The status quo shifted around 2013, and carriers began hawking no-contract wireless plans to customers who bought their own devices. The discounts require continuous wireless service for at least two years; otherwise, customers must pay off the balance of the smartphone purchase. Wall Street analysts say the offers to existing AT&T and Verizon customers affect a much wider range of eligible users than previous promotions did. David Christopher, executive vice president of AT&T’s wireless division, said the device credits are more like interest-free financing than a long-term contract for wireless service. Cable-internet providers Comcast Corp. and Charter Communications Inc. are adding to the fray with their own low-price wireless plans.

Source: Mint June 05, 2021 09:45 UTC