AT&T In Store Activation Rumors False?

[chicagdan]

I decided to do some in-store research about some of the AT&T new iPhone rumors, so I walked two blocks to the Michigan Avenue Apple Store, then two blocks more to the nearest AT&T store.

The Apple Store employee said they hadn't received much information about the new iPhones, but the one thing he knew for sure is that activation would continue to happen via iTunes.

I was skeptical ... but the AT&T store employee told me the same thing ... not much information, but the rumors of in-store activation were false, activation would continue to go through iTunes.

For what it's worth ...

[Mad Mac Maniac]

yea I've been hearing a lot of the same.

[rfrankl]

Possible. And if you don't activate in say 30 days, you get whacked for the extra $200. Who knows.

[MacGeek7]

I hope it's through iTunes still...

[djransom]

I decided to do some in-store research about some of the AT&T new iPhone rumors, so I walked two blocks to the Michigan Avenue Apple Store, then two blocks more to the nearest AT&T store.

The Apple Store employee said they hadn't received much information about the new iPhones, but the one thing he knew for sure is that activation would continue to happen via iTunes.

I was skeptical ... but the AT&T store employee told me the same thing ... not much information, but the rumors of in-store activation were false, activation would continue to go through iTunes.

For what it's worth ...

I would take that with a grain of salt as that same rep also told you that they hadn't received much info about the new iPhones. On another note, I went to the store yesterday to pick up a case for my current iPhone and it's a very nice, but I still like the one in Orland Park much better. Gotta love :apple:

[SFStateStudent]

I was skeptical ... but the AT&T store employee told me the same thing ... not much information, but the rumors of in-store activation were false, activation would continue to go through iTunes. For what it's worth ...

Now, does that apply to new 3G iPhone users or is it the current iPhone users that want to upgrade to the new 3G iPhone? :confused:

[CrazEtooN]

The only reason I am starting to believe these rumors is because of the 30 day activation penalty.

If you HAVE to activate it in the store, why the hell would At&t institute a penalty for not activating after 30 days? How would it even be possible to not activate for more than 30 days?

The concept is like trying to shove a square peg in a circular hole. It just doesn't make sense.

[SFStateStudent]

The only reason I am starting to believe these rumors is because of the 30 day activation penalty. If you HAVE to activate it in the store, why the hell would At&t institute a penalty for not activating after 30 days? How would it even be possible to not activate for more than 30 days? The concept is like trying to shove a square peg in a circular hole. It just doesn't make sense.

Well, some folks will just buy the 3G iPhone and turn around and sell it, don't you think? :confused:

[mazellan]

On the other hand the activations could still go through iTunes...just in the store. Maybe an employee has to enter their employee code this time.

[jrbdmb]

Whatever the exact process is, you will not be able to leave the Apple or AT&T store with a 3G iPhone without signing on for a 2 year agreement. I would expect that a credit check and a credit card will be required.

[thaprofessor33]

I spoke to an AT&T salesman yesterday and he told me that the 3g iPhone will not leave the store until it is activated and paid for.

[CrazEtooN]

Well, some folks will just buy the 3G iPhone and turn around and sell it, don't you think? :confused:

I don't know the stipulations of the "penalty." I am just saying I can't understand them threatening a penalty for a situation that should, technically, never arise since the device is supposed to be activated in-store.

I think we are just going to have to wait out the official word from At&t. I personally can't believe that the device was OFFICIALLY announced WITH price AND release date on Monday, yet there are still rumors circling it. I can't comprehend how Apple could have a release data and price point set for the WWDC, yet At&t can't get their stuff together.

The vast majority of negativity towards this announcement stems from At&t's dropping of the ball, not Apple. (not including the $30 data; I don't see that as wrong, nor a problem)

[SFStateStudent]

The vast majority of negativity towards this announcement stems from At&t's dropping of the ball, not Apple. (not including the $30 data; I don't see that as wrong, nor a problem)

I don't see it as a problem for me, since I qualify for the upgrade on my iPhone to the 3G iPhone. I think this is due to my 2-year contract expiring in about 14 days, and AT&T wants to keep my business. As I stated in another thread, a bump in the data plan is not a big deal with me, but I'm sure it will be for many others. So, I'll head out to the San Francisco, California or Emeryville, California Apple Store and make my purchase on 07.11.2008, all the wiser.

[CrazEtooN]

I don't see it as a problem for me, since I qualify for the upgrade on my iPhone to the 3G iPhone. I think this is due to my 2-year contract expiring in about 14 days, and AT&T wants to keep my business. As I stated in another thread, a bump in the data plan is not a big deal with me, but I'm sure it will be for many others. So, I'll head out to the San Francisco, California or Emeryville, California Apple Store and make my purchase on 07.11.2008, all the wiser.

I'm with you 100%. I am just not upgrade eligible, so I am eagerly waiting for finalized information that should have been available on Monday...

[chicagdan]

Whatever the exact process is, you will not be able to leave the Apple or AT&T store with a 3G iPhone without signing on for a 2 year agreement. I would expect that a credit check and a credit card will be required.

