iPhone 3G on sale 8 a.m. July 11; no-contract iPhone on tap

Tue Jul 1, 2008 11:33AM EDT

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Looks like we'll have to get up bright and early to buy the new iPhone. Also, AT&T says a "no-commitment" iPhone is "coming soon."

First things first: The new iPhone 3G will go on sale at 8 a.m. next Friday at AT&T retail stores and Apple stores. So if you're planning on lining up, you'd better be ready well before sunrise.

Also, AT&T has finally clarified pricing for current AT&T subscribers who want the iPhone 3G.  

In a nutshell, if you're "upgrade eligible" (log into your AT&T account to see if you are), you'll be able to buy the new iPhone for the discounted price of $199 for the 8GB version or $299 for the 16GB model. (AT&T is somewhat vague about the eligibility criteria, although your credit history and the time remaining on your contract are factors.) You'll also have to pay an $18 "upgrade fee."

If you're not eligible for the discount, you'll have to fork over extra for an "early upgrade"-$399 for the 8GB iPhone 3G or $499 for the 16GB model. Ouch.

AT&T also says that a "no-commitment" (read: no contract) iPhone 3G will be available soon, at $599 for the 8GB version and or $699 for the 16GB handset. Pricey, but hey-no two-year contract.

Unfortunately, AT&T won't offer the new iPhone on a prepaid basis, at least not at launch.

Some other items: You will have to get your new iPhone activated at the store, and that means a credit check. So bring a photo ID and your Social Security number (especially if you're not yet an AT&T customer). If you want to cut down on the wait, you can go to an AT&T store now and take care of the credit check early.

There have been some rumors that current iPhone users could simply register the IMEI number of their new iPhone with AT&T clerks-meaning they could finish activating their phones at home. It's a nice idea, but so far, there's no indication from AT&T that such a plan exists.

As for the newly detailed rate plans, there aren't any surprises. Each plan comes bundled with unlimited data; $70 a month gets you 450 minutes and 5,000 night/weekend minutes, while a 900-minute plan with unlimited nights/weekends goes for $90. A 1,350-minute plan will cost $110 per month. Family plans are available, and business data plans will cost $45 a month (versus $30 per month for standard data in the bundled plans). Text messages are extra, too. Individuals pay $5 for 200 texts per month, $15 for 1,500 a month, or $20 for unlimited texting. For family plans, you'll pay $30 a month for unlimited messaging.

AT&T also has a checklist of required documentation, fees, and rate plans. Download the PDF here.

Guess that $199 price Steve Jobs announced for the iPhone 3G should have come with a massive asterisk, huh? 

Related:
iPhone 3G purchasing info [AT&T]

 

Comments on iPhone 3G on sale 8 a.m. July 11; no-contract iPhone on tap

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  • 26 Posted by alexrod550 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:50PM EDT Report Abuse

    I have the iphone I have no plans to upgrade !! and to pay more..so lets see what happens.

  • 27 Posted by lqng4funone on Thu Sep 3, 2009 6:58PM EDT Report Abuse

    Dang I love my CECT-P168, freaking awesome reception. never drops a call, even way out in country. and I actually insert my wife's sim in the phone as well so I have don't have to carry two chargers and ----- .

  • 28 Posted by eve066 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:56PM EDT Report Abuse

    I was considering the possibility of getting the iphone...not anymore!! What a rip-off! I like Verizon much better than AT&T anyway...the reception is much much better than what I've experienced with AT&T in the past.

  • 29 Posted by alfredwang2002 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:50PM EDT Report Abuse

    go get the instinct from sprint. FAster net work for less.

  • 30 Posted by m_knobel on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:32PM EDT Report Abuse

    Can't apple realize that they could make more money by opening up the phone to sprint or verizon.

  • 31 Posted by av_dang on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:00PM EDT Report Abuse

    HOLY MOLY!!!! I was thinking about getting the Iphone for the very tempting $199 but after reading the catch and the fees... I think i will stick to my Samsung BlackJack II with my 16gb ipod touch duct taped to it for now.

