AT&T 3G Availability Map, 3G Data Plan Only Option

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)


http://images.macrumors.com/article/2008/06/10/204652-attgc_500.jpg
(http://www.tuaw.com/photos/atandt-3g-coverage-map/854641/)
Map from TUAW (http://www.tuaw.com/photos/atandt-3g-coverage-map/854641/), click for larger.
AT&T provides a tool (http://www.wireless.att.com/coverageviewer/popUp_3g.jsp) to let you know if you are in an area that receives 3G service. At the moment, 3G service is focused on major metropolitan areas. Fortunately, the iPhone 3G falls back to EDGE (2.5G) service if outside a 3G area.

Unfortunately, however, if you buy an iPhone 3G, you must purchase the 3G ($30/month) data plan even if you live outside 3G areas. According to Mark Siegel, Executive Director of Media Relations with AT&T Mobility (http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/news/comments/att-only-one-iphone-3g-data-plan-speeds-much-faster/), there is only one price for the data service, and that's presumably $30/month.

Where available, 3G provides much faster data (web, email, downloads) service over the 2.5G network which was built into the first generation iPhone.


Article Link (http://www.macrumors.com/iphone/2008/06/10/atandt-3g-availability-map-3g-data-plan-only-option/)

[mkrishnan]

Maybe I'm being a dunce, but what do all the colors and shades mean? Is it the blue on the 3G/HSPA map that is the HSPA service area, or the blue and the orange? I don't see a key anywhere. :confused:

Out of curiosity, relatedly is there any news about original iPhone owners who want to switch plans or people who buy a used iPhone and want to activate it with AT&T? Are they going to have the old data service plan costs or only the $30 option?

[arn]

Maybe I'm being a dunce, but what do all the colors and shades mean? Is it the blue on the 3G/HSPA map that is the HSPA service area, or the blue and the orange? I don't see a key anywhere. :confused:


Sorry. Dark blue is 3G.

arn

[kshat28]

Can i just purchase a data plan and not a voice plan

[Shannighan]

Can i just purchase a data plan and not a voice plan

no

[Rojo]

Sorry. Dark blue is 3G.

arn

Seriously?? That's IT?

Wow. I assumed it was more widespread. Now I can understand how outrageous it is for AT&T to demand everyone pay for 3G service with the new phone, when it's just in sporadic spots throughout the U.S. That's kind of crazy. There should really be a 2G/old iPhone plan option. Just disable any possibility of using 3G. Can't they do that?

[Shannighan]

Seriously?? That's IT?

Wow. I assumed it was more widespread. Now I can understand how outrageous it is for AT&T to demand everyone pay for 3G service with the new phone, when it's just in sporadic spots throughout the U.S. That's kind of crazy. There should really be a 2G/old iPhone plan option. Just disable any possibility of using 3G. Can't they do that?

yes they can, my moms phone is 3g capable but it is not turned on. (sprint)
but same goes for all companies

[3D-Troll]

I feel the AT&T site works better, it actually let's you zoom in.

CoverageViewer (http://www.wireless.att.com/coverageviewer/)

Steffen

[jayducharme]

I think you'll see AT&T rolling out more and more 3G coverage in the coming months. After all, they really just started less than a year ago. I can't see them selling you a 3G capable phone and giving you just an Edge plan. How would the phone know that? How would they disable it so that you couldn't use 3G when it was available (or bill you extra for it)? Having just one data plan simplifies it for them.

Again, remember that the customer is not important in this scenario. :rolleyes:

[deannnnn]

Wow... I'm also surprised at how scarce it is!
Verizon killsssss!
Either way... I live in South Florida, and we're covered =)

[deannnnn]

Now that I think about it... it's really a lot more coverage than you'd think.
Check out the difference when zoomed in...

http://www.deandagati.com/img/att3g.jpg

[jsanche6]

Do you guys think there's gonna be an existing customers plan or just one plan for everyone? Cuz i think it's really dumb that they would treat existing ATT customers like this. I sold my ipod touch and my phone that I recently upgraded so I could get my first iphone. I'd buy the plan if it was $20 like before.

[longofest]

Wow... I'm also surprised at how scarce it is!
Verizon killsssss!
Either way... I live in South Florida, and we're covered =)

Verizon's map. Blue is 3G, dark green is 2.5G.

[Small White Car]

Wow. I assumed it was more widespread.

Now, try and remember all the "we MUST have 3G!" posts around here over the last 6 months:p

Granted, those were from people who lived in those blue areas, but they sure talked like they spoke for EVERYONE, didn't they?

[deannnnn]

Now, try and remember all the "we MUST have 3G!" posts around here over the last 6 months:p

Granted, those were from people who lived in those blue areas, but they sure talked like they spoke for EVERYONE, didn't they?

Hmm.. Washington DC is a blue area isn't it? ;)

[mathewr]

how perfect im moving from long island to nyc july 11th ish

[BiikeMike]

Hmm.. Washington DC is a blue area isn't it? ;)

Nice! :D


Here is a list of 3G cities from AT&T


Link (http://www.wireless.att.com/coverageviewer/popUp_3g.jsp)

[xUKHCx]

02 also have a map (http://www.webmap.o2.co.uk/map.asp)

In the first one dark blue represent (video calls i.e. 3G) and in the second map the purple represents HSDPA. Looks like that where there is 3G there is HSDPA although coverage is not as strong. The areas covered represent a large proportion of our population.

I live in places with HSDPA coverage and on my first gen iPhone I very infrequently get EDGE coverage (about once a month). EDGE was and is a joke over here.

[Small White Car]

Hmm.. Washington DC is a blue area isn't it? ;)

You bet your sweet bippy it is! :D

The difference is that I didn't go around telling everyone else they simply had to have 3G. I'll enjoy my life, thank you, but I'm not going to pretend that everyone else is the same as me.

[Michael CM1]

I think you'll see AT&T rolling out more and more 3G coverage in the coming months. After all, they really just started less than a year ago. I can't see them selling you a 3G capable phone and giving you just an Edge plan. How would the phone know that? How would they disable it so that you couldn't use 3G when it was available (or bill you extra for it)? Having just one data plan simplifies it for them.

Again, remember that the customer is not important in this scenario. :rolleyes:

I'm sure the people out in the middle of BFE are going to rush to pay $30/month for EDGE speeds. That's what gets me. I'm probably moving outside Atlanta's 3G area later this year, so why upgrade my phone for what may be the same thing? I'm still back and forth on this, but I'm glad I got a refurb EDGE phone which cut $150 from my price and lets me pay $20/month.

I could deal with the $30/month data if they would ever cut their package rates. They start at $40/month for anything with rollover minutes, and that's what you start at for the iPhone plan. What about a $30 plan with 200 minutes? I seriously use my phone about that much (I have more than 3000 rollover minutes in the tank). I just don't get the impression that AT&T gives one rat's patoot about customers.

[PlaceofDis]

this is the reason that the first one wasn't 3G, there really just isn't as much coverage sadly.

[newyorksole]

how perfect im moving from long island to nyc july 11th ish

that's coo, long island has good 3G coverage too, as well as nyc of course

[yetanotherdave]

Now, try and remember all the "we MUST have 3G!" posts around here over the last 6 months:p

Granted, those were from people who lived in those blue areas, but they sure talked like they spoke for EVERYONE, didn't they?

All from europeans, where 3G is the norm.

[Mac Attack 360]

Does this mean you add $3o to your wireless plan? Or is it just $30 starting?

[stagi]

Thats a bummer you have to pay the new price if you live in an area without 3g.

