The Official word for those under AT&T Contract

[dagomike]

Anyone get an satisfactory answer from AT&T on whether those currently on contract, but not eligible to upgrade can get an iPhone? Apple seems to plainly state current customers can add on a $20 data package to existing plans. If so, does that nullify the existing plan or extend it?

[Steve1496]

Yes, you can. Think about it. Apple is not doing in store activation--basically, everyone in line just goes up and gets their iPhone, pays, and leaves. They don't even know if you are a current customer or not.

[dagomike]

Yes, you can. Think about it. Apple is not doing in store activation--basically, everyone in line just goes up and gets their iPhone, pays, and leaves. They don't even know if you are a current customer or not.

I understand what's logical, but that plays little part in cell phone contracts. I don't think it would be unreasonable to buy a phone from Apple and discover you can't transfer service to it because of your contract. Certainly you can't just type in a random phone/account number and it will transfer it to you -- there is a check process to ensure the request is valid and within that process may be a contract validation. In other words before people take off work to stand in line, let not just assume.

What I'm asking is as of today, w/ the new plans released, has anyone from AT&T spelled out how this works for existing customers?

[wakka092]

If you are an existing customer ineligible for an upgrade you pay $500 or $600 with a two-year contract

If you are a existing customer eligible for an upgrade you pay $500 or $600 with a two-year contract

If you are a new customer you pay $500 or $600 with a two-year contract

:rolleyes:

[applehero]

This probably still isn't clear enough. :cool:

[Antaios]

The answer to this question has been avoided. With every phone in at&t history a customer must be "upgrade eligible" (at least have your phone for a year, and yes, exceptions to this rule are made) in order to sign a new two year contract and get a new phone at a discounted price. Being that there is no discounted price associated with the iphone, it would seem that ethically and morally at&t should allow current customers whether they are "upgrade eligible" or not to resign for two years, purchase and activate their iphone. Unfortunately I see a small problem with this logic. What if a customer signed up for service two months ago and got the free phone. Then on june 29th purchases the iphone and resigns their contract they just got two phones with a 26 month contract. As a n at&t sales rep I REALLY do not foresee at&t allowing this. I am going to our official training on thursday morning... i will ask this question then and see if I can get an official answer.

[dagomike]

If you are an existing customer ineligible for an upgrade you pay $500 or $600 with a two-year contract

If you are a existing customer eligible for an upgrade you pay $500 or $600 with a two-year contract

If you are a new customer you pay $500 or $600 with a two-year contract

:rolleyes:

How do you know this?

[rSm00th]

Why doesn't someone just call? Surely, with the release of the plans today, the CSR's will have an answer to this basic question.

[Le Big Mac]

TWhat if a customer signed up for service two months ago and got the free phone. Then on june 29th purchases the iphone and resigns their contract they just got two phones with a 26 month contract. As a n at&t sales rep I REALLY do not foresee at&t allowing this. I am going to our official training on thursday morning... i will ask this question then and see if I can get an official answer.

That's how I see subsidizing my iPhone purchase. I'll pick up a subsidized phone, sell it on eBay, and then purchase the iPhone.

[Shanesan]

How do you know this?

Because you don't get anything discounted from Apple.

AT&T is not controlling iPhone distrobution. Only the price-gouging of the plans.

iPhone is still Apple's baby. Just corrupted by corporate greed.

The phone will cost Apple's cost. AT&T will NOT give you this phone for free.

[dagomike]

Because you don't get anything discounted from Apple.

AT&T is not controlling iPhone distrobution. Only the price-gouging of the plans.

iPhone is still Apple's baby. Just corrupted by corporate greed.

What's getting discounted? The only this discounted was the phone that's already under contract.

[MovieCutter]

How do you know this?

It's common sense based on the information provided.

[dagomike]

It's common sense based on the information provided.

All I'm asking is if anyone got some information of authority on this subject... If you're just making assumptions, please, reserve your smug comments.

[MovieCutter]

All I'm asking is if anyone got some information of authority on this subject... If you're just making assumptions, please, reserve your smug comments.

