It is cheaper - I&#x27;m saving $1000 bucks on my iPhone over the course of two years, just by buying it unlocked and on a cheaper plan. 
I can use it in other countries as well, just a matter of swapping the SIM card. Only downside is that my network provider won&#x27;t replace my phone if something were to happen to it, but I&#x27;d imagine there are third party insurance providers in this space.<p>I think there are a few reasons why companies like Verizon are so big in the U.S.: they have a good network, they offer plenty of family plans, and they will replace your phone for what seems like subsidized rate under various conditions. Oh, and they advertise constantly.<p>But not being able to use my phone out of the country? Very limiting. Why would I pay more for that handicap as an individual enrollee?