[kangle]

The last thing I would do is give AT&T more money per month for their horrible service. I live in downtown Miami, and whether I am at home or in the office 20 miles away, I have about 25% of my calls end when signal is lost. Many times I need to turn off the phone to get it back.

Perhaps someone can tell me if 3G service connectivity/coverage should be any different. When 3G service is "rolled out" what exactly is being done? Are additional towers added or anything done that would make one expect that dropped calls would be reduced.

Not to beat a dead horse, but AT&T is the worst partner Apple could have chosen.

[GreenFreaK]

What I want to know is if the $30/month includes 1500 txt msgs, or the standard, piddly 200. Has anyone read/heard from anyone/anywhere? I think AT&T would be smart to include 1500 txts with that price (that's what I'm currently paying for 2G + 1500 txts). Then it won't necessarily be a difference for many, but for the others that only have 200 txt msgs, AT&T will still be making money off of them. If you want unlimited txt, then it should be another $10 for a grand total of $40 on top of your voice plan. The MAX anyone should pay is $75 including taxes for the following:
3G + 1500 txts + 400 anytime minutes + 5000 night/weekends + rollover + unlimited free M2M.

- my 2 cents

[MBHockey]

What I want to know is if the $30/month includes 1500 txt msgs, or the standard, piddly 200. Has anyone read/heard from anyone/anywhere? I think AT&T would be smart to include 1500 txts with that price (that's what I'm currently paying for 2G + 1500 txts). Then it won't necessarily be a difference for many, but for the others that only have 200 txt msgs, AT&T will still be making money off of them. If you want unlimited txt, then it should be another $10 for a grand total of $40 on top of your voice plan. The MAX anyone should pay is $75 including taxes for the following:
3G + 1500 txts + 400 anytime minutes + 5000 night/weekends + rollover + unlimited free M2M.

- my 2 cents

Neither. $30 for data and $5 additional for 200 SMS (this has been covered elsewhere). The new minimum iPhone plan is $75 (including 200 SMS) for the 3G iPhone whereas for current iPhones it is $60.

[lostfan916]

What I want to know is if the $30/month includes 1500 txt msgs, or the standard, piddly 200. Has anyone read/heard from anyone/anywhere? I think AT&T would be smart to include 1500 txts with that price (that's what I'm currently paying for 2G + 1500 txts). Then it won't necessarily be a difference for many, but for the others that only have 200 txt msgs, AT&T will still be making money off of them. If you want unlimited txt, then it should be another $10 for a grand total of $40 on top of your voice plan. The MAX anyone should pay is $75 including taxes for the following:
3G + 1500 txts + 400 anytime minutes + 5000 night/weekends + rollover + unlimited free M2M.

- my 2 cents
From what I've read there will be no text messages included in the $30 data plan, which really sucks. But one of the AT&T folks also said pricing will be available closer to launch, although I don't know if that will differ from what we've read in the internal e-mails.

Gah, I'll be going from a $35 unlimited talk/text plan to a $90 one. But it IS the iPhone... :rolleyes:

[gmoney550]

Wow so the new iphone really isn't cheaper than the 1st gen. An extra 10 bucks per month times 2 years is more than spending 400 dollars and having 10 dollars less per month.

[bluebomberman]

The U.S. cell phone market has little competition, onerous contracts, incompatible network standards, poor customer service, and lackluster technology upgrades. The AT&T 3G coverage map is a reflection of that - even if you unlock a 3G iPhone, where are you going to take it to? Verizon? Sprint? T-Mobile? (T-Mobile uses SIM cards, at least, but their voice coverage is supposedly even worse than AT&T, if you can believe it.)

I wouldn't be surprised if in five years, Verizon and AT&T will be the only major players in the U.S. markets. It'll might end up like the broadband market, where you're lucky if you can choose between cable and whatever the phone company's peddling.

[jshbckr]

How can they make you pay for a service they aren't providing?

For all of those non-blue areas, I assume you'd HAVE to be able to talk to them and make them take off the 3G data plan.

A mechanic can't charge you for an oil change he never gave you, why can AT&T charge you for a service they don't offer in your area?

[paintballer]

I'm pleasantly surprised that it's available here. I live in Utah which is rather unpopulated. (and in a rural area of Utah on top of that)

[tirerim]

How can they make you pay for a service they aren't providing?

For all of those non-blue areas, I assume you'd HAVE to be able to talk to them and make them take off the 3G data plan.

A mechanic can't charge you for an oil change he never gave you, why can AT&T charge you for a service they don't offer in your area?

Easy. You don't have to buy an iPhone. It's more like the auto dealer charging you for a sunroof -- even if you never use it because you live in Barrow, Alaska, or something, there's still a chance that you could use it somewhere else. If you don't want to pay for it, you can get a different phone. Since AT&T has a monopoly on phone service for iPhones, they can do whatever they want. It's annoying, but that's the state of cell phone service in the States, and it's unlikely to change anytime soon.

[LVdustin]

I don't think people understand that there is millions and millions of people in the US. and probably a few mill actually know what 3G is and what the capibilites are and how it improves the iPhone. A lot of people are dumb in this field, they will just buy to have it and not know how to use the device except for talking and texting and randomly browse. Just like steve said, the major users who know what the service and the iPhone is all about, already adopted the iPhone, or are soon to come. But for all the people that just want it because it's the next big thing...or its "cheap" aren't going to know what the hell their coverage is, or even give a damn.


Face it. AT&T knows what they are doing, they know their coverage isn't perfect, but for the ordinary normal person, it doesn't matter. They won't know what to expect in the first place.

But for us, the ones who can't live without it, we know we are being jerked around. 3G is only useful if you live in a high industrial city, other than that, your screwed. But the deal is. regardless of you paying 3G or just 2.5G you are using one of the greatest phones. Who knows really how much profit Apple gains from AT&T, the 10 extra bucks is probably BS so AT&T can give to Apple since the phone is so subsized in the first place.

Regardless it is the best phone the market, I can't complain, i am willing to pay extra for supreme service.


And just my last remarks. Apple always has something up their sleeves, we have almost roughly a month left till the iPhone 3G comes out, and i guarantee they will get the service plans a nice little revamp and probably sneak an extra feature into the iPhone just like they did for Youtube.

Be patient, you can't buy the plan right now anyways, so wait it out and see what develops. :D

[Me1000]

*sigh*
everyone that was complaining that the iPhone wasnt 3G is now finding out that they dont even offer 3G in their area!

Shocker... :rolleyes:

if only people would do some research before they ran their mouth!

[iBookG4user]

I'm relieved to find that my area is pretty well covered for 3G. So I'll be getting the new iPhone when it comes out :D

[Cougarcat]

Can i just purchase a data plan and not a voice plan

I want to do the reverse...

[LVdustin]

I want to do the reverse...

You already can...

[bluebomberman]

How can they make you pay for a service they aren't providing?

For all of those non-blue areas, I assume you'd HAVE to be able to talk to them and make them take off the 3G data plan.

A mechanic can't charge you for an oil change he never gave you, why can AT&T charge you for a service they don't offer in your area?

I don't think that this is something that merits vociferous complaining - clearly, all the money that was cut from the initial purchase price of the iPhone will be made up for in the higher data price plan.

Besides simplifying plan choices for the average consumer, this also means that Apple doesn't have to make a second iPhone model with no 3G access (either by removing the 3G antenna or via software).

So if you have an iPhone now and don't have 3G coverage, upgrading obviously isn't a great idea - keep your $20 data plan and SMS allocation and be happy.

[Tosser]

Thats a bummer you have to pay the new price if you live in an area without 3g.