NOBODY here has authority on this subject. Call ATT or Apple and find out for yourself. My comment was simply that given the information provided, it just makes sense that the phone will cost the SAME to ANYONE. Damn...:rolleyes:

[cyclone84]

I called ATT customer service and the woman, who was very nice and sounded well informed assured me that, IT DOES NOT MATTER if you are eligible or not, you can get the iPhone so long as you sign up for a new 2 year contract. Here's the conversation

Me: Even if I just got a new 2 year contract, along with a free subsidized phone, I could still go in on Friday and get an iPhone at 499 or 599, and it would be treated as a new 2 year contract?

ATT: Yes, sir, that is correct.

[MovieCutter]

I called ATT customer service and the woman, who was very nice and sounded well informed assured me that, IT DOES NOT MATTER if you are eligible or not, you can get the iPhone so long as you sign up for a new 2 year contract. Here's the conversation

Me: Even if I just got a new 2 year contract, along with a free subsidized phone, I could still go in on Friday and get an iPhone at 499 or 599, and it would be treated as a new 2 year contract?

ATT: Yes, sir, that is correct.

Wow, somebody who knows how to use a phone...the OP should really learn a thing or two from you. ;)

[Squonk]

I called ATT customer service and the woman, who was very nice and sounded well informed assured me that, IT DOES NOT MATTER if you are eligible or not, you can get the iPhone so long as you sign up for a new 2 year contract. Here's the conversation


Well that makes perfect sense. I am a current AT&T customer and the pricing for phones is the same for new customers or for me who is "eligible" for an upgrade. Oh wait - right, they waive the activation fee for existing customers.

Now, what color iPhone should I get???? ;)

[dagomike]

NOBODY here has authority on this subject. Call ATT or Apple and find out for yourself. My comment was simply that given the information provided, it just makes sense that the phone will cost the SAME to ANYONE. Damn...:rolleyes:

In other words, you have nothing to contribute...

[miguelq]

Why doesn't someone just call? Surely, with the release of the plans today, the CSR's will have an answer to this basic question.


I called customer service and you get the phones for that price (500-600) but the rep made reference to paying extra to have the phone if you are not eligible for upgrade; over $100 and the price goes up depending on which phone

Only heard this once so take it for what it's worth. i think there are still other 'terms' that have not been released.:confused:

[dagomike]

Wow, somebody who knows how to use a phone...the OP should really learn a thing or two from you. ;)

I did. This morning no one knew.

[MovieCutter]

In other words, you have nothing to contribute...

I have plenty to contribute. My ability to use reason and common sense to deduct and reach a reasonable conclusion is my contribution. You're inability to pick up the phone and find out for yourself is simply detracting from any kind of contribution to this forum.

I did. This morning no one knew.

Nice...so what makes you think fanboys on an enthusiast site know any more???

[kgiglio2]

moviecutter, why do you have to try and degrade the OP...it's rediculous to try and start an online argument with someone you don't even know.

settle for the fact that he asked a question, you didn't have the answer he was looking for, but somebody else helped him out

this is rediculous, these forums are meant so people can learn from each other, not ****** talk each other like they're playing some street ball


Thanks to the poster who called and got the info....it's music to my ears (current att customer, 8 months left on contract)

[Jsimon9633]

I just talked to an in store ATT rep and also an ATT rep over the phone.

ATT store rep:

THE ONLY 2 WAYS TO GET IPHONE ARE:

be a brand new ATT customer
be eligible to upgrade your current phone if you are an exisiting ATT customer

and a third illogical way: buy a second line even though you dont need it.


I asked him in all differnet ways that if I was a customer of ATT but only had 1 year with them that obviously I am not eligible for upgraded but that the iphone is not discounted so why should it matter, he responded that it actually is discounted and there are currrently NO RETAIL sales, and if there were it would be 600 for the 4gb one and 700 for the 8gb one.

