I find it not such a big deal with Sprint at least. I got a deal for it being free ($10) for the loan, and add a $10 yearly upgrade. So basically in the end I get a yearly phone instead of bi-yearly for almost the same cost. Now if I had to pay that $10 it would end up being more of course.
Oh, and I had to add the $11 warranty, cause with a loaner you’ll have to pay the full $600 or whatever if you lose or break it. Used to be you could get a refurb for $35.
So it is a bit of a worsening, but oh well.
Why is it a worsening? American consumers were paying for the phones all along—the cost was simply hidden inside your monthly bill.
The phone’s price should be transparent and separate from the service. This is a win for consumers.