This really only affect Europe, the days of 12-month contract dwindled. I hated the idea of signing up for an 18-months contract, since that was the only one available at the time I signed up. At least the European Parliament are doing something in Brussels :24:
http://www.metro.co.uk/news/862947-three-year-mobile-phone-contracts-outlawed-by-brussels
http://www.metro.co.uk/news/862947-three-year-mobile-phone-contracts-outlawed-by-brussels