In the United States, Apple has traditionally offered its iPhones at a subsidized price point with a two-year service contract through the major carriers. This year, however, Apple is shaking things up a bit.
The company is now offering a new iPhone Upgrade Program that allows customers to get a new iPhone every year with AppleCare+ protection and the option to finance the full cost of the device over 24 months.
This change in strategy means that, for the first time, Apple is offering its flagship device without a carrier subsidy. So, what does that mean for customers?
Well, for starters, it means that the new iPhone will cost you full price up front. However, it also means that you'll be able to upgrade to a new iPhone every year and you won't be locked into a two-year service contract.
So, which carrier is offering the best deal on the new iPhone?
At the moment, it looks like T-Mobile is the clear winner when it comes to the new iPhone. The carrier is currently offering a free 32GB iPhone 7 to customers who trade in their old iPhone.
This deal is available to both new and existing T-Mobile customers. If you're a new customer, you'll need to sign up for a T-Mobile One plan. This plan starts at $70 per month for unlimited talk, text, and 4G LTE data.
If you're an existing customer, you can keep your current T-Mobile plan. However, you will need to trade in your old iPhone to receive the free government iPhone 7.
T-Mobile is also offering a free 32GB iPhone 7 Plus to customers who trade in their old iPhone and sign up for a T-Mobile One Plus plan. This plan starts at $95 per month for unlimited talk, text, and 4G LTE data with unlimited HD streaming.
So, if you're looking for the best deal on the new iPhone, T-Mobile is currently the carrier to beat. However, it's important to note that this deal is only available for a limited time and supplies are limited. So, if you're interested in taking advantage of this offer, you'll need to act fast.
AT&T is also offering a free iPhone 7 to customers who trade in their old iPhone and sign up for a new AT&T Unlimited Plan. This plan starts at $100 per month for unlimited talk, text, and data.
Like T-Mobile, AT&T is also offering a free iPhone 7 Plus to customers who trade in their old iPhone and sign up for a new AT&T Unlimited Plus Plan. This plan starts at $120 per month for unlimited talk, text, and data with HD streaming.
So, if you're looking for the best deal on the new iPhone, T-Mobile is currently the carrier to beat. However, it's important to note that this deal is only available for a limited time and supplies are limited. So, if you're interested in taking advantage of this offer, you'll need to act fast.
Free Phone Program
The government's Lifeline program provides a subsidy for phone service to eligible low-income consumers. The program is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) under the direction of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Lifeline service was created in the 1980s to ensure that all Americans had access to basic communication services. The program provides a discount on monthly telephone service for eligible low-income subscribers. The Lifeline program is available to eligible consumers in every state and territory.
Lifeline is available to eligible low-income consumers who participate in certain government assistance programs or who have an income that is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Lifeline service is non-transferable and limited to one per household. A household is defined for the purposes of the Lifeline program as any individual or group of individuals who live together at the same address and share income and expenses.
To participate in the Lifeline program, consumers must first contact a participating telephone company and request Lifeline service. Consumers must then provide proof of their eligibility for the program.
Once a consumer is enrolled in Lifeline, the telephone company will provide a monthly discount on the consumer's bill. The amount of the discount will vary depending on the telephone company and the consumer's state of residence.
Lifeline service is a government benefit and is subject to certain rules and regulations. Lifeline service is non-transferable and limited to one per household. A household is defined for the purposes of the Lifeline program as any individual or group of individuals who live together at the same address and share income and expenses.
Lifeline service is provided by participating telephone companies and is available in every state and territory. To find a participating telephone company in your area, contact the National Lifeline Association.
The Lifeline program is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) under the direction of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). USAC is responsible for the administration of the Lifeline program, including the approval of telephone companies to participate in the program and the determination of consumer eligibility for the program.
The FCC is responsible for the regulation of the Lifeline program. The FCC has adopted rules that prohibit telephone companies from discriminating against eligible consumers who participate in the Lifeline program.
Lifeline service is a non-transferable benefit. A household is defined for the purposes of the Lifeline program as any individual or group of individuals who live together at the same address and share income and expenses.
Lifeline service is available to eligible low-income consumers who participate in certain government assistance programs or who have an income that is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
To participate in the Lifeline program, consumers must first contact a participating telephone company and request Lifeline service. Consumers must then provide proof of their eligibility for the program.
Once a consumer is enrolled in Lifeline, the telephone company will provide a monthly discount on the consumer's bill. The amount of the discount will vary depending on the telephone company and the consumer's state of residence.
Lifeline service is a government benefit and is subject to certain rules and regulations. Lifeline service is non-transferable and limited to one per household. A household is defined for the purposes of the Lifeline program as any individual or group of individuals who live together at the same address and share income and expenses.
Lifeline service is provided by participating telephone companies and is available in every state and territory. To find a participating telephone company in your area, contact the National Lifeline Association.
