I have just about has it with our cell phone provider and all of the details that surround having a mobile phone. After doing some research this weekend to possibly upgrade my iPhone and also to look into other carriers, I'm at my wits end with these companies.

Here's the deal: We have been with our provider for a number of years (corporate discount) and have been happy enough (although their customer service is generally awful). I got used to getting a new phone every 2-3 years through the Apple store and just accepted our high bill for what it was.

Many of the cell phone providers have changed their pricing models and have taken away the option of buying a phone, at the end of a contract, for a subsidized cost. Now, to get a new phone, it seems like you must 1) buy it outright or 2) "lease" if through the cell phone provider for a monthly fee. Granted, when you take this route, the phone services are discounted further, but I am not sure the best option for us.

At present, my line has unlimited data and to make a move to one of these other plans with a new phone built in, I would have to forfeit my unicorn of a plan. In all honesty, I have no need for unlimited (or do I????) as don't come close to using that amount of data but I am still scared to give it up, especially as this new plan would cost around what we're paying now.

So, please tell me more about your cell phone plan/how you buy your phone(s). Do you buy a phone outright and then just work with your provider for the service? Or do you "lease" your phone? After chatting with some friends, I am also realizing that we may be paying way, way too much and I am curious if there are any alternatives out there.