[quote name='mkelehan']Do the math. Ask how much the monthly plan will be if you DON'T get a contract; it's almost always cheaper. Multiply the savings by 24, and see if that's higher than the rebate you'd get on the phone. It can cost more at the outset, but save you hundreds over two years.[/QUOTE]
What vendor do you use that it's cheaper to do pre-paid month-to-month? If anything, it's almost guaranteed to be cheaper to go under contract - the mobile provider would be willing to offer it to you for a discount, since they know you'll be paying at least 24 months. Example: Verizon Wireless's prepaid plan for voice only, 450 minutes is $35/mo under a 2 year plan, $45/mo for a pre-paid plan. Like everything else, you almost always get better prices for buying in bulk!
[quote name='mietha']For comparision, a droid on verizon will cost you about $100 a month ($30 data plan is REQUIRED) and you don't even get the phone for free so, yeah, that's pretty much your answer.[/QUOTE]
I guess I'm a counterpoint to that argument? My bill is $65/mo for voice and data with a Droid X.