Buying an unlocked phone will let you use other companies..which is pretty much Rogers, the parent company of Fido. Getting a phone from Fido will restrict you from using Fido only, and if you choose to use Rogers later on, you can either unlock the Fido phone, or get a new Rogers phone. It's just convenience..Price wise, you'll be paying retail if you go with pay as you go (prepaid), you only get a break if you go on a month to month plan or on a Fido Agreement.

Cy