Cell phone plan prices have been largely stagnant since the iPhone launched in 2007. The only major increase carriers have done is to up ETF fees. They've dropped unlimited data plans, but those are pretty much the same cost when you substitute 2-4GB plans.
You could argue that Apple lowering their subsidy requirement would allow carriers to reduce prices, but why would they unless forced? They were that high in 2007 when the iphone came around in the first place. And they remain competitive in European markets despite the existence of the iPhone. The carriers are the problem here.
Carriers like sprint and at&t who are bleeding customers would be able to lure more customers in with lower prices. Apple charging the carrier 200-300 more than other manufacturers is not right and if the carriers didn't subsidize them as much apple would either have to lower the price or most people would buy the alternative. A 400-500 dollar iPhone on contract wouldnt do so well. Apple tried that with the first iPhone. Instead they got ridiculous subsidies and the plan prices increased. Look at the original iphones plan vs the current one. The carriers are sick of apples ridiculous prices and they will start firing back at apple. The sprint CEO is getting a lot of flak over what they had to pay/do to get the iPhone.
Look at t mobiles rates since they don't have the iPhone. They are much lower. An unlocked galaxy nexus on their prepaid plan is even more affordable. Apple is the reason why data plans prices have increased and that you now have to pay an upgrade fee on the 3 carriers that have the iPhone.
For comparison a galaxy nexus is actually about 30 dollars cheaper unlocked than an iPhone 3gs with its dated specs, low res screen, and low memory. That just proves to you that apples prices are too high. They've only done this well at the expense of the carriers. Once that's over apple either has to charge less or lose customers.
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