The cost of independence

We are (at least I was) all thrilled about the price drop of iPhones last evening. And I was really excited till I had a long discussion with an old friend who shares somewhat equal views.

Look at Apple this way, they do not want to earn a bad name for selling a very expensive phone and thereby loosing critical market share. So how would they do it? They reduce the cost of the phone (as they did it) and they earn their share through the Telecom companies (and add to this the declaration made by Mr. Jobs that they are going to roll out in 70 countries in coming few months). In simple words, the price drop ensures that the iPhone is never going to be a "free phone". This also indicates that they already have signed contracts with those Telecom companies who are creating the field to suck the customers off their valuable money on behalf of Apple. 

Nobody looses except the Customers. Well, I hear the views like "You got to pay the price if you want it". Very fair. Thank you for reminding.

How much are you going to spill out for the luxury of having the iPhone and your right to independence together???