Most of us cell phone geeks have heard about the term free cell phone. We may have gone through it either online or seen them advertised in the print media. Cell phones as we all know are no longer just instruments of communication. They are virtually handheld computers. They are also becoming fashion accessories. With features increasing day by day, it is no wonder that we want to go in for latest models, within a matter of months. These gizmos have become part and parcel of our lives. Most of us cannot do without one, however we may wish so. This being the scenario, if someone told you that they were offering cell phones for free, you will be left wondering, how on earth can one offer a cell phone absolutely free?

One may have come across merchants who offer free cell phones. Unfortunately, everything under the sun has a price tag attached to it. There are hidden costs involved. For one thing, even if you get a free phone, you still have to pay the service provider for activating it on a network.

Several merchants offer cell phones free via rebate. You pay first and are reimbursed later. You have to sometimes wait for more than two months for a reimbursement. Research has shown that a majority of buyers forget to claim the reimbursement or just dont bother to wait for it after a period of time. Added to it lies the fact that the entire claim process is complicated. There may even be an expiration date on the rebate.

Some cell phone manufacturers actually ask you to sign a contract requiring you to commit to a particular network for a least specified period of time, which may range up to two years. Or they may insist that you use the service of particular networks only. In fact your free phone may be compatible with these networks only. Last but not least, some of these so-called free cell phones can be disappointing when it comes to overall quality and features. It therefore makes sense to shell out something for a cell phone, rather than get it free.