They sell phones at a loss because their overpriced service makes up the difference. They sell phones at a loss because you will ultimately pay more over the life of the plan. Take my iPhone 16 Pro Max 512GB (I traded an older phone to get it, but you can look up the retail price, or look up this generation's, I'm sure it's about the same) and multiply $25 times 24 (months). Now add what Verizon charges for one to 24 times what Verizon charges per line. Verizon users pay way more, even though the phone seems "cheaper."

I challenge anyone with Verizon to post their bill for one line of service with unlimited 5GUW (ultra wideband, I believe). I also get unlimited LTE and base 5G, but after 50GB, it's de-prioritised. Doesn't matter, I use maybe 5GB a month on a busy month. Never been a big mobile user. Anyway, I pay Visible $25 a month, and Visible is owned by Verizon and uses Verizon towers. Anyone can get Visible, but they don't have stores and Verizon stores will not help you. You download the app (iOS or Android) and it does everything. Only service is via chat, no phone support. Same towers. Same coverage. They do have subsidized phones, but not as many, and it's strictly new customers only.