANM doesn't do that 
n
  >our market.
Some companies, such as "Let's Talk" are now requiring the customer to
sign an agreement to allow a charge to their credit card for the 
equipment if they cancel or get dropped prior to 6 months.  That gives
adequate notice that they are not free.
Charles
 * 1st 2.00 ~ NO CARRIER...just 2 destroyers and a minesweeper.
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