He told me that there was no way around this and that even if i bought it on the APPLE store, that all they do is send it to new Phone activation to ATT so if I did that I would get a new number(line) or be a BRAND NEW ATT customer.

I told him it was not fair to us customers of less than 2 years with ATT and he stated that there was no options.


ATT REP on phone said:

We dont have any information on the restrictions but if an ATT store rep told you than its likely true that the only way for existing customers to get Iphone is to be ELIGIBLE for upgrade or get a second line.


Any other thoughts?

[MovieCutter]

moviecutter, why do you have to try and degrade the OP...it's rediculous to try and start an online argument with someone you don't even know.


It's not "ridiculous" (I think that's how you meant to spell it) to point out that it would take a simple phone call to find out the answer. When the OP failed to mention that they already tried to call and find out, then came HERE for more authority...it seems silly. I didn't start an argument. I simply stated that the post referring to the phone being the same price for everyone made sense given the available information. Besides, it's fun getting the newbies all up in a ruckus.

[gr8tfly]

moviecutter, why do you have to try and degrade the OP...it's rediculous to try and start an online argument with someone you don't even know.

settle for the fact that he asked a question, you didn't have the answer he was looking for, but somebody else helped him out

this is rediculous, these forums are meant so people can learn from each other, not ****** talk each other like they're playing some street ball


Thanks to the poster who called and got the info....it's music to my ears (current att customer, 8 months left on contract)

If a thread search is done, people will find many who have called AT&T and received the same answer I did almost 2 weeks ago: 1 price. New/old customer, eligible for "upgrade" or not. 2 year contract supersedes current contract - this means it starts the day you activate it. Clock resets, doesn't add time. This fact has been confirmed in the press release(s) today.

[Jsimon9633]

If a thread search is done, people will find many who have called AT&T and received the same answer I did almost 2 weeks ago: 1 price. New/old customer, eligible for "upgrade" or not. 2 year contract supersedes current contract - this means it starts the day you activate it. Clock resets, doesn't add time. This fact has been confirmed in the press release(s) today.

That would be great but if the REP at ATT is the one telling me that it is not the case I worry.

I dont trust ATT reps at all but I mean thats the store I would buy it from and hes telling me I cannot do it :/

[dagomike]

I have plenty to contribute. My ability to use reason and common sense to deduct and reach a reasonable conclusion is my contribution. You're inability to pick up the phone and find out for yourself is simply detracting from any kind of contribution to this forum.


Dude, there is so much misinformation out there on the iPhone, all of it originates with people who feel they're an authority on common sense and the world runs on common sense.


Nice...so what makes you think fanboys on an enthusiast site know any more???

Oh, I don't know... maybe someone who actually works at AT&T of managed to get a straight answer out of AT&T.

[gr8tfly]

I just talked to an in store ATT rep and also an ATT rep over the phone.

ATT store rep:

THE ONLY 2 WAYS TO GET IPHONE ARE:

be a brand new ATT customer
be eligible to upgrade your current phone if you are an exisiting ATT customer

and a third illogical way: buy a second line even though you dont need it.


I asked him in all differnet ways that if I was a customer of ATT but only had 1 year with them that obviously I am not eligible for upgraded but that the iphone is not discounted so why should it matter, he responded that it actually is discounted and there are currrently NO RETAIL sales, and if there were it would be 600 for the 4gb one and 700 for the 8gb one.

He told me that there was no way around this and that even if i bought it on the APPLE store, that all they do is send it to new Phone activation to ATT so if I did that I would get a new number(line) or be a BRAND NEW ATT customer.

I told him it was not fair to us customers of less than 2 years with ATT and he stated that there was no options.


ATT REP on phone said:

We dont have any information on the restrictions but if an ATT store rep told you than its likely true that the only way for existing customers to get Iphone is to be ELIGIBLE for upgrade or get a second line.


Any other thoughts?

They are mistaken. Ask to speak with a supervisor.

The iPhone isn't subsidized. Upgrade eligibility ONLY gets you a discount on subsidized phones. It doesn't prevent you from changing phones. The iPhone isn't subsidized, therefore, eligibility is completely moot.