Well, the thing is, most people work and/or have their home within those small spotty places. I know, it's far from perfect - not even close to what we have here in denmark (which isn't perfect, but rather good) - it will become better for you guys in a couple of years or four. Any way, my point is that it looks worse than it is - at least for the statistical mr. and mrs. average, if you know what I mean.

[superfula]

No 3G for me yet. Hopefully later this year.

[Cougarcat]

You already can...

According to this (http://www.boygeniusreport.com/2008/06/09/iphone-3g-the-details-you-never-wanted-to-know/), "All iPhone 3G customers are required to have one of the new data plans and qualifying voice plan."

[wakka092]

The new AT&T plan is absolutley ridiculous. AT&T doesn't charge 'other' customers anymore for 3G than they do for EDGE.

But, most likely, this has changed due to the $199 price. AT&T is now out $200 - $300 per phone (someone check my crazy theory) plus at least $2per month due to revenue sharing, hence the minimum $10 per month increase. And everyone will want text messaging, so plus another minimum $5 per month. So AT&T will get at least $120 per month, and this leads me to believe why AT&T said it would be a year or two before they were profitable.

But what about us without 3G? AT&T will not be able to tell if you have 3G or EDGE service, so we get stuck with the new plan. That leaves us with a $10 per month GPS. Woo! :rolleyes: That will keep me and maybe others from getting a iPhone 3G.

/rant

[samab]

The new AT&T plan is absolutley ridiculous. AT&T doesn't charge 'other' customers anymore for 3G than they do for EDGE.

Except that AT&T charges the $30 PDA plan to all PDA phones --- even if the PDA phone is 2G.

[oksurya]

This is why I rarely read these comments. So many complainers and whiners. I can't stand it. Look, if you don't like it then buy some crappy cell phone and be done with it. Ten years ago something like an iPhone would sound ludicrous to have. The phone is now only 200 bucks people. The 200 dollars you're saving up front is made up by the extra 10 bucks in the data plan over the course of 20 months out of the 24 in the contract. Just do the math, it's almost the same amount of money after 2 years are up. If you can't figure that out and you're still crying about it then you're a moron. Plain and simple. On top of that, it's not even the same plan, it's better. You get 3G if, like most Americans, you live in populated areas. If you don't, or leave a 3G area, then you're "stuck" with EDGE. It works either way and you have a shiny new iPhone regardless. I just hope they decide to throw the 200 texts back in before the release date.

[LVdustin]

According to this (http://www.boygeniusreport.com/2008/06/09/iphone-3g-the-details-you-never-wanted-to-know/), "All iPhone 3G customers are required to have one of the new data plans and qualifying voice plan."

I wasn't referring to the iPhone 3G though, I was referring to that right now, with the 1st Gen iPhone, you can just have voice and not data. :)

[rtsnatrts]

That leaves us with a $10 per month GPS. Woo! :rolleyes: That will keep me and maybe others from getting a iPhone 3G.

/rant

precisely...there's no denying the iphone is a great phone and apple puts out a better than average product, but the hype is over the top. fact is the big winners w the iphone2 are apple and at&t, not the customer...and the fury w the keynote is that we we're told to believe otherwise, by a company that we have supported. shame...so close, yet so far.

[Full of Win]

I would not mind the price hike if...

1. I could use it as a computer modem
2. The service area was not pathetic/obscene

[soLoredd]

This is why I rarely read these comments. So many complainers and whiners. I can't stand it. Look, if you don't like it then buy some crappy cell phone and be done with it. Ten years ago something like an iPhone would sound ludicrous to have. The phone is now only 200 bucks people. The 200 dollars you're saving up front is made up by the extra 10 bucks in the data plan over the course of 20 months out of the 24 in the contract. Just do the math, it's almost the same amount of money after 2 years are up. If you can't figure that out and you're still crying about it then you're a moron. Plain and simple. On top of that, it's not even the same plan, it's better. You get 3G if, like most Americans, you live in populated areas. If you don't, or leave a 3G area, then you're "stuck" with EDGE. It works either way and you have a shiny new iPhone regardless. I just hope they decide to throw the 200 texts back in before the release date.

Well aren't you happy on your high-horse? Jesus, you think everyone can just live in populated metro areas? And if they don't, you say "shame on them"?! And then you tell them to pay the $30 even though they won't get the service that the $30 is priced for? Holy meatballs, you have some nerve.

I live in a 3G area and even that doesn't mean I get 3G all the time. Sometimes it gets the signal, sometimes it doesn't. My BlackJack II would switch between 3G and EDGE constantly, I actually forced the BJ2 to EDGE to save battery. So, there's no way I'm giving up my EDGE iPhone for that.

It should be like DSL. You sign up for the speed that you are available for. You don't go purchasing the $35/month 6mbps down speed when your max is 1.5mbps. And the argument of having a nice, new shiny phone capable of GPS all this other crap is worthless if you can't get the 3G. The phone itself doesn't bring anything new.

[rtsnatrts]

The phone is now only 200 bucks people.

gee that's swell...if we want to not use the iphone. but to use it, having an iphone costs much more. to be an iphone owner we're locked into whatever att & apple have worked out, which starts by getting boned for basic texts. there's no competition so get ready to take it...why does it have to be that way?? that's all anyone is saying...can we get over the bullying name calling, if we want that we can tune in to the prez.

[LVdustin]

idk why people are complaining, especially the ones who feel like AT&T is a rip.

Ok you people, why don't you take this situation into another area of technology. GEE what about a computer! Let's say you buy a macbook pro...ok great!...well you need internet right...there is another thing you have to add on to pay more...and of course you need some software...which is more money...

Why is every single person complaining about the price. this is just like any ordinary product in the world, you are always going to have be purchasing something else to make the best use for it.

When you buy a coffee pot...you need filters and coffee beans

When you buy a washer and dryer - you need clothes, water and detergent

When you buy a computer - you usually need extra software and an internet connection

When you buy a car - you need to purchase gas to use it..

get over yourselves, all of you. This is way beyond the moaning and groaning for a 3G rate plan. This is the point where you want everything to be cheaper. This phone isn't for the average consumer, everyone assumes that...but it's not true. You must sacrifice to have the best, just like everything else in the world today...

This is how our economy and corporations work. Nothing is free, nothing comes close to a good deal if you think about it, because you are always going to be paying more at the end.

Microsoft users realize this: You go buy Vista..then you need Anti-Virus...then Office...and then games..

It never ends...

It will go on

and on

and on

and we will never get our way.

But it's fine, I know somethings cost extra, and I don't mind it. It's a great phone, and another worthy apple product. do you really think Apple will care if you don't buy it...they will have 77 other countries that will and counting...

[shadowfax]

This is why I rarely read these comments. So many complainers and whiners. I can't stand it. Look, if you don't like it then buy some crappy cell phone and be done with it. Ten years ago something like an iPhone would sound ludicrous to have. The phone is now only 200 bucks people. The 200 dollars you're saving up front is made up by the extra 10 bucks in the data plan over the course of 20 months out of the 24 in the contract. Just do the math, it's almost the same amount of money after 2 years are up. If you can't figure that out and you're still crying about it then you're a moron. Plain and simple. On top of that, it's not even the same plan, it's better. You get 3G if, like most Americans, you live in populated areas. If you don't, or leave a 3G area, then you're "stuck" with EDGE. It works either way and you have a shiny new iPhone regardless. I just hope they decide to throw the 200 texts back in before the release date.

