The iPhone. The BlackBerry Storm. The Android. The Palm Pre. When we think about these phones, we think AT&T, Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile and Sprint, respectively. Phone exclusivity is a major headache for consumers who want the latest and greatest smartphone. True, when consumers choose a phone and the associated mobile operator, they receive a subsidy on the cost of the handset. But they also must sign a contract with that operator for one or two years or more. When these consumers are ready to move on to a new device on another network, they face heavy fees when trying to get out of their contracts.



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