Oh, and the iPhone isn't subsidized..;). edit: today's released plan info specifically addresses current AT&T customers. They have a choice of taking one of the new plans or adding $20 to their current plan. Take a look at the activation video from Apple's site.

[kavika411]

I went - in person - by an AT&T store one hour ago and mentioned the rumor about must-be-eligible-for-upgrade. None of the four reps there had heard of it. It's not that I think people in this post are lying, because I don't, but I think that this must-be-eligible rumor will vanish like a fart in the wind on Friday. It is misinformation, illogical and nonsensical. I just want to go on record as saying that. If I am wrong, then on Friday I will hop on the nearest flying pig and ride it to Hell's frozen yogurt stand. THERE IS NO WAY THERE WILL BE A PREMIUM FOR CERTAIN CURRENT AT&T CUSTOMERS. IT-JUST-WON'T-HAPPEN.

[kgiglio2]

here's what I did....

the other day I called an att customer service rep to verify that i would be able to purchase the iPhone on friday. I have 8 months left on my contract.

he insisted I would be able to just start a new 2 year contract from the purchase date of the phone which would be added to only my line (1 of 5) on our family plan.

i told him that since i had been given 4 different answers from store reps, if he could please put a note on my account so these reps knew i would be able to make the purchase.

this guarantees i won't get some uninformed store rep refusing to sell me the phone, and it guarantees that you do not need to add a second line or be a brand new customer. there may be some extra fee I don't know, but I do know that I can buy the phone and that's all I care about

[whooleytoo]

How do you know this?

I don't think anyone knows that yet, but it's a reasonable assumption.

AT&T are betting a lot on this phone. Not only financially, but the new AT&T brand is closely tied to the iPhone. If the iPhone tanks, it won't do AT&T's image much good.

The reason they've rowed in so enthusiastically with Apple is that they see the iPhone as a great enticement for more and more customers to have data plans. It's simply not in their interest to limit the iPhone (by any way, means or enticement) to just new customers. They're not subsidizing the phone, so the more people they get signed up on data plans, the better.

Hence, I'd be amazed the situation wasn't just as described: the iPhone is 500/600 dollars w/2 year contract; for everyone.

[dagomike]

i told him that since i had been given 4 different answers from store reps, if he could please put a note on my account so these reps knew i would be able to make the purchase.

Did they agree? I'll try calling again later and see if I can get a favorable answer and request the same.

I've asked numerous times in person and on the phone and every time got shot down. They said they expect I need to wait until I'm upgrade eligible. Hence my frustration with those who speak as if they know, when only they assume.

Found this:

The Good and the Bad for Current AT&T Customers Under Contract
http://www.insanely-great.com/news.php?id=7364

[Jsimon9633]

Like I said I just dont trust ATT

I read a story once that an ATT cell customer got her phone stolen just before going out of the country and was charged thousands of dollars in the US while she provided proof that she was not even there and ATT said too bad.

I want this phone and I just would hate to get it and have some idiotic rule like the one mentioned about eligibility prevent me from usin git.

[zephead]

Ok, the thing for me is that I got an upgrade phone in January for another 2 year contract, but it got stolen earlier this month, so I'm using my old phone I was using before I upgraded because I had an unused SIM and AT&T let me use it with my old phone. So does all this mean I can buy an iPhone, sign another 2 year contract, and put the SIM from my old phone in the iPhone, all without any complications of my contract from January?

[kgiglio2]

he put the note on my account, and then i went into my local att store to make sure they understood it....and everything seemed to work out

[beate]

If a thread search is done, people will find many who have called AT&T and received the same answer I did almost 2 weeks ago: 1 price. This fact has been confirmed in the press release(s) today.