Complaining is stupid, but lying is much more stupid.

original iPhone = $599 + $20/mo iPhone data package * 24 mo = $1,079
lower-priced 8GB iPhone = $399 + $20/mo iPhone data package * 24 mo = $879
iPhone 3G = $199 + $30/mo iPhone 3G data package * 24 mo = $919
iPhone 3G + 200 Text = $199 + $35/m0 iPhone 3G Data & 200 SMS * 24 mo = $1039

In other words, if you buy the same plan (i.e. you get the 200 SMS), this phone costs almost as much as the original iPhone. If you don't have 3G in your area, you are paying $160 more for the new iPhone 3G than you did with the old one, and you really only get GPS and a plastic back to show for it.

Don't get me wrong, I am very impressed with the new iPhone, and I think it just became DRAMATICALLY more affordable internationally. But We just got lied to about the price of the iPhone here in the US. If those numbers are indeed true, the iPhone hasn't become more affordable at all, except by fools who think that the price is determined solely by sticker price.

Again, this is not a complaint about the iPhone 3G, it's a complaint about calling it cheaper than before. It's not, ESPECIALLY if you are not in a 3G area.

[GreylagGoose]

More options, customizability would be an awesome compromise on AT&T's part since the major complaint is this $80 (after taxes) slap-in-the face plan that you either have to live with or go home. I like many others, am not interested, nor prepared to pay $30 on top of the voice plan fee for 24/7 internet access just so i can surf (the entire 15 minutes) i'm between wi-fi spots. My current phone plan is about to expire and i was really looking forward to just having this great device (internet ready, ipod etc). Best option for all (except maybe a slight change in the financial plans of AT&T as far as investment and return timing) would be for AT&T to offer the options of voice plan only $40, data plan only - $30, or both $70. Is there anything that can be done about this you think? complaints? calls? rioting in the streets?

Seriously though, this is not more affordable, not with the options we're being given. Have a heart AT&T, how about taking 1 for the consumers?

G-Goose

[ciscored]

If I were to buy my 3G iphone used or refurbed do you think I could then just swap my SIM out and have 3G for the same monthly fee?

[LVdustin]

More options, customizability would be an awesome compromise on AT&T's part since the major complaint is this $80 (after taxes) slap-in-the face plan that you either have to live with or go home. I like many others, am not interested, nor prepared to pay $30 on top of the voice plan fee for 24/7 internet access just so i can surf (the entire 15 minutes) i'm between wi-fi spots. My current phone plan is about to expire and i was really looking forward to just having this great device (internet ready, ipod etc). Best option for all (except maybe a slight change in the financial plans of AT&T as far as investment and return timing) would be for AT&T to offer the options of voice plan only $40, data plan only - $30, or both $70. Is there anything that can be done about this you think? complaints? calls? rioting in the streets?

Seriously though, this is not more affordable, not with the options we're being given. Have a heart AT&T, how about taking 1 for the consumers?

G-Goose


Give it time, we still have a month left. Changes always happen.

[LVdustin]

If I were to buy my 3G iphone used or refurbed do you think I could then just swap my SIM out and have 3G for the same monthly fee?

That doesn't make any sense...What?!?

[ciscored]

That doesn't make any sense...What?!?

read it again.......
by swapping i mean the SIM card from a 1gen iphone to the 3Giphone

[Me1000]

no, you would still have to pay for the plan from at&t (before you leave the store?) There is no getting around this...

[ciscored]

no, you would still have to pay for the plan from at&t (before you leave the store?) There is no getting around this...

i would now, but in a few months im sure i can buy one used or refurb like I said in my original post.
Would I then be able to swap the sim card and pay the same monthly fee?

[dr2391]

this really suck cuz i live in alaska and there is no 3g service in alaska and im going to have to pay for it? i sold my 8gb iphone on ebay for $385 so now i have to buy the new one. they better change the price in alaska at least.

[AHDuke99]

They just turned on 3G in my area today. It's not on the map.

[LVdustin]

i would now, but in a few months im sure i can buy one used or refurb like I said in my original post.
Would I then be able to swap the sim card and pay the same monthly fee?

No, because the standard rate plan for 3G is 30 dollars...and you have to activate the phone at AT&T...so of course they wouldn't allow you to keep your old data plan, when the policy is you have to have a 3G data plan for 30 dollars.

[sebastianlewis]

02 also have a map (http://www.webmap.o2.co.uk/map.asp)

In the first one dark blue represent (video calls i.e. 3G) and in the second map the purple represents HSDPA. Looks like that where there is 3G there is HSDPA although coverage is not as strong. The areas covered represent a large proportion of our population.

I live in places with HSDPA coverage and on my first gen iPhone I very infrequently get EDGE coverage (about once a month). EDGE was and is a joke over here.

Despite the seemingly small amount of area covered, that also represents a large proportion of our population believe it or not. The large blanks are mostly rural areas without very large populations at all.

Sebastian

[deannnnn]

The last thing I would do is give AT&T more money per month for their horrible service. I live in downtown Miami, and whether I am at home or in the office 20 miles away, I have about 25% of my calls end when signal is lost. Many times I need to turn off the phone to get it back.

Perhaps someone can tell me if 3G service connectivity/coverage should be any different. When 3G service is "rolled out" what exactly is being done? Are additional towers added or anything done that would make one expect that dropped calls would be reduced.

Not to beat a dead horse, but AT&T is the worst partner Apple could have chosen.

I live in Broward and coverage is fine.

[jahsavi]

..I think I'm more upset with the business customer price on data. My dad and I both have iphones and we'll both have 3G iphones. So your telling me we now have to pay an extra (40x2) $80+ a month just for internet with no text messages.. or that will be another (10x2) $20 for the both of us.. (5x2) $10 at the cheapest. wow.

..maybe I should have kept my old iphone.. 20 for half the internet speed would have been fine.

[Dagless]

Well! I planned on getting an iPhone in early Feb and looked up HSDPA reception in my area (for kicks since it was only EDGE back then). My whole town has recently been blanketed by it! Now I really want an iPhone. The speed of HSDPA alone is only 200kbps less than my home broadband connection.

[kamm]

I'm paying $15/mo for MediaNET Unlimited which is the internet service regardless it's via 3G, 2.5G or 2G speed.

Now can anyone here tell me how the F they can tell me to move to a $30 service if I get the new iPhone (I won't as it's still a handicapped fashion stuff, not a serious mobile piece) to use exactly the same thing, same setup, same logins???

They already have some ripoff-styled "PDA" and "Smartphone" etc BS packages - they are exactly the same as mine. When I use my TyTn I egt well over 1Mbit, if I switch to my W960 I go lower (it's UMTS only).

SO other than taking advantage of the average iPhone user (=utterly clueless Mact**ds :D) I don't really see how this news would change anything...

[kamm]

Well! I planned on getting an iPhone in early Feb and looked up HSDPA reception in my area (for kicks since it was only EDGE back then). My whole town has recently been blanketed by it! Now I really want an iPhone. The speed of HSDPA alone is only 200kbps less than my home broadband connection.

What kind of slow@ssed hme connection you have? :) My TyTn could go up to 3.6Mb but last time I tested - few months ago - current AT&T HSDPA was still 1-1.5Mbit/s...;)

[kamm]

No, because the standard rate plan for 3G is 30 dollars...and you have to activate the phone at AT&T...so of course they wouldn't allow you to keep your old data plan, when the policy is you have to have a 3G data plan for 30 dollars.

This is nonsense and not even true. The standard unlimited data service fee is $15/mo - I know, I pay this every month. (Well, $20 with 200 SMS for $5.)

[LVdustin]

This is nonsense and not even true. The [b]standard unlimited data service fee is $15/mo - I know, I pay this every month.[/n] (Well, $20 with 200 SMS for $5.)

