I actually called one of the stores in NJ (check the other threads for the phone number and other details), and they verified that, at least at the time, the Bold 2 was $49 after rebate as a contracted price. So yes, it's true. However, I have no idea if this is still going on or not, and I have no idea what the non-contract price would be.

Worth a phone call, I would think, so you can verify for yourself.