Finally!
http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9025753

Shorter article but no info on existing customers:
http://www.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUSWNAS470920070626?src=062607_1114_DOUBLEFEATURE_immigration_showdown

forgot one - duh!
http://www.apple.com/iphone/easysetup/rateplans.html

[gr8tfly]

Ok, the thing for me is that I got an upgrade phone in January for another 2 year contract, but it got stolen earlier this month, so I'm using my old phone I was using before I upgraded because I had an unused SIM and AT&T let me use it with my old phone. So does all this mean I can buy an iPhone, sign another 2 year contract, and put the SIM from my old phone in the iPhone, all without any complications of my contract from January?

Yes on the contract question.

Your SIM may or may not work with the iPhone. I didn't get a definitive answer on that, but they thought if it was a current version SIM, it would work. In my case, I have everything synced to my computer, so it doesn't matter whether I can use my old SIM or not.

[kavika411]

It is now time to have a funeral for and move on from the must-be-upgrade-eligible. It is misinformation. Let it die. Stop invoking stress in others.

[gr8tfly]

Yes - please make it stop.....:o

[bobznc]

The situation in here is already hostile, so do not crucify me for thread jacking, but if I am in the presence of other current AT&T customers, I was wondering what the official word was on KEEPING my current voiceplan, but PASSING on any additional Data plan. All I need is texts, which I've already added to my plan, and I live on a college campus where wifi is everywhere, and I have no need for visual voicemail. I wouldn't mind having to sign up for it whenever I purchase the phone, but I'll eventually want to cancel it.

[dagomike]

Yes - please make it stop.....:o

I think it will stop when AT&T has a consistent message. Until then, there will be confusion and people wanting more than some assurance from an anonymous poster on a rumor forum before standing in line.

I was wondering what the official word was on KEEPING my current voiceplan, but PASSING on any additional Data plan.

No, the data plan is integrated with the voice. It's a single iPhone plan. Frankly the iPhone isn't worth the money without a data plan.

[gr8tfly]

Apple's Plan info pretty much covers this. You are required to sign up for 2 year contract and have a choice of a) a new plan, which includes the iPhone data package or b) pay $20 on your existing plan for iPhone data package.

If there's any wriggle room on the data package, you'd have to argue that directly with AT&T. But, it seems pretty cut and dry.

[gr8tfly]

I think it will stop when AT&T has a consistent message. Until then, there will be confusion and people wanting more than some assurance from an anonymous poster on a rumor forum before standing in line.

As of today, the answers are in black & white at apple.com (http://apple.com).

[dagomike]

As of today, the answers are in black & white at apple.com (http://apple.com).

Since not everyone is buying from Apple, it's not yet clear at all.

[EricNau]

If you are already in a current contract with AT&T is your contract extended 2 more years, or extended to 2 full years?

[dagomike]

If you are already in a current contract with AT&T is your contract extended 2 more years, or extended to 2 full years?

It doesn't seem anyone knows yet. If you just signed a couple months ago, and they make you go two years plus, there would have to be some soul searching to sign on for nearly four year!

[Vernexto]

I think the answers are pretty obvious, based on what we have learned today. Go to an Apple store, buy the phone for $499 (or $599). You will walk out of the store, with the phone, having signed up for NOTHING. You will go home and plug the phone into your computer, iTunes will open, and you will go on from there. To BUY the phone, you won't need anything. Am I 100% on this? No. But I'm 99%. Being eligible for an upgrade or not is irrelevant; Apple would surely have made note of this if there was anyone who could not activate the phone. Again, to buy it, you don't need any contract. You're more than welcome to pay $499 and leave it sitting in the box forever. More than likely, if you're an existing customer, all that will happen is your iPhone data plan will be added to your account, the contract expiration date will be 6/29/09 (or whenever you decide to activate), and you can go to AT&T's website and see any necessary changes that need to be made.

[bobznc]

No, the data plan is integrated with the voice. It's a single iPhone plan. Frankly the iPhone isn't worth the money without a data plan.

Not according to apple.com, I am a current AT&T (ex-Cingular) customer, and I can keep my old VOICE plan. I get the notion I'll need to sign up for a Data plan upon activation, but I was asking if I can cancel the plan since I have very little need for non-Wifi internet data.