So explain to me...how this is nonsense? because the standard 3G for the iPhone will be 30..and the standard for the iPhone is 20...so how is this nonsense?

[VTHOKIE10]

So explain to me...how this is nonsense? because the standard 3G for the iPhone will be 30..and the standard for the iPhone is 20...so how is this nonsense?

Agreed, i dont even live in a 3g covered area but at the same time I understand why the data plan will go up. But if you don't want/need 3g just to stick to your old iPhone.
3g is faster, therefore more expensive...It makes perfect sense.

Ps. By the end of the year ATT will have a much broader 3g coverage, just wait you might get lucky! ;)

[oksurya]

Well aren't you happy on your high-horse? Jesus, you think everyone can just live in populated metro areas? And if they don't, you say "shame on them"?! And then you tell them to pay the $30 even though they won't get the service that the $30 is priced for? Holy meatballs, you have some nerve.

I live in a 3G area and even that doesn't mean I get 3G all the time. Sometimes it gets the signal, sometimes it doesn't. My BlackJack II would switch between 3G and EDGE constantly, I actually forced the BJ2 to EDGE to save battery. So, there's no way I'm giving up my EDGE iPhone for that.

It should be like DSL. You sign up for the speed that you are available for. You don't go purchasing the $35/month 6mbps down speed when your max is 1.5mbps. And the argument of having a nice, new shiny phone capable of GPS all this other crap is worthless if you can't get the 3G. The phone itself doesn't bring anything new.

You really didn't absorb what I wrote, did you? I'll repeat it again in capital letters so you get it this time. YOU'RE BASICALLY PAYING THE SAME THING OVER 2 YEARS FOR THE IPHONE 3G + NEW DATA PLAN AS YOU WOULD WITH THE FIRST IPHONE AND THE OLD PLAN!!!!!

$399 iPhone + ($20 x 24 months = $480) = $880
$199 iPhone 3G + ($30 x 24 months = $720) = $919

If you can afford an iPhone than I think you can afford the extra $39 over the course of two years. That's not even a full tank of gas. Cut down on Starbucks or something.

Hopefully AT&T will do what they claim and improve and expand their 3G service. It wasn't the point of my post. At least people can afford the iPhone up front and eventually pay the difference over the 2 years. Think of the extra money as interest accrued, whatever it takes for you to "get it".

If you still don't get it, by all means don't get the new iPhone and waste space in the line in front of an Apple store.

[samab]

This is nonsense and not even true. The standard unlimited data service fee is $15/mo - I know, I pay this every month. (Well, $20 with 200 SMS for $5.)

The standard WAP plan with 200 SMS is $20.

You want the real internet on your iphone, then a WAP plan isn't suitable.

[Supermacguy]

I dont really even need data, can i just get a voice plan and no data? There was the semi-secret option to cancel the data plan with the first iPhone.

[oksurya]

I urge anyone not happy with the new plan to contact AT&T and let them know. Nothing is set in stone yet and we have a month to complain about it. I was assured by an AT&T rep yesterday that text messages would be included but that details weren't finalized yet. Even if that is partially true, that means that we as the customers have time to convince them to change what we feel is unfair to us. So instead of complaining here (where AT&T will never read this) call or write to them.

[bigmc6000]

I've got a quick question - when I get the new one (I'm in a 3G area - both for home and work) and I give/sell my current iPhone to friend/family are they going to be forced to pay $30 even though it's a 1st gen iPhone? That would be pretty ridiculous...

Also - no word yet on corporate discounts?

[ciscored]

No, because the standard rate plan for 3G is 30 dollars...and you have to activate the phone at AT&T...so of course they wouldn't allow you to keep your old data plan, when the policy is you have to have a 3G data plan for 30 dollars.
Ummm...... Why would I have to activate it in store if its a refurb or used...
I'll repeat the question now for the 3rd time, Please READ it before responding!!!
If I were to buy my 3G iphone used or refurbed do you think I could then just swap my SIM (from my current iphone) and place it in the 3G, keeping the same monthly fee?

[Tosser]

Ummm...... Why would I have to activate it in store if its a refurb or used...
I'll repeat the question now for the 3rd time, Please READ it before responding!!!
If I were to buy my 3G iphone used or refurbed do you think I could then just swap my SIM (from my current iphone) and place it in the 3G, keeping the same monthly fee?

Yes. Assuming it's from the same company. The thing is, the Phone is locked to only their cards. Now, if the sim is on another network (i.e. other company) than the locked phone it's highly unlikely it'll work.

If it's unlocked there should be no problems whatsoever.

[nanolover]

...not to back up AT&T, but it is easy to forget how sparsely populated most of the country is...if you compare their coverage to a population density map, it doesn't look quite as pathetic...my guess is a large percentage (not large enough) will have accessiblity to 3g...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_the_United_States

[bigmc6000]

...not to back up AT&T, but it is easy to forget how sparsely populated most of the country is...if you compare their coverage to a population density map, it doesn't look quite as pathetic...my guess is a large percentage (not large enough) will have accessiblity to 3g...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_the_United_States

Last time I crunched the numbers AT&T's 3G coverage covers more people than the population of any country in Europe (I'm not including Russia). It's basically about 85 million people with their latest expansion and the biggest country in Europe is Germany (according to Wiki) at 83 million. So, no, it's not nearly as bad as many make it out to be. Of course % wise we're still only talking about 1/4th of the population being in a 3G area (where they live). I'd bet it's quite a bit more when talking about where people work - closer to 1/3.

I do feel bad for all those people in the northern plain states with absolutely no 3G coverage at all.

[GeekLawyer]

Ummm...... Why would I have to activate it in store if its a refurb or used...
I'll repeat the question now for the 3rd time, Please READ it before responding!!!
If I were to buy my 3G iphone used or refurbed do you think I could then just swap my SIM (from my current iphone) and place it in the 3G, keeping the same monthly fee?

I understood your question all three times because it's the same question I'm asking. No one has provided an answer to it yet. Let me try asking it.

1. I bought an iPhone on June 29. I have AT&T and always have. Therefore I have an AT&T iPhone SIM.
2. Let's say that I acquire an iPhone 3G in September or October that I have bought as a refurb from Apple or used from another person.
3. What is the likelihood that I can take my SIM from my existing iPhone and place it into my new, used iPhone 3G and have it work? Thereby avoiding the hassle that has prompted thousands of angry posts on MR in the last three days?

[bcole1]

I personally am not really concerned with the talk about the plans/pricing, because I'm perfectly happy with my 1st gen iPhone (16gb). I think that the deployment of the iPhone 2.0 software is what was most important about Monday's announcement. The inclusion of ActiveSync support and 3rd party apps, as well as some stability and speed improvements, will dramatically improve my iPhone experience.

The iPhone hasn't even been around for a year and it is already a cultural phenomenon. Geez, give it time. The reality here is that Apple spoils us so frequently with unbelievably fast R&D and product deployments (compared to other companies) that we have grown to expect (ney, demand and feel entitled to) everything-all of time-right away, etc.

But then again, there really is not use for forums like this other than rampant complaining, so carry on.

[Iaminjersey]

I don't know much about iphones and was wondering if anyone can help.

3G iphones are being charged extra $10/mo. This surcharge also applies to people who don't live in hot spots. So even though they will use Edge or wifi, they will still be charged.

I was wondering...If I get the 1st generation iphone on July 11th, would I still be able to get the current $20 data fee?

$10 surcharge does not really make sense to me.

1st of all, it is not available in many areas.
They announce the lower price of new iphones, but if you calculate the cost of surcharge PLUS TAX, your final cost would probably be around $500.
$199 + $10X24 + TAX = hell of alot. It seems like a pricing scheme.....