There's absolutely no need to run a credit check for existing iPhone users.

[SFStateStudent]

There's absolutely no need to run a credit check for existing iPhone users.

That's right CD; I think that applies to all AT&T existing customers as well. :cool:

[AndyFL]

SPECULATION:

Possibly there are 2 steps to the contract/activation process -- ie. something that you have to do in store, whether it be AT&T or Apple Store (credit check, sign 2yr contract on the dotted line, pay deposit, whatever...) combined with the actual iTunes activation at home. Just a thought...

[iStefmac]

Whatever the exact process is, you will not be able to leave the Apple or AT&T store with a 3G iPhone without signing on for a 2 year agreement. I would expect that a credit check and a credit card will be required.

That is absolutely ridiculous.

[agbot]

From TUAW (http://www.tuaw.com/2008/06/10/atandt-to-penalize-iphones-not-activated-within-30-days/):

The iPhone 3G activation saga is quite confusing. Most people think that Apple and AT&T will require iPhone activations on the spot, thereby cutting into a big part of the unlocked iPhone phenomenon. However, this AP report (http://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idUSN0926011020080610)suggests that there will be a way for people to get unactivated iPhones, the only catch being AT&T will slap a penalty on you if you don't activate your iPhone within 30 days. The amount of the penalty, or how AT&T will even know who you are since your iPhone wasn't activated, is unclear.

Let's hope that all this confusion clears up a little closer to the iPhone 3G's release.

[chicagdan]

http://gizmodo.com/5014909/att-memo-to-retail-managers-shows-iphone-3g-policy

This Gizmodo story makes it pretty clear that both the Apple and AT&T Store employees I talked to didn't know what they were talking about. Interesting stuff from the AT&T memo here ... alludes to the possibility that after you accept the terms and conditions and new rate plan, you might be able to walk out of the Apple Store with a bricked 3G phone and finish the activation at home via iTunes:

The new 3G device will be activated in store in both AT&T and Apple stores. Customers must accept AT&T and Apple Ts & Cs, sign a 2-year agreement, and select the data plan for the iPhone 3G before leaving the store. The current iTunes activation process will no longer be required for iPhone 3Gs, however a short tether process to unbrick the 3G device will be performed in all AT&T stores (tether cords will be provided). Apple stores will also perform this tether process, however in the event that a customer's device is not tethered in the Apple store, their device will be inoperable until they get home and tether through iTunes. Prepaid and Pick Your Plan will not be allowed on the 3G device.

The SSK has been modified to allow customers interested in the iPhone 3G to enter their information, select rate plans and data plans, and print a document that will allow COR reps to quickly access the customer's information in OPUS and save time for data entry in the activation process.

[iStefmac]

That's right CD; I think that applies to all AT&T existing customers as well. :cool:

Absolutely. Everyone has the option for a pre-paid plan with NO contract, on every device.....including the iPhone.

The REQUIRED 2 year service contract was bogus last year and its bogus now.

[gnortenjones]

As someone who has never had a cell phone plan before, could someone explain why AT&T would limit eligibility for an upgrade? Basically a person is asking to give AT&T MORE money, but AT&T is saying "no."

That doesn't make sense to me. The only reason I can think of is perhaps if the original phone is subsidized, but the original iphone wasn't.

[chicagdan]

As someone who has never had a cell phone plan before, could someone explain why AT&T would limit eligibility for an upgrade? Basically a person is asking to give AT&T MORE money, but AT&T is saying "no."

That doesn't make sense to me. The only reason I can think of is perhaps if the original phone is subsidized, but the original iphone wasn't.

Yeah, it all comes down to the subsidy. AT&T is losing money on every iPhone it sells ... it does that so it can keep making boatloads of money on the contracts and data plans. What they don't want is for someone to keep coming in and buying a subsidized phone every couple months, then the profit on that customer disappears.

[Auzburner]

Sounds great to me!

[gloss]

As someone who has never had a cell phone plan before, could someone explain why AT&T would limit eligibility for an upgrade? Basically a person is asking to give AT&T MORE money, but AT&T is saying "no."

That doesn't make sense to me. The only reason I can think of is perhaps if the original phone is subsidized, but the original iphone wasn't.

Because they figure 'We've got you on the rope for another 8 months anyway, might as well juice you for as much money as we can before we sign you for another two years.'

[chicagdan]

From TUAW (http://www.tuaw.com/2008/06/10/atandt-to-penalize-iphones-not-activated-within-30-days/):

I'm going to speculate this ...

AT&T Stores will do everything in-store ... Apple Stores will give customers the option whether to activate in-store or at home. From that AT&T memo, the current iTunes activation process "will no longer be required" but it still exists "in the event that a customer's device is not tethered in the Apple Store."

Maybe, just maybe, existing iPhone customers with a post-paid plan will be given the option of buying and activating at home. That could mean really short lines for us at the Apple Store on day one.

