Most mobile phone providers try to get you to join their service and sign up for a multi year contract by basically subsidizing the price of the phone. It is not uncommon to see ads for phones costing only a few dollars or even provided free as long as you sign up for a contract. But you can compare mobile phone deals online an with the help of certain sites you can factor in all the details of the offer to find out just how attractive it is and if a better offer is available.

For instance you may find that one network offers a Sony Ericsson W910i contract for price X but by entering in the details of their plan online you can find that other networks may offer Sony Ericsson W960i contracts for even lower. This way you benefit both from a better phone and from lower costs on your calls over the long run.