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T-Mobile, recognizing that folks don’t want to part with a big chunk of change these days, has decided $179 is a big chunk.  Instead of parting with nine $20 bills all at once, customers desiring the Android OS G1 smartphone can leave the store after paying just $45 and signing on the dotted line.

T-Mobile is letting customers break the cost of the phone into four payments.  The norm in other industries and the fodder of QVC television sales, easy payments is a great option.  We get the feeling other carriers will jump on this rather quickly.

Is this paving the way for higher cost phones?  Perhaps.  My gut says this will pave the way in separating us from the actual cost of phones.  In doing so, carriers will be able to get away with higher costs because we feel the pain of a much smaller amount.  I should lay off the conspiracy theory juice, huh?

The four payment idea is offered to qualified customers with good credit.  Not a huge step forward, but I am sure there are scores of folks who’ll appreciate this move. 

Source: [Phandroid] and [IntoMobile]