How is buying from MyRatePlan (or another website) different than buying directly from the carrier?
Top It isn’t — except in one important area. Regardless of where you buy your phone and plan (online, retail store, mall kiosk, etc.), you will either be buying directly directly from the carrier or from an independent retailer acting as an authorized agent on behalf of the carrier. Since the carriers provide the service, they set the terms and conditions of the rate plans. A carrier’s rate plans will not vary by where you buy. As a result, by comparing carrier plans at MyRatePlan, you will see the breadth of the carrier’s current offers and be able to choose the best plan for needs without leaving your desk. Once you buy, you will be a customer of the carrier you choose, interacting directly with that carrier for billing, customer service, plan/phone changes, etc. Bottom line — there is no advantage in buying directly from the carrier. In fact, buying directly from the carrier is usually a bad idea. For more on that, see the next question and answer.
