BRILLIANT!

Hey guys, do you think this would work?

Or how about this?

I love the END CALL sticker.

So, in light of the article Josh posted about net neutrality and the fact that I am in the market to upgrade my smart phone, I have been doing some research regarding unlocked phones and carriers.

Here are some helpful articles:
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-unlocked-cell-phones.htm
http://reviews.cnet.com/2719-7609_7-262-1.html

Here are the upshot blurbs:

"Wireless carriers in the United States operate over two different networks: Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) and Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM). Though each technology transmits voice and data, they do so in different ways, which makes them incompatible. As a result, you can't take a CDMA phone and use it on GSM or vice versa.

Of the U.S. carriers, AT&T and T-Mobile use GSM while Sprint, Verizon, and smaller carriers such as such as MetroPCS and U.S. Cellular use CDMA. Though Nextel is part of Sprint, Nextel-branded phones use a third technology called iDEN, or Integrated Digital Enhanced Network.

...

If you have a GSM carrier, you also might consider buying an unlocked phone, which are available only from third-party retailers. Unlocked phones differ from locked phones in that they have no settings that tie them to one operator. As such, you can change carriers simply by changing the phone's SIM card, which can be an attractive option for international travelers. Just keep in mind that if you buy an unlocked phone, you won't be eligible for any carrier-sponsored rebates."

So you DO have the freedom to buy international versions of GSM phones here in the US, but they will only be supported by AT&T and T-Mobile. That and they will cost a shitload.

http://reviews.cnet.com/cell-phone-coverage-map/?tag=contentMain;contentBody

That site measures carrier ratings specific to your area. You can even use the map feature to compare carriers for your street.

I checked it out for our neighborhoods here on the North Side. Pretty much mediocre for all the providers.

Seeing as how Android phones are where it's at. You'd pretty much want to go with Verizon for their exclusive Droid phones or ATT/T-Mobile so that you can buy an unlocked phone for use on their networks.

Let's take a look at how much a family-plan for two people with minimum number of minutes, small text plan and standard data plan costs per month with each:

ATT - 2 year contract:
$119.99 / month
$398 for two smart phones
(Latest smart phones are $199 with 2-year contract)

T-Mobile:
WITH 2 year contract:
$139.99 / month
$398 for two Samsung Vibrant Android Phones
WithOUT a 2 year contract:
$109.99 / month
$999.98 for the two phones (OUCH!)

You save $30 a month without the 2 year contract. Over 2 years that comes out to $720.
$999.98-398 = $601.98
Overall, you save $118.02 for NOT getting a plan and just eating the straight up cost of your smart phones.

Compared with ATT, you save $10 a month without the 2 year contract. Over 2 years that comes out to $240.
999.98-398=601.98
Overall, you spend $361.98 MORE with T-mobile. Bad.

However, if you hell bent on buying unlocked phones either way, then T-mobile has the cheapest monthly rates.

Verizon:
$145.95 / month (most expensive!)
$398 for two android phones.

Verizon doesn't have many plans to choose from compared to ATT. I would basically be stuck with all these minutes that I would never use. They also charge you extra per month for visual voice mail. Something the other carriers give you for free.

Most Verizon customers are extremely happy with their service. When I look at the prices though, I am starting to feel like I don't mind the occasional dropped call.

Not only that, but Bora gets service discount with ATT for being a Target employee. I guess I am just going to bite the bullet and let her get her iPhone 4.

What about a sprint pricing break down? Some say you save a lot with sprint since their plan is generally less expensive.

I was going to see about prices with the EVO 4G, but the site won't let you since the phone is out of stock.

My guess is that the service would be a little more expensive for the newer 4G network.