What is the catch in accepting a “free” mobile phone?
When you buy a phone in the UK the dealer will either have received the phone at a subsidised price from the network operator (Orange, T-Mobile) or they will receive a payment from the operator when they sign you up for service (O2, Vodafone). It is not unusual to see apparently very cheap phones on sale, or even free offers. However, the dealer won’t actually provide the phone unless you sign up for service, thus guaranteeing them their payment. Also, beware of gotchas such as the following: • Non-standard peak times, eg: 0700-2300 including Saturdays (i.e.
