Carriers will unlock the iPhone, well I've only heard of Rogers and Fido, but they will only do it once you're contract is up. So if you don't have a contract with them then I'm not sure if they would be do it. You have to work out the numbers you could buy the phone get a plan with Bell and then disconnect and ask them to unlock the device. If you didn't buy the iPhone from them you don't need a data plan. I've had the iPhone since the first gen and I have never used a data plan. So work out how much the phone will cost, how much the plan will cost and then how much the possible ETF will be. If it's less than buying a factory unlocked iPhone then you might be able to do it that way. You could also just call Bell up and tell them you're thinking of buying an iPhone 5 and getting their service. Then ask them if you're not happy with the service and cancel will they unlock your phone so you can go somewhere else? Just be sure to make the point that you wont be buying the iPhone from them.