[Galaxy Note 4 General] ultramegax:
I'm simply explaining the reality of the situation, and their rationality behind it. Whether you want to believe in that being their intentions or not is irrelevant, really. Because simply being negative and dismissive does nothing to argue your case. But yes, I agree that there is no reason to derail this thread over it.

By the way, I don't work for Rogers. So it's funny it reads that way to you.

One thing I do want to say, though, is if contracts or something are the reason for your cynicism, purchase the phones outright. Or continue to get them secondhand. I don't discourage it. And like I said, I sell my old phones myself. So I support that system. But not everything a business does (in this case, the carriers) is malicious. Things can support a business and PR side at once.

Again, as I've said, for flagship brands, the carriers pay exactly the same thing you do for the phones the majority of the time (perhaps give or take $50-100, but not usually). Take the iPhone. The carrier pays the same cost for the iPhone as someone going to the Apple Store. And you've the choice. You see the reality of the price of the phone. But most people unfortunately do not want to take responsibility for their own finances or wants and needs and purchase that very expensive phone themselves, and instead expect a carrier or other entity to massively discount it with no commitment or guarantee in return (and then still expect the Canadian carriers to maintain some of the most rock solid networks in the world - as recently verified by an independent study, if you're wondering).

A last point, though, is remember that you are in control of your decisions. Yes, the carriers obviously prefer a customer to be in contract to recoup costs, and thus give a bigger upfront discount for the phone in return. If you don't like that, though, just come with your own phone, or go on a sub-carrier that operates on a tab system, who doesn't have any early plan termination fees.

I guess my point here is my own frustration. The majority of the time, though not every time, people's frustrations come down to them having a massive sense of entitlement, or not being able to take responsibility for their actions. Most cases I see are people wanting something for nothing, ignoring the terms of their plan, or contract, or otherwise not being thorough. We're adults here. And though deception does happen, it's usually not the case (or not for the carrier I work for, at least. I can't say what the others preach exactly, or how they discipline their unsavory employees).

Although, personally, I wouldn't touch Rogers with a ten foot pole. I was a customer of theirs when I was younger, and they are exceedingly incompetent. In just about every department. A simple request would be misconstrued or just never even handled. But I believe it comes down to the whole way the company is managed and run (read: not very well, in many respects). Which probably explains why they continue to lose subscribers through out their business every quarter.

So for what it's worth, I'm happy I work for a carrier that practices what it preaches. I see everyday how we extend favours, credits, etc. to our clients (many deserved, and many more yet undeserved), so you're free to live in your world of cynicism. But it isn't objective reality.

I apologize if that comes off as hostile. But I don't take well to baseless arguments, or conjecture thrown out due to someone's feelings. And just know that I likely won't reply to this as I don't want to derail this thread any further. Not to mention that if someone is so set in their ways and beliefs there isn't much you can do to show them a different reality. They have to want to accept a change.

But you're welcome for the explanation. Any time. =)

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In regards to anyone talking about Lollipop, I'm with you right now. The wait sucks. I'm gonna reach out to some contacts at Samsung when I'm back at work on Tuesday, if I have some time, and see if they know where it's sitting.