T-Mobile changed the game 

Also ATT and VZW can go to hell charging LINE ACESS, DATA , AND FINANCING OF PHONE.
People will pay more for ATT and VZW but they can go to hell showing price of data like its cheap and then mention all the extra fees at the end.
IMO VZW would be competitive with a 20gb plan for 110-120 for first two lines and additional 20-30 each additional line.
All will follow. It doesn't effect me I bought my current phone a 128 GB iPhone 6 outright and when the 6s comes out I'll probably sell it and buy that. The resell value for phones will go up without subsidies anyway.Sprint will follow
Clearly to get ahead of the next iPhone release.
This is a move that will hurt Apple initially because many people were looking to cop the new iPiff for $200 on contract, now they won't be able to.
Nah, many people aren't down with paying more monthly rather than getting a phone on an upgrade for $200.not really, people will get the phone no matter what, and the whole "Zero money down" will make it even easier.
Nah, many people aren't down with paying more monthly rather than getting a phone on an upgrade for $200.
It WILL hurt sales a bit, its almost incomprehensible to not think that it won't.
Your options are:
Get a phone for $700+
Get one for ZERO down, but raise your monthly bill by about $40 per month per line, BEFORE insurance.
The ones without self control will jump on it quick, but smart buyers on a budget won't be as eager to make that move. I expect Android and Windows Phone sales to see a little spike because of this, unless Apple counters with a $300 off-contract iPhone. I am sure this was talked about with Apple and Verizon, I expect the new iPhone to be released in just over a month and under 2 months to clear all the upgrade eligible iPhone group and avoid media backlash at time of launch.
Sprint is in a weird position, if I were them I would STICK with the contracts through this next iPhone release and see how it can possibly help them since they are the only carrier that offers all options.
The average consumer is so weaklol you do know ATT and VZW have been seeing a ton of success on their Next and Edge plans right? This is the main reason they are moving completely o this. The Avg consumer only cares about upfront price, hearing they can get an iphone for 0 up front compared to 200 will make the avg consumer bite. The only people who will cry about this are those on Grandfather plans with good rates.