[GeekLawyer]

Ummm...... Why would I have to activate it in store if its a refurb or used...
I'll repeat the question now for the 3rd time, Please READ it before responding!!!
If I were to buy my 3G iphone used or refurbed do you think I could then just swap my SIM (from my current iphone) and place it in the 3G, keeping the same monthly fee?

Here's what someone else got back from AT&T, which may or may not answer our question:

I got an email back from an ATT rep saying that the $30 a month plan will include 200 texts just as the old plan.

Dear Mr. Shepard,

Thank you for taking the time to e-mail AT&T to see if the sim card for
your iPhone will work in a new 3G iPhone, to see if your old iPhone can
be sold to an existing customer, and to see if the $30 a month unlimited
plan includes 200 text messages. I am happy to help you with your
inquiry.

When the new 3G iPhone is available, you will need to use the new sim
card that comes with the phone. Your old sim card would no longer work
and could not be used with another mobile number.

You will be able to sell your old iPhone to a current AT&T customer.

The $30.00 iPhone data plan will include 200 messages like the former
iPhone plan.

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 Mr. Shepard, for
allowing the new AT&T to serve as your wireless company for the last few
years. We will do our best to ensure that your wireless experience is a
success.

Sincerely,

Amy Blakey
AT&T
Online Customer Care Professional http://forums.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=5577796&postcount=1

[oksurya]

I certainly hope that it will include the 200 text messages. If that's true then the new data plan is worth the extra $10. This is not a "surcharge" like someone else wrote, $30 is how much they charge for all AT&T smartphones running 3G. I just didn't want to spend another $5 for texts. Then it would have been $15 more which almost twice as much as before. Thanks for passing on the email from AT&T. I hope there is an official announcement on this from AT&T soon to confirm it.

[Iaminjersey]

I want to make a formal complaint to AT&T about their pricing structure.

Does anyone have a direct email address (not the website where they make you sign in)?

[ciscored]

Here's what someone else got back from AT&T, which may or may not answer our question:

http://forums.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=5577796&postcount=1

Thanks!

Interesting though, it seems AT&T is dancing around the issue. If you read "Your old sim card would no longer work and could not be used with another mobile number."

They did not mention that the old Sim card wouldn't work with a new phone, only that it wouldn't work with a new number.

[retroneo]

Perhaps someone can tell me if 3G service connectivity/coverage should be any different. When 3G service is "rolled out" what exactly is being done? Are additional towers added or anything done that would make one expect that dropped calls would be reduced.

You will love it.

The network and your handset co-operate to hand over mid-call to another band / technology (850MHz GSM / 1900MHz UMTS / 850MHz UMTS) that it can receive better to prevent the call from dropping.

[flynifr]

AT&T will continue to offer the cheaper/current rate plan for the original 2G iPhones until further notice according to MSNBC. This should help maintain the resale price for the current iPhones as people that don't need GPS and don't have 3G service in their areas may want to pick-up a 2G model with the 2.0 software. Also, the in-store activation is going to really cut into the number of unlocked iPhones up for sale. Sim-unlocked and Jailbroken 2G iPhones are going to be real popular here an abroad. I'm hoping to be able to sell my current generation iPhone for enough to at least cover the cost of buying a 3G model.

[DGaio]

Portugal's Vodafone 3G and 3G HSPA up to 3.6 Mbits (7.2 Mbits only in large cities) map.

http://www.vodafone.pt/vodafone/images/mapas/ilhas.gifhttp://www.vodafone.pt/vodafone/images/mapas/portugal.gif

:eek::D;)

[todavidjensen]

I was excited about the iPod 3G but now after the data plan I don't care about it anymore. I mean $30 bucks a month? come on! Thats as much as I pay for my high speed internet to my house. Economy is too bad right now to be locked into a contract. Someone should start a petition.

[DarkFlame]

So is there anyway to pay less than 60 dollars a month for the 1gen iphone while still using at&t? I have a crappy phone but im only paying 40 dollars a month (mad saved rollover). I thought it was stupid to have to pay a 75% higher phone bill when I didnt even have 3g, and don´t care about data because i literally have wifi access (college) 24/7. I just wanted a gps/new phone/ipod all in one.

But no matter what (even with jailbreaking/unlocking) the MINIMUM i can pay to have a 1st iphone is 60 dollars a month thru at&t? compared to only 10 more for a 3g iphone?

This sucks I DONT NEED DATA, ill pay 600 for the phone.. i just dont want a damn contract or a data plan.. why can´t this be a an option!?

[DeuceDeuce]

I was excited about the iPod 3G but now after the data plan I don't care about it anymore. I mean $30 bucks a month? come on! Thats as much as I pay for my high speed internet to my house. Economy is too bad right now to be locked into a contract. Someone should start a petition.

What the hell is wrong with you people... Its the same price as all other 3G phones and cheaper then some other unlimited data plans. If you cant afford it thats understandable but for people that actually need data this isnt a big deal.

The iPhone is more then a phone and if you want to use it you have to pay a premium just like with a Blackjack, Blackberry, or Treo. What is so hard to understand about that?

[DeuceDeuce]

This sucks I DONT NEED DATA, ill pay 600 for the phone.. i just dont want a damn contract or a data plan.. why can´t this be a an option!?

If you are willing to pay $600 for the phone then why not pay $200 and use that extra $400 for the data fees.

[bigmc6000]

If you are willing to pay $600 for the phone then why not pay $200 and use that extra $400 for the data fees.

Or - since you don't want a contract or a data plan they have something for you - it's called an iPod Touch. Wouldn't be surprised if around Christmas time after full iPhone 3G insanity has died down that either 1 - someone will make a GPS add-on for the touch (complete with software) or Apple will release a GPS loaded Touch. (I'm actually leaning towards the first since I doubt Apple would willingly allow that type of cannibalization of the iPhone).

[iLike]

I live in Broward and coverage is fine.

Same here.
And looks like our area up till WPB is all covered nicely... Ahhhh the good times are coming :D

[buzzsmith]

I was going to sell my 1st gen iPhone and buy two 3G's. (one for me and one for my wife) After speaking with an AT&T rep and learning all the add-on costs involved, the 1st gen iPhone is probably the way I want to go.

If you have a 16Gb that is NOT unlocked OR jailbroken, let's talk...

[oksurya]

What the hell is wrong with you people... Its the same price as all other 3G phones and cheaper then some other unlimited data plans. If you cant afford it thats understandable but for people that actually need data this isnt a big deal.

The iPhone is more then a phone and if you want to use it you have to pay a premium just like with a Blackjack, Blackberry, or Treo. What is so hard to understand about that?

Finally someone with some sense in here. This is what I've been trying to tell these whiners already!

This is a niche product, people. You don't NEED to have the iPhone. Complain about the quality of your tap water or about the high price of groceries or gas, if you want. If you don't like the pricing plan for the iPhone, which is perfectly reasonable in my opinion, THEN DON'T GET IT!!!!!

Duct tape an iPod touch together with your crappy cell phone and call it a day. People have been crying about the iPhone not having 3G since the day it came out and now they're stunned that it costs more a month to have. If the iPhone had stayed the same price that might have been a legitimate gripe if you don't have access to 3G in your area, but ultimately it costs almost the same over 2 years then before. Do the math.

[buckdutter]

Maybe it is just me, but since $30 is the standard rate for (EDGE) Blackberries and WM6 devices, why should the new iPhone be any different? iPhone users will likely use more data than the previously mentioned PDA types, and supports the full browser (not a WAP browser like the vanilla phones). If it is the same cost structure, why should the iPhone receive any different pricing?

