Phone subsidy doesn't really exist, IMHO.

Many times I've tried calculating the costs, the discount on your phone is often the same as your contract cost. So you're effectively pay for your phone over the length of your contract, and worse yet, the phone is often locked.

For example:

An unlocked phone costs $1000, contract free.

What I've found is, signing a 12-month contract will get you this phone at $700. However, your base monthly contract charge will be $25 per month. So, $25 * 12 + $700 = $1000. So you're just getting a sim-locked phone for the same amount of money.

Yes, I agree that it's good for people to get phones that they can't/won't pay a lumpsum for, but calling it a 'subsidy' is a bit misleading...

ScottC, I sent you a PM a little while ago. Have you seen it? Wouldn't mind a reply. Thanks.