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> Actually, it's very common in Europe. They're called "SIM only" plans. They don't include a phone, but are way cheaper.

They're not "way" cheaper. They provide more service at the same price and no phone. Here is the full grid: http://shop.vodafone.co.uk/shop/mobile-price-plans/all-plans...

> In Belgium, operators are prohibited from selling subsidized phones. Instead, consumers buy their phones full price and sign up for a SIM-only plan.

No, that's the point, you can't get subsidized phones and it still isn't cheaper.

> Example: An iPhone 4 16GB costs Euro 640 ($850) at Mobistar Belgium. Their iPhone plan costs Euro 45 a month ($60).

Which is the price of a plan with subsidized phone in France with Mobistar's parent company (orange) [0]

Origami Star starts at 39€ giving access to a 16GB iPhone 4 for 229€ [1]. Though for the same price you do get more voice in Belgium.

[0] http://iphone.orange.fr/forfaits.php

[1] http://www.orange.fr/bin/frame.cgi?u=http%3A//sites.orange.f...



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