Here in Australia, the pixel/pixel2 were exclusive to Telstra, the biggest (and most expensive) carrier we have.
This is why none of my friends or I bothered to get one. Yes I love the idea of owning a pixel phone, but I'm not going to switch carriers and be ripped off for the next 2 years with excessive phone bills.
my other option is buying outright, which I'd rather not do since I want the plan I'm currently on anyway.
A company like google should not have to partner up with a single carrier. You would think they (google) would have some leverage and be able to set the terms of the partnership.