(CNET) – Forget contracts, users can now snap up Apple’s iPhone 5 at Walmart with Straight Talk Wireless. The major retailer announced today that it will be offering users a contract-free iPhone 5 or iPhone 4 for $45 a month starting on Friday.
“We believe customers shouldn’t have to choose between saving money and having the latest technology,” senior vice president of Entertainment for Walmart U.S. Seong Ohm said in a statement. “Now customers can have the coveted iPhone with unlimited talk, text and data without a contract.”
The iPhone 5 has been available at Walmart since the launch of the device in September, but it only came with a two-year contract.
According to Walmart, the iPhone 5 and 4 will be available in more than 2,000 stores and at Walmart.com. The iPhone 5 will be 16GB and sold for $649 and the iPhone 4 will be 8GB and cost $449. Straight Talk is offering a $45 per month no contract unlimited talk, text, and data plan. Additionally, users can buy the smartphone over time with a financing offer of $25 per month.
Besides Apple and major mobile carriers, other retail stores — like Best Buy and Radio Shack — also sell the smartphone. Apple began offering the unlocked iPhone 5 device in November, which lets users go the prepaid route rather than be tethered to certain plans or contracts.
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