[javaGuru]

The only reason I am starting to believe these rumors is because of the 30 day activation penalty.

If you HAVE to activate it in the store, why the hell would At&t institute a penalty for not activating after 30 days? How would it even be possible to not activate for more than 30 days?

The concept is like trying to shove a square peg in a circular hole. It just doesn't make sense.

The question I have is if you just buy the phone how would they know how long it took you to activate it? Unless they require you to give them your current account information when you purchase it which is possible if you have to activate it in the store.

[Scooterman1]

I don't see it as a problem for me, since I qualify for the upgrade on my iPhone to the 3G iPhone. I think this is due to my 2-year contract expiring in about 14 days

If the iPhone was released in July 2007, how is your 2 yr. contract expiring in about 14 days?

[Diode]

To clarify in store activation was NOT a rumor. It was said during a press conference from a AT&T executive.

Now whether that still holds true is another issue entirely.

[chicagdan]

If the iPhone was released in July 2007, how is your 2 yr. contract expiring in about 14 days?

Good question ... I should add, however, that AT&T's site has always considered my iPhone as upgrade eligible, at least as far as their website is concerned. And our new contract was extended by the iPhone last October.

[aethelbert]

I'm going to speculate this ...

AT&T Stores will do everything in-store ... Apple Stores will give customers the option whether to activate in-store or at home. From that AT&T memo, the current iTunes activation process "will no longer be required" but it still exists "in the event that a customer's device is not tethered in the Apple Store."

Maybe, just maybe, existing iPhone customers with a post-paid plan will be given the option of buying and activating at home. That could mean really short lines for us at the Apple Store on day one.
Activation and tethering are two separate things here. Activation is what you pay for, it basically puts the phone on the cell plan. However, tethering is done afterwards. Here, they basically plug the phone in and "unbrick" it. Face it, people. You're not gonna be able to activate through iTunes at home. No more special treatment for buying an iPhone.

[SFStateStudent]

As someone who has never had a cell phone plan before, could someone explain why AT&T would limit eligibility for an upgrade? Basically a person is asking to give AT&T MORE money, but AT&T is saying "no." That doesn't make sense to me. The only reason I can think of is perhaps if the original phone is subsidized, but the original iphone wasn't.

Well, AT&T has you by the private parts when it comes to the 2-year contracts/agreements. You can upgrade your phone once during the 2-years, and usually after 10-12 months into the plan. Basically, if you lose a phone or it's stolen, you are up the creek if you've recently entered into your contract or recently upgraded. You're stuck between buying a phone at "full-pop" or trying to by a phone via CL or eBay outright. Either way you're still tied into your 2-year contract. :(

[chicagdan]

To clarify in store activation was NOT a rumor. It was said during a press conference from a AT&T executive.

Now whether that still holds true is another issue entirely.

It wasn't a press conference, Diode, it was an interview that Glenn Lurie gave to Gizmodo. The leaked memo that appeared today on the same site is the second piece of confirmation and I now believe it's a fact.

But that memo also seems to make clear that the in-store activation will only be REQUIRED in the AT&T store, that it will be an option in the Apple Store. But we need some clarity on that matter.

[MacGeek7]

was there a credit check for the 1st gen iPhone? I don't remember...but if there is a credit check for the 3G iPhone then that really sucks because i don't have any credit at all. any ideas on how i would go about that?

[SFStateStudent]

If the iPhone was released in July 2007, how is your 2 yr. contract expiring in about 14 days?

I've been with AT&T (Cingular) over 4 1/2 years, and I did not have to renew my contract with AT&T when I bought my iPhone at "full-pop" I just popped-in the SIM card from my phone and activated the iPhone on iTunes, thereby avoiding an upgrade or contract renewal. :cool:

[rolex54]

was there a credit check for the 1st gen iPhone? I don't remember...but if there is a credit check for the 3G iPhone then that really sucks because i don't have any credit at all. any ideas on how i would go about that?
you would most likely fail the credit check and they would not let you get the iPhone, there is no pay as you go on this iPhone

[djransom]

was there a credit check for the 1st gen iPhone? I don't remember...but if there is a credit check for the 3G iPhone then that really sucks because i don't have any credit at all. any ideas on how i would go about that?

AT&T may require that you pay a deposit.

[CrazEtooN]

I don't know any more than any of you. The only thing I do know is that I am fighting against the current of the speculation vortex, and it is tiring.

I do have one thing to say though, and I may catch flak for it, but so be it.

I would like to extend a big, hearty THANK YOU to the entire Unlocker community. Your hard work at helping people use the phone on networks it wasn't supposed to be on is very much appreciated by all of us that "followed the rules." :rolleyes:

[Benjamindaines]

SPECULATION:

Possibly there are 2 steps to the contract/activation process -- ie. something that you have to do in store, whether it be AT&T or Apple Store (credit check, sign 2yr contract on the dotted line, pay deposit, whatever...) combined with the actual iTunes activation at home. Just a thought...

That seems like the only logical way to do an in-store activation on the iPhone. Unlike any other phone, