Does it cost money to start an account with Sprint?

My dad bought me an iPhone and when I went to radio shack they said it was a sprint phone, since I didn't have an account with Sprint they said it would cost 500 dollars to start one. That seems a bit excessive! I just want a service plan for my phone. Why would it cost so much for an account? Can I get around it? I don't mind contract I'll be using the phone for a while.

That depends on your credit rating! The better your credit, the better deal they will offer you! I suggest that you go with Boost. They are Sprint's prepay company & you're using Sprint's towers & getting the same cell quality as you would with Sprint. Only thing is you have to buy your own phone; but you do NOT have to sign a 2 year contract & you don't get a rebate. What you do get is quality equipment at a LOT LESS! I was paying Spring $120/mon for the SAME thing I got from Boost for $40/mon. With an $80/mon SAVINGS, it paid for my phone in 2-1/2 months! I was with Sprint for 2 years before I came to my senses & I've been with Boost for 7 years now! Boost's Cust Svc is frustrating; but I've only needed it twice in 7 years. Anyway, they are HALF as frustrating as Sprint! You do realize that with the contract phones that you are NOT getting them for free don't you? They are just financing them & adding it to your monthly service over the next 2 years. Then when you've paid for the phone, they still don't give you the lower rate!