Walmart announced yesterday that it plans to offer the iPhone 4 and 5 on a pre-paid plan from Straight Talk, a no-contract carrier that runs on Verizons network and offers unlimited talk, text, and data plans. Straight talk offers two contractless plans, a $45 dollar unlimited talk, text, and data plan or for $60 dollars you get everything plus unlimited international calls to certain countries. You'll still need to fork over some money for a 16GB iPhone 5 for $649 or an 8GB iPhone 4 for $449 but at least you will save money in the long run and not be stuck on a 2 year contract.
Lets do that math:
Verizon Wireless (2gb limited - $60 plus $40 line access fee tacked on to smartphones)
16gb iPhone 5 $ 199.99 (requires 2 year agreement contract)
One time activation fee $ 35.00 (for new customers)
Required 2 year contract - Cheapest $2400.00 ($100 x 24 months, 2gb per month data cap)
Grand Total $2634.99 (not including deposits, fees, and taxes)
Straight Talk
16gb iPhone 5 $ 649.00 (no contract)
One time sim fee plus one month $ 60.00 (for new customers)
If you keep them for 2 years $1035.00 ($45 x 23 months, unlimited)
Grand Total $1744.00 (flat)
Verizon Total $2634.99
Straight Talk Total $1744.00
Total Difference $ 890.99
A $890 dollar savings is not bad and gives you room to upgrade to the next iPhone which I'm sure will be available in less then a year. If you still decide to stick with major carriers that require long-term contract then well your probably a sucker.
Straight Talk's plans will be available January 11 at over 2,000 locations. Take that Verizon and AT&T, now you can no longer screw people over with your high priced plans!
-Alex Pardo - Geekstrap'd Contributor
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