said by fiberguy :

Honestly.. #2 is all they talk about. #1 is also called "roping a customer"... they've never publicly stated to keep churn low - but it's true. It's also a way to not have to compete... lazy and greed. Yes, I'm using the term greed here for once - because it is.

They've offered NOTHING and want a contract. Seems more and more businesses want contracts for no reason.

"The problem? The deal requires you sign a two-year contract which somewhat defeats the purpose. Carriers have always argued that the contract is to help subsidize the phone. But in this case you're not getting one."

Back in 2005, I already satisfied a Nextel agreement of 1 year. I took my phone to it's own account - already owning the phone, they wanted a 2 year agreement to simply turn on the service to a phone I already owned.

This isn't anything new to AT&T but sure is right up their alley.