Same with enterprise data...$45 is the standard rate...

Maybe it is just me, but I just spent 25 dollars to take my wife to a 2 hour movie (which blew). One dollar a day gets me unlimited 24/7 Internet browsing with broadband speed in the most populated areas in the country...I'll bite.

Too bad we can't just pirate and download 3G service amirite? I'm no corporate lacky, but I firmly believe that the consumers are just as unfair to businesses as they claim the businesses are to them. AT&T is subsidizing the phone, why should they be expected to discount the data as well...because the people buying it are apple lackeys?

[iLike]

Maybe it is just me, but since $30 is the standard rate for (EDGE) Blackberries and WM6 devices, why should the new iPhone be any different? iPhone users will likely use more data than the previously mentioned PDA types, and supports the full browser (not a WAP browser like the vanilla phones). If it is the same cost structure, why should the iPhone receive any different pricing?

Same with enterprise data...$45 is the standard rate...

Maybe it is just me, but I just spent 25 dollars to take my wife to a 2 hour movie (which blew). One dollar a day gets me unlimited 24/7 Internet browsing with broadband speed in the most populated areas in the country...I'll bite.

Too bad we can't just pirate and download 3G service amirite? I'm no corporate lacky, but I firmly believe that the consumers are just as unfair to businesses as they claim the businesses are to them. AT&T is subsidizing the phone, why should they be expected to discount the data as well...because the people buying it are apple lackeys?

Because people think they deserve it all for free.
Same as people crying about gas prices in US... You wanted to have 12MPG cars? Well here you go... now you'll pay for it :) It's called the price of luxury.

In my opinion the new iPhone pricing is fair and I know I'm getting the 3G the day that is out.

[richard4339]

They just turned on 3G in my area today. It's not on the map.

Where do you live, out of curiosity? If you say Chattanooga, TN, you'll make me a happy man =)

I've heard that AT&T is upgrading 60 cities right now, but which cities is yet to be seen. And I've seen AT&T trucks around our area at the cell towers, so I'm hoping we're getting it and that I can then be happy with my decision to switch to AT&T in July...

[kwong2006]

So, 70 to 80 bucks a month? I love the iPhone, but I am not crazy enough to shell out that much money monthly for it.

[kamm]

The standard WAP plan with 200 SMS is $20.

You want the real internet on your iphone, then a WAP plan isn't suitable.

This is NOT WAP.

Why on Earth all of you keep arguing about something you obviously have ZERO clue? :mad:

Do you even know WTF is WAP? I doubt it.

Jesus... "real internet"... talk about being clueless. My TyTn is a Category 6 HSDPA phone, it only needs the network behind it - so far I usually get 1-1.5Mb/s.


Stop talking BS, folks, please. AS I said this is utter nonsense from AT&T, a money grab from iPhone users, nothing else.

In other words there's no "real internet".:rolleyes:

[kamm]

So explain to me...how this is nonsense? because the standard 3G for the iPhone will be 30..and the standard for the iPhone is 20...so how is this nonsense?

Because the standard standalone 3G fee is $15/mo.

[kamm]

Last time I crunched the numbers AT&T's 3G coverage covers more people than the population of any country in Europe (I'm not including Russia). It's basically about 85 million people with their latest expansion and the biggest country in Europe is Germany (according to Wiki) at 83 million. So, no, it's not nearly as bad as many make it out to be. Of course % wise we're still only talking about 1/4th of the population being in a 3G area (where they live). I'd bet it's quite a bit more when talking about where people work - closer to 1/3.

I do feel bad for all those people in the northern plain states with absolutely no 3G coverage at all.
Well, you seem to forget HSDPA is available in most of Europe's half billion pepople for literally years now, they are in the process of upgrading to 7.2MB/s/HSUPA so while I agree AT&T isn't that bad at all it's the question of compared to whom...?;)

[kamm]

Portugal's Vodafone 3G and 3G HSPA up to 3.6 Mbits (7.2 Mbits only in large cities) map.

http://www.vodafone.pt/vodafone/images/mapas/ilhas.gifhttp://www.vodafone.pt/vodafone/images/mapas/portugal.gif

:eek::D;)

It's the same for most of Europe. :cool: I always missed this here...:D

[UWSpindoctor]

Because the standard standalone 3G fee is $15/mo.

Technically speaking, ATT does not offer the $15 a month data plan to people with a Smartphone/PDA Phone. Obviously from your case it is possible to get it but it's not a standard offer on Smartphones.

[DarkFlame]

idk why people are complaining, especially the ones who feel like AT&T is a rip.

Ok you people, why don't you take this situation into another area of technology. GEE what about a computer! Let's say you buy a macbook pro...ok great!...well you need internet right...there is another thing you have to add on to pay more...and of course you need some software...which is more money...

Why is every single person complaining about the price. this is just like any ordinary product in the world, you are always going to have be purchasing something else to make the best use for it.

When you buy a coffee pot...you need filters and coffee beans

When you buy a washer and dryer - you need clothes, water and detergent

When you buy a computer - you usually need extra software and an internet connection

When you buy a car - you need to purchase gas to use it..

get over yourselves, all of you. This is way beyond the moaning and groaning for a 3G rate plan. This is the point where you want everything to be cheaper. This phone isn't for the average consumer, everyone assumes that...but it's not true. You must sacrifice to have the best, just like everything else in the world today...

This is how our economy and corporations work. Nothing is free, nothing comes close to a good deal if you think about it, because you are always going to be paying more at the end.

Microsoft users realize this: You go buy Vista..then you need Anti-Virus...then Office...and then games..

It never ends...

It will go on

and on

and on

and we will never get our way.

But it's fine, I know somethings cost extra, and I don't mind it. It's a great phone, and another worthy apple product. do you really think Apple will care if you don't buy it...they will have 77 other countries that will and counting...

In regards to required data plans for all phones, not just the iphone:

I understand that 30 dollars a month is fine for a data plan. And I understand that is where they make the money lost from the subsidy... BUT WHY CANT THEY OFFER AN UNSUBSIDIZED PHONE? Why? greed. Let the customer have a choice! AT&T should be there to provide me the services I desire..not push unneccessary ones on to me. I want a voice plan for a phone I am buying on my own because I ONLY WANT TO USE IT TO MAKE AND RECIEVE VOICE PHONE CALLS. There is no reason to not let me do that other than greed.

In no other circumstance in life is this similar. This is like a car salesman saying he wont sell me a car unless I buy snow tires from him to put on it at an extra price. Or me going to buy gun, but he wont sell it unless I buy a super cool carrying case for it.

It is not something the phone NEEDS for it to do its basic function, make a ****ing phone call.

Nobody forces you to get the internet when you get a computer, its only if you want the service. You should be able to buy something and use it for its basic function if you want.

It shouldn´t make a damn difference. Because the phone has extra capabilities, i shouldnt be forced to pay to use them if I dont want to use them. All I want to do is pay at&t for the voice and enjoy the other free capabilities the phone has that I paid for completely unsubsidized.

This is no different if AT&T was like: The iphone now has gps, I dont care if you dont want to use the gps feature, you are forced to pay 100 dollars a year for maps that are downloaded onto the phone. NO DIFFERENT.

Nice vent, now someone get me an email to an at&t representative so this actually might have a purpose.

[pseudonymph]

I have 3g coverage in my area...but there's a hole in its coverage right over my house and the surrounding 2 blocks. Wifi still works though.

