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T-Mobile UK announced today that its users can get the G1 HTC Dream Android phone for FREE on October 30th, 2008.
The press release states that those on the Combi and Flext price plans which starts at £40, which is approximately $70 US, a month can get the G1 for FREE!
It also states 25,000 subscribers have already pre-ordered the G1 in the UK while the suckers in the US have ordered 1.5 million at $175 each plus surcharges and two year extension of service with T-Mobile.
Why do the British get free G1s???
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because God loves us most of all.
This is not the bargain you think it is.
You can get the tariff the press release mentions for 31.50 GBP at the moment, so you’re paying 8.50 GBP more for the tarriff just for getting a G1.
This means over the life of the 2 year contract you’ll end up paying 204 GBP (around 350 USD) for the ‘phone.
It’s not looking so “free” now.
@Al
Your equation does not include the voice plan on the G1 in the US, just the data plan, which I believe you need to have at least the $40 voice plan in addition
G1 US
——-
179 USD for the ‘phone
25 USD x 24 months for the Tariff
40 USD x 24 months for the VOICE PLAN
Total : Total 779 USD + 960 USD = $1739
G1 UK
——
0 GBP for the ‘phone
40 GBP x 24 months for the Tariff
Total: 960GBP (roughly 1,675 USD)
@Michael,
Think you’ve crossed my post here with a message on the mailing lists.
Here I was showing that there is a cost to the G1 based on the difference in T-Mobile tariffs offered if you don’t buy a G1 compared with if you do.
On the android-discuss mailing list I was discussing the cheapest way for a developer/techie to get a phone to play around with.
So even with the voice plan (T-Mobile offer a 29.99 USD one by the way), you’re looking at a 2 year ownership cost of about 1,500 USD, which is still 175 USD less than the UK price, so it is still a long way from a “Free” G1.
Al Suttons last blog post..HandyCalc (Version 0.31)
It may be negligible but unless there are other fees in the UK then you must add in taxes, the upgrade fee of $15, and although the minimum voice plan at T-Mobile is $30, I believe to get the G1 it needs to be the $40 or $50 plan.
In the end I believe there is a savings in the UK even if it breaks near even as its better to pay later than upfront if the costs are equal.
they get it for free cuz its probably part of big brothers plan to track them all. duh. the uk is like the book 1984 and america is on its way. nothing to worry about though. as long as there is a use for you.
@ Dynamite
I was just thinking along those lines when reading Android articles over the weekend, but I feel in this case rather than big brother government its more like big used car salesman tracking people for advertising.
And the internet reveals yet again, that everyone is paranoid.
Hi
I just got myself a new G1 to be delivered on Friday with free 8gb card plus combi 35 and web and walk on 12 month deal plus line rental discount for upgrading so £35 per month for 12 months – Bargain…..
Martin
Hey guys im from south africa.Any idea whe the android wil be available in south africa.Thanx in advance
Don’t think south Africa is going to sell the g1, you’d have better luck getting it imported. Try eBay, but good luck finding a seller willing to ship to your country, what with all those rampant scams…
I don’t believe South Africa is 3G really yet. In the years to come I would say South Africa will being to adpt to this innovated technology.
I love this phone, G1 is the best!
great phone, even more great if you can get it for free