>The only other purchasers are people who probably can't
>afford to own one.
Or people who can't pass a credit check, which includes:
1) illegal aliens
2) terrorist/murderers
what about cheap teenagers?
Or those who want a phone for 8-10 per month for use in emergencies.
Or old fashion taciturn and frugal folk who don't feel the pressing need to be plugged and chattering all the time.
I gave up 4 family cell phones after analyzing usage and cost. Since the usage never came close to using the 'free minutes' it made no sense to pay for the monthly charge plus the burdensome taxes. Serves us well. Besides increasing my ammo budget
Consider this very common scenario: a cross country move involving several vehicles when being plugged in becomes very welcome as a means of co-ordinateing travel and the unforeseen traffic jams, mechanical parables, pit stops, etc.
In the above scenario one is between telephony providers and billing addresses. Coverage isn't always nationwide. Your mileage may vary.
As for the 'people who can't afford regular cell phone service' I'll leave you two to ponder whether the college student, young folk just starting out, lonely elderly and others are deserving of low-cost options to the problem.
Deal with the problem of potential terrs at the points of entry, start profiling the SOBS and illegals and provide swift and sure interdiction and punishment before getting your panties wedged in your fundamental aperture.