Maybe but I'd argue the Phone companies are simply taking the pee. At the 2 year point your hand set is paid for. How can they justify continuing to charge for something you've already paid for?
I knew the 3 network did this because it almost happened to me. You would think the phone companies would be obliged to remind you your 2 year contract is over, but no, they happily continue to charge the full amount.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41679408
Seems very hard to conclude...