  • 32 Posted by malcolmhicks on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:04PM EDT Report Abuse

    I LOVE reading stuff like this. Thats why I gave up my cell phone a year ago. Turns out any messages I need to get or any calls I need to make I can either wait until I get home or get to the office. If an emergency pops up on the road---anyone thats passing by has got one I can borrow if its that pressing. JEEZ LOO-EEZ! Lose the leash. There are FAR better cures for OCD & ADD, LOL--- Especially when you realize that the only reason you get no commitment is when, if you read the fine print, that they disguise how they get you up front now instead of how they get you in the back. C'maaaahhhn people---This is corporate america we're talkin about, but God Bless ya anyway :-)

  • 33 Posted by ottertopla on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:47PM EDT Report Abuse

    Why is everyone stunned that you actually have to pay for airtime, texting and internet service when you purchase a cell phone? Why is that information always presented by the media--and especially Yahoo!--as such a shocking development? Are you all so ignorant as to be gobsmacked by that? Geez. Welcome to the 21st century, Rip Van Winkle.

  • 34 Posted by samanthasmom2001 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:01PM EDT Report Abuse

    Well it is called the money game. Steve Jobs for everyone of these new bricks he sells from AT&T, Jobs gets 325.00 and the cost is passed on to the dumbasses who buys them, by the way there will be tons of those on July 11th. I have right now a old iphone and i will keep it mind u. because the 3G will be followed by in 8 months the new 4G 32G's and so on and on. How much money does Steve Jobs need now??? The new itouch pod with 32 G's and camera in it comes out soon also. OF course with a lower price. I will find a new UNLOCKED 3G iphone soon after they arrive. WHY pay those sky high prices. When the slow down begins a couple weeks after the newness wears off, we all will see Steve Jobs out begging U all to buy this brick.

  • 35 Posted by teresaloranger on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:00PM EDT Report Abuse

    Save the headaches and the cash and get a Sprint Touch or Instinct !!!

  • 36 Posted by jp_lacey on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:42PM EDT Report Abuse

    Colt45, Why do you have to have the phone? Its just a stupid phone.

  • 37 Posted by jplucky999 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:42PM EDT Report Abuse

    Some people are so dumb they will pay out the butt just to have this dumb phone. You can get a BB Curve from T-mobile for $99 and get 600 min plus my faves (49.99) Unltd Text (14.99) and Data for (19.99). A Total of $85 a month and get WAY more for your $. Iphones are overrated!

  • 38 Posted by lawrencevanrijn on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:57PM EDT Report Abuse

    It is weird that Apple cannot respect the wants and needs of a customer. The people (global) want to buy a phone that they can keep with a provider of their choice. This story is turning into the joke Sony sems to become. Buy a Playstation 3..... it has a Blu ray drive. This has nothing to do with gaming, but who cares? Just like the iPhone now. It has nothing to do with communication, but hey, it comes with AT&T

  • 39 Posted by prakobath on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:18PM EDT Report Abuse

    Regardless of the new iphone,i can't even buy the old iphone.Every time i went to the apple store and tried to buy one it was always sold out.

  • 40 Posted by dcbrown5000 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:39PM EDT Report Abuse

    At&T & Apple have gone too far!!! Is this how they treat existing both At&T and iPhone customers??? They can go to heck !!!

  • 42 Posted by apatel1993 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:56PM EDT Report Abuse

    stupid phone that really shouldn't be bought by anyone. shove it up your ******* apple

  • 43 Posted by vivir_total on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:36PM EDT Report Abuse

    Hey, I'm not going to rush over to AT&T or any Apple store. there are way to many string attachment... I will wait until the fallowing year.... and I have bunch of friend will do the same... And we all like all the apple products. But, just wait until AT&T gives you more bars.......

  • 44 Posted by fxrchick1993 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:05PM EDT Report Abuse

    I am so grateful I don't use AT&T for anything. My cell bill runs 45.00 a month for 1000 minutes and thats good enough for me. I'm a gadget buff but not at the risk of having to file bankruptcy. My hat's off to those who have that kind of money to throw away. Not to mention the attorney's fees for reading through all of the contract stuff. As for the i phone...it is really, really cool too bad they hooked up with AT&T.

  • 45 Posted by geraldine2k6 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:08PM EDT Report Abuse

    I'll stick with the original iphone, I love it and no need to upgrade. Original is always best! :)

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