[gr8tfly]

It doesn't seem anyone knows yet. If you just signed a couple months ago, and they make you go two years plus, there would have to be some soul searching to sign on for nearly four year!

Yes. There are many people that know for sure. The question has been asked of AT&T. They explicitly said the new contract starts when you activate it. It does not add 2 more years to your current contract. Call them yourself and see. Having said that, I will agree nothing's 100% until it happens. But, I have no worries whatsoever about this being wrong. If I did, I wouldn't by typing this - I would be on the phone tracking down the several [AT&T] specialists who verified this info.

[EricNau]

Yes. There are many people that know for sure. The question has been asked of AT&T. They explicitly said the new contract starts when you activate it. It does not add 2 more years to your current contract. Call them yourself and see. Having said that, I will agree nothing's 100% until it happens. But, I have no worries whatsoever about this being wrong. If I did, I wouldn't by typing this - I would be on the phone tracking down the several [AT&T] specialists who verified this info.
So I could sign up for 2 years with AT&T today, get a free phone in the process, and then sign up for the iPhone on Friday, and after everything I will have only added 3 days onto my original contract?

...Sounds like a great way to get a free backup phone.

[dagomike]

Yes. There are many people that know for sure. The question has been asked of AT&T. They explicitly said the new contract starts when you activate it. It does not add 2 more years to your current contract. Call them yourself and see. Having said that, I will agree nothing's 100% until it happens. But, I have no worries whatsoever about this being wrong. If I did, I wouldn't by typing this - I would be on the phone tracking down the several [AT&T] specialists who verified this info.

I did call. I got explicitly told all sorts of things, including I would need to pay to break my contract and also it would extend my contract 2 more years. Others have posted similar reports in this same thread. By your own admission, you're not calling, so you don't know what ATT is saying.

Personally, I don't want to waste my time blissfully waiting in line Friday to find out what I assumed isn't true. It seems what we all hope is true, which is great, but there is still mixed messages coming out of ATT, which keeps this issue from go away.

[Squonk]

Does anyone know what the scoop is with the SIM for current AT&T customers? Do we move ours to the iPhone? Does the iPhone even have a user swappable SIM card? If this has been discussed to death, my apologies, but how about a link? :)

[gr8tfly]

So I could sign up for 2 years with AT&T today, get a free phone in the process, and then sign up for the iPhone on Friday, and after everything I will have only added 3 days onto my original contract?

...Sounds like a great way to get a free backup phone.

I've seen some others come up with that idea, but I think there's a minimum contract time required (like 30day). On the other hand, there's usually a return policy which probably would be as long as 30days.

I'm absolutely certain I don't have a clue on how that would work. :)
But, it might.....

[gr8tfly]

Does anyone know what the scoop is with the SIM for current AT&T customers? Do we move ours to the iPhone? Does the iPhone even have a user swappable SIM card? If this has been discussed to death, my apologies, but how about a link? :)

It's user swappable. Tray in top of phone.

I didn't get a definitive answer from AT&T, but she thought if it was a current version, it should work. There probably isn't much reason to use the old one, unless you need to xfer phone numbers. If you already have the phone synced, I wouldn't worry about it - just use the new SIM.

[kuyu]

So I could sign up for 2 years with AT&T today, get a free phone in the process, and then sign up for the iPhone on Friday, and after everything I will have only added 3 days onto my original contract?

...Sounds like a great way to get a free backup phone.

I bet that AT&T has been quiet on the eligibility issue to keep this at a minimum. If they advertised that anyone could do what you mentioned they'd take a financial beating.

[island]

I bet that AT&T has been quiet on the eligibility issue to keep this at a minimum. If they advertised that anyone could do what you mentioned they'd take a financial beating.

I'll be doing this right in the store on Friday and then throwing the spare phone on eBay. Kinda like a % off coupon for the iPhone... :p

[Squonk]

It's user swappable. Tray in top of phone.

