Why is it more expensive to buy a new phone after 2+ years than as a new subscriber?

[Gunslinger08]

This annoys the hell out of me. Sprint wants $129 for the Instinct from new subscribers, but wants me to pay $229 after being with them for 3 years.

 

[Billb2]

I'll bet that if you extend you contract for anther 2 years they will give you the discount.

If they sell a phone at a discount they want some guarantee that you'll be a paying customer for 2 years. Without that guarantee, you could buy the phone (at the discount price), and then switch providers.

 

[Gunslinger08]

Originally posted by: Billb2
I'll bet that if you extend you contract for anther 2 years they will give you the discount.

If they sell a phone at a discount they want some guarantee that you'll be a paying customer for 2 years. Without that guarantee, you could buy the phone (at the discount price), and then switch providers.

$229 is the price with a new 2 year contract.

 

[Imported]

Did you get a phone that your still under contract for? It's cause of the subsidy they paid for the phone you got. Otherwise they'd be losing money if everyone was to get a subsidized phone any time they wanted.

Thats what AT&T told me when I asked about upgrading to the iPhone 3G.. I have to pay the extra $200 if I wish to purchase one.