For those of you who live in BFE montana or whatever, stick to the gen 1 iphone. You're not getting anything from the 3g service and the 2.0 software will work just fine on old phones. Save your $10/month

[Tosser]

I have 3g coverage in my area...but there's a hole in its coverage right over my house and the surrounding 2 blocks. Wifi still works though.


What do you mean "wifi" works? Of course it does. Do you mean EDGE?

I wonder, because "wi-fi" is what we have in our laptops, airport expresses and so on and it has nothing to do with AT&T, 3G, Edge or anything else that has to do with the phone service provider.

[samab]

This is NOT WAP.

Why on Earth all of you keep arguing about something you obviously have ZERO clue? :mad:

Do you even know WTF is WAP? I doubt it.

Jesus... "real internet"... talk about being clueless. My TyTn is a Category 6 HSDPA phone, it only needs the network behind it - so far I usually get 1-1.5Mb/s.


Stop talking BS, folks, please. AS I said this is utter nonsense from AT&T, a money grab from iPhone users, nothing else.

In other words there's no "real internet".:rolleyes:

The $15 "MEdia net unlimited" plan --- is a WAP plan. Read the terms of services. The traffic goes through AT&T's WAP server.

Whether you can bypass their WAP server --- that's a techical issue.

The first gen AT&T iphone contract --- with unlimited "mobile internet" --- is a WAP plan. "Mobile internet" is WAP.

[Shasterball]

All I know is, 3G better be AMAZING.... None of this, "oh, there's a weak 3G signal in this building in NYC so it's the same speed as EDGE". That would make hulk angry....

[Tosser]

All I know is, 3G better be AMAZING.... None of this, "oh, there's a weak 3G signal in this building in NYC so it's the same speed as EDGE". That would make hulk angry....

Prepare to be disappointed (or angry, if you think you're hulk). "Spotty service" is indeed "spotty".

[MacToddB]

First of all, complaining, whether deserved or not, over the price drop shortly after the original iPhone was introduced, caused Apple to take notice and issue credits. (I did NOT complain because the extra time I had by being an early adopter allowed my firm to release an iPhone web app and get some PR. But I gladly accepted my credit.)

AT&T has not formally defined the iPhone 3G rate plan, and it's looking like 200 SMS text messages will be included after all. I believe the pushback has made them take notice and that's a good thing. I don't know if I'll upgrade, but this is a positive development. I probably get 20 texts a month so I wouldn't want to pay $5 but I wouldn't like unpredictable billing either.

But I have a question re 3G that might help put me and others over the top.

Previously (currently), the iTunes store was/is WiFi based, presumably because of the bandwidth required. Will this now be 3G-based? Same with the App Store? Will apps, music, and movies be downloadable/installable via 3G... but not Edge? This would be a compelling factor. Thanks!

[BiikeMike]

His Steveness said that apps under 10 megs are available over 3G. over 10 megs are available over WiFi only.

[AHDuke99]

Where do you live, out of curiosity? If you say Chattanooga, TN, you'll make me a happy man =)

I've heard that AT&T is upgrading 60 cities right now, but which cities is yet to be seen. And I've seen AT&T trucks around our area at the cell towers, so I'm hoping we're getting it and that I can then be happy with my decision to switch to AT&T in July...

Close, but I'm in Charleston, SC. I tested it with my old RAZR v3xx :D

[kamm]

The $15 "MEdia net unlimited" plan --- is a WAP plan. Read the terms of services. The traffic goes through AT&T's WAP server.

Whether you can bypass their WAP server --- that's a techical issue.

The first gen AT&T iphone contract --- with unlimited "mobile internet" --- is a WAP plan. "Mobile internet" is WAP.

Again, it's NOT WAP.

And again: "mobile internet" is NOT WAP.

Please, people: if you obviously lack the understanding of the technical background then please, STOP ARGUING about it.

Repeat after me: it's NOT WAP.

WAP != HSDPA.

Stop spreading false information, please. Exactly people like you - the "highly opiniated but barely educated"-type :D - spread most of the false information on the web.

PS: AT&T can name it whatever they want but they have only two levels of internet service: the 2/2.5G GPRS/EDGE and the 3G HSDPA/UMTS (HSDPA is a sub-subset of UMTS.) WAP was an early 2G (GSM) protocol, enough from this circus (even if they still provide some WAP-based crap for some dinosaur-old phone though I doubt it as my last WAP phone was the MOtorola V60 IIRC...:D)

[kamm]

Prepare to be disappointed (or angry, if you think you're hulk). "Spotty service" is indeed "spotty".

Dunno but more than a years ago, when AT&T already had HSDPA in NYC and I just got my TyTn and the first mobile Skype was released, I was able to call my Mom in Europe from a yellow cab around Brooklyn Bridge and talked to her until we reached the 5x St so I woould say that outside coverage is spotless in Manhattan and its closest Bklyn neighborhoods (Brooklyn Heights, Park Slope, Carroll Garden, Williamsburg, Greenpoint etc).

[Tosser]

Dunno but more than a years ago, when AT&T already had HSDPA in NYC and I just got my TyTn and the first mobile Skype was released, I was able to call my Mom in Europe from a yellow cab around Brooklyn Bridge and talked to her until we reached the 5x St so I woould say that outside coverage is spotless in Manhattan and its closest Bklyn neighborhoods (Brooklyn Heights, Park Slope, Carroll Garden, Williamsburg, Greenpoint etc).

'Tis but a feeling, but I'd venture a guess and say Manhattan is propably the best covered place in the US, and it's propably as good as anywhere in Europe.

[MacToddB]

His Steveness said that apps under 10 megs are available over 3G. over 10 megs are available over WiFi only.

But what about Edge? I doubt he would highlight the ability, but I'm wondering if AppStore will work (under 10MB) via Edge? Will iTunes work on 3G?

If AppStore and iTunes store work on 3G (and WiFi) but NOT Edge, then that will be a compelling reason to adopt 3G. If not, I'll stick w/ Edge and WiFi.

Another reason to wait until the dust settles.

[DiamondMac]

At the moment, I am about to leave New Orleans for either Chicago or Washington D.C. (will find out soon) so whatever place I move to seems to be good-to-go in the 3G world

I do feel bad for those not found in the 3G areas.

But, I will say this....I am very happy with my original iPhone AND a non-3G iPhone is still light years better than any previous iPhone that I had ESPECIALLY if WiFi can be found

So, the world will not end for them though I do agree it is unfair for them to pay a 3G-load with no 3G

[pik.]

so from what I ve read till now no PAYG deal for the iphone in US right?:o

[Tosser]

so from what I ve read till now no PAYG deal fro the iphone in US right?:o

Correct.

Btw, in danish, your nick is the short form of "Richard" or another name for "rooster". For real :p

[pik.]

:p:D thaks for the info!!!!!;)

[luckygyrl83]

Times like this makes me happy to live in a well-populated area. Orange County is right below LA, so usually whatever they have, we get it as well.

YEAH!!!!!!

[jsanche6]

So I just got off the phone with At&T and they said the plan is gonna be $30/month no surprise there...but the thing that got me really mad is that they're also taking out the texting plan. I was actually gonna get the iphone with the $10 increase but now that they took out the texting plan it's really not worth it at all. Really thats so stupid they're almost running a monopoly. I just don't get the whole returning the phone back part if u cancel ur plan

[jsanche6]

So I just got off the phone with At&T and they said the plan is gonna be $30/month no surprise there...but the thing that got me really mad is that they're also taking out the texting plan. I was actually gonna get the iphone with the $10 increase but now that they took out the texting plan it's really not worth it at all. Really thats so stupid they're almost running a monopoly. I just don't get the whole returning the phone back part if u cancel ur plan