I didn't get a definitive answer from AT&T, but she though if it was a current version, it should work. There probably isn't much reason to use the old one, unless you need to xfer phone numbers. If you already have the phone synced, I wouldn't worry about it - just use the new SIM.

Thanks! You sure are swell. I mean GR8! :D

[HawaiiMacAddict]

Aloha everyone,

Take this for what you will. I called up the Cingular store in the Ala Moana shipping center to ask a few iPhone-related questions. Here is what I gleaned:

- the shopping store kiosk (next to Sears) is an "AT&T branded" store
- my current family share plan will NOT have to be extended by 6 months (we just switch to Cingular last December)
- I simply have to purchase the iPhone and add the data plan

To summarize, even though my wife and I signed up with Cingular last December (meaning that we've already been customers for 6 months, so I stil have 1.5 years left on my current contract), I need only purchase the iPhone, select one of the data plans for existing customers, then once it's activated, I'm good to go. My monthly cell phone bill will only increase $20/month. That's great news for me, and my wife is not displeased with the slight increase. Of course, I may have received incorrect information, but I verified and re-verified the information given to me while on the phone, so I think it's pretty much valid.

:apple:HawaiiMacAddict

P.S. I also contacted the Ala Moana Apple store, and they verified that the iPhone is ONLY 4GB or 8GB. It still would be a very very welcome surprise if we were able to add a 0 (zero) behind that capacity! :D

[MovieCutter]

Since not everyone is buying from Apple, it's not yet clear at all.

Are you daft or just stupid? Apple and AT&T are partners. If it says it on Apple.com, then it's true for AT&T as well...:rolleyes:

[crkfc]

If a thread search is done, people will find many who have called AT&T and received the same answer I did almost 2 weeks ago: 1 price. New/old customer, eligible for "upgrade" or not. 2 year contract supersedes current contract - this means it starts the day you activate it. Clock resets, doesn't add time. This fact has been confirmed in the press release(s) today.

this is correct. i went to my att store today and asked but the rep there didnt know anything. i went online to the att wireless tech support live chat and asked. the live tech told me that i would be able to get the iphone and sign a 2 year contract with my current plan (which isnt due for an upgrade until october).

[RyanF2009]

Since not everyone is buying from Apple, it's not yet clear at all.

As MovieCutter said, are you daft or just plain stupid? If you can read (http://www.apple.com/iphone/easysetup/rateplans.html), you will see the pretty little AT&T logo there as well as info for current customers, and the rate plans :rolleyes:

[dagomike]

I swung by an ATT store while doing some running around. The rep said point blank they know nothing. They're getting training Wednesday that will presumably fill in many details.

[Aperture]

I'm not going to read the entire thread to see if anything was decided but my local AT&T store said even if you were in a contract, you'd be able to get the iPhone and it would just overwrite your current contract. Because of this, I made my line w/ a $10 phone (to keep as a backup) and then should have no problems on Friday.

[slippery-pete]

I e-mailed At&T yesterday with this same question(since I am still in contract and not eligible for an upgrade until 1/08) and after a few back and forths got this e-mail:

Dear Mr. slipperypete,

Thank you for your reply to AT&T with questions about upgrading to the
iPhone on your wireless phone number XXX XXX XXXX. I do apologize for
any inconvenience or confusion you may have experienced in this regard
and am happy to help.

I understand you have been given slightly different information
concerning who can buy the iPhone. I have discussed this with
management to get some clarification.

Please understand that we do have very limited information on the phone
due to the privacy agreement with Apple.

At this point in time, we do know that a 2 year contract will be
required. Yes, anyone can purchase the phone with a 2 year contract.
We do not know if you will be required to pay early termination fees on
your current contract in order to add this new 2 year contract (to the
same phone number). Unfortunately, due to the privacy agreement with
Apple we will not receive more in-depth information regarding this phone
until June 29 when it is released.

I hope that the information provided has been helpful and has resolved
all of your questions. If you need further assistance, feel free to
reply to this e-mail or contact customer service at 1-800-331-0500 or
611 from your wireless phone.

