Why have some phones got an upfront fee when others are free?
Retailers and mobile phone networks subsidise mobile phones via the cost of the monthly contract so you will end up paying slightly more for less inclusive usage for an expensive phone than you would for a cheaper handset. Some retailers make a conscious decision not to subsidise the price of phones which can be in excess of £500 because they cannot make the money back on the contract, especially if it is only over a 12 month period, for example, or if a free gift is included as well. Any up-front charge for the handset is a one off up-front fee and paid for at the time of application.
