The money comes from the end-user either way. So right now the difference is between paying $250 for an iPod Touch vs. $99 or more for an iPhone plus a contract of some kind that embeds the subsidy in the monthly fees.
If Apple wants to offer iPod Touches for $25 or even free and recoup the cost through monthly fees, it can do so without the carriers by bundling them with MobileMe subscriptions or by offering Apple Credit Cards.
Apple really doesn't need the telcos to offer financing to its customers.
If Apple wants to offer iPod Touches for $25 or even free and recoup the cost through monthly fees, it can do so without the carriers by bundling them with MobileMe subscriptions or by offering Apple Credit Cards.
Apple really doesn't need the telcos to offer financing to its customers.