I encourage you to visit our web site (www.att.com/wireless) often to
view current and previous monthly statements, make payments and to shop
for new product and service offerings. Thank you for allowing AT&T to
serve as your wireless company. We will do our best to ensure that your
wireless experience is a success.


Sincerely,

XXXX XXXXX
AT&T
Online Customer Care Professional

At&T is a total joke. 2 days before the release and nobody get a straight answer.

[tasslehawf]

For those who have ATT service already:

What if you have a smart phone, uninsured, and it breaks one year into your two year contract? Do they make you buy the same phone.

I seem like at any point in your contract you could just buy any phone and activate it..?

I remember going into verizon stores and being told I could get a new phone any time during my contract, I would just have to pay full price for the phone (no upgrade discount).

I don't see why ATT would ever tell you you couldn't buy a phone. They're just not going to give you a discount.

[ToddW]

nope that is pretty much the way it works with cingular as well. one thing how i have really learned my lesson is to never get the free phone. i always do and within a year the damn thing breaks or sux. since then when looking for a phone i have always researched the phones i was looking at. that is what i did with the treo 650 and that was a pretty good decision. what will suck is what type of warranty is available for the iphone. hopefully applecare that way you can have it for three years

[tasslehawf]

nope that is pretty much the way it works with cingular as well. one thing how i have really learned my lesson is to never get the free phone. i always do and within a year the damn thing breaks or sux. since then when looking for a phone i have always researched the phones i was looking at. that is what i did with the treo 650 and that was a pretty good decision. what will suck is what type of warranty is available for the iphone. hopefully applecare that way you can have it for three years

third party insurance would be better. Applecare you always have to pay for the screen etc.

[dagomike]

I seem like at any point in your contract you could just buy any phone and activate it..?

I remember going into verizon stores and being told I could get a new phone any time during my contract, I would just have to pay full price for the phone (no upgrade discount).

I don't see why ATT would ever tell you you couldn't buy a phone. They're just not going to give you a discount.

Yes, that's how it works, so long as the replacement phone doesn't require a new contract, or you pay the non-contract price. What appears to be throwing the ATT sales people for a loop is a two year contract is mandatory regardless, and there is no discount or non-contract price. It's one-size fits all.

My whole point here is that regardless of what Apple's marketing says, when it comes my turn in line, Chuckles at the counter may not comprehend the memo and I've got an issue. Anyone who ever had "issues" with in-store reps should appreciate the lack of enthusiasm at the prospects of standing in the hot sun with money in hand only to hit roadblocks that defy logic. Since I'm buying from ATT, that's why I'm insistent on getting a straight story from ATT says, and could care less about Apple. It seems, however, there is a high probability its a moot point since you should just be able to just walk in, swipe the plastic and walk out. The contract doesn't even need to be a part of the discussion.

[justinpignatore]

don't know if this was posted but it should clear up questions on whether or not uneligable existing customers can get the iphone without terminating:

Q. I just upgraded my phone recently. Are there any penalties or restrictions for upgrading to iPhone right away?
A. No. Everyone can upgrade to iPhone right away.

http://www.wireless.att.com/learn/iphone-faqs.jsp

[zerolight]

don't know if this was posted but it should clear up questions on whether or not uneligable existing customers can get the iphone without terminating:

Q. I just upgraded my phone recently. Are there any penalties or restrictions for upgrading to iPhone right away?
A. No. Everyone can upgrade to iPhone right away.

http://www.wireless.att.com/learn/iphone-faqs.jsp

Makes perfect sense. They only want to tie you in to a contract so they get their money back for the subsidized phone. They don't care whether you actually use that subsidized phone, replace it with an existing unlocked phone, or buy an unsubsidized iPhone. Their only concern is that they get the money back via a 2 year contract, for the subsidised phone. And they will, you actually extend the contract for an extra 2 years over an above the days or months you've had the subsidised phone, and your doing so without the incentive of another subisidy. It's in their interest to let you buy an iPhone really. :)