iPhone 3G on sale 8 a.m. July 11; no-contract iPhone on tap
Tue Jul 1, 2008 11:33AM EDT
See Comments (429)
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]
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Comments on iPhone 3G on sale 8 a.m. July 11; no-contract iPhone on tap
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Join in the discussion. Here you'll see the comments in the order they were posted.
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427 Posted by dragondarklighter on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:47PM EDT Report Abuse
Ok, what is all the whining about. The phone should come with an asterisk?? Really, are people that ignorant, even when posting a blog/article? The iphone is one of a kind and even if you do not get it, a AT&T TILT costs 299.99, approx, with 2 yr contract and you need that same 30.00 unlimited feature if you want to browse internet and get email. The upgrade fees are a part of doing business, most carriers charge - maybe people should read the terms and conditions of their contract before complaining. If the costs sounds to much the handle then be quiet and move on to a different phone. Meanwhile 10 million new iphones will be sold worldwide today...and life goes on.
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428 Posted by tiffany_patrice_simpson on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:08PM EDT Report Abuse
I'll pass, Apple needs to offer the Iphone to different carriers, and people would probably be more apt to buy it.
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429 Posted by eagleonthespot on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:50PM EDT Report Abuse
If Apple had any sense they would see the pricing runaround by AT&T as corporate sabotage, and get out of the exclusive provider scheme. The iPhone should be available to all consumers "massive asterisk" indeed.
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426 Posted by gustavo7200 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:14PM EDT Report Abuse
APPLE HAS NO BUSINESS IN THE CELLPHONE BUSINESS!!! Apple has long standed out for being a single, unique company. Now teaming up with a third-party company makes it look more like MOTOROLA, SAMSUNG ETC. Most of apple's consumer base is made up by youths. People with little or no income! I guess those people would much preffer their experience of buying an IPHONE to be more like the experience of buying an IPOD!! You go into the store, y ou pay it down in cash at a single slap, and it's Yours. No hidden fees, no gimmicks, NO CREDIT CHECK. It should be as simple as that, so eve any pre teenager could just walk into an apple store and buy their iphone with the money they would have made working over summer time. Imagine how attractive that would be?