I'm on US Cellular because they've got the best coverage in rural Oregon, good prices, and good customer service. AT&T's coverage is shockingly bad in rural Oregon...but all the sexy Windows Phones (Titan, Focus S, and now Lumia 900) are for AT&T. I've been thinking about keeping my 7 Pro until Windows 8 comes out, and then getting some nice flagship Windows Phone model. I know I wouldn't get the subsidy that you get when you buy, say, a Lumia 900 from AT&T, but I'd be willing to pay the full MSRP for a really nice Windows Phone. No offense to my 7 Pro, it's a practical phone, but it just doesn't have the style or the roomy, gorgeous screen of a Focus S or Lumia 900.
But realistically, how does this work?
(1) Where do I buy from? All the phones on amazon.com that are "factory unlocked" also say "no warranty," even when buying direct from HTC. And the manufacturer's websites don't seem to sell you phones without a cellular contract from a carrier (Apple being a notable exception).
(2) Is any phone compatible with any 3G data plan, or is there a risk I could buy a Lumia 900 and it wouldn't "work" with US Cellular?
(3) Are there other pitfalls with doing this? If so, what?
But realistically, how does this work?
(1) Where do I buy from? All the phones on amazon.com that are "factory unlocked" also say "no warranty," even when buying direct from HTC. And the manufacturer's websites don't seem to sell you phones without a cellular contract from a carrier (Apple being a notable exception).
(2) Is any phone compatible with any 3G data plan, or is there a risk I could buy a Lumia 900 and it wouldn't "work" with US Cellular?
(3) Are there other pitfalls with doing this? If so, what?