smart phone and plan

Hello I am interested in the Nokia Lumia Icon. I am also trying to weigh the pros and cons of plans. if I buy the phone outright then go to a carrier for activation with no contract would that be a viable way to do this? I would get 1 GB data as this phone really gets WI FI quite good and I am in the DC area. I would also look for free voice and text. I can't seem to coordinate this with carriers as each is trying to get in my pocket. I do realize the phone is expensive but with insurance I would think that once the initial obligation is out of the way I have more flexibility and I have to pay for the phone sooner or later. Am I on the right path? Peter