Only a 1-year contract with used cell phones

[bishop]

This might only apply to Verizon, but here's what happened to me. I switched from Verizon prepaid to a plan, and when I did that, I was given a 1-year contract because I had my own equipment. I get a state employee discount with Verizon, so I don't mind paying for a contracted service...and getting a shorter contract to boot!

Have any of you had the same experience? I know Verizon is going to relax their "standards" of what phones you can use with their network next year, so I imagine a lot of people will be buying used cell phones and bringing them to the Verizon network.

On a side note, I have changed my plan around and purchased a Treo, so I have a Samsung flip phone with home charger for sale. I'd like to pass it on to someone who can take advantage of the 1-year contract deal. I am selling it on craigslist for $60. If you are interested, please PM me. In the spirit of frugality, I am willing to haggle!

[purplefdu]

Most cell services can actually give you a one or two year plan, the one year plan normally doesn't come with a free phone, or the phone costs more ($40-50 more). They don't always advertise them as its less chances for them to get money from a longer relationship, but if you called them up you'd be surprised what companies offer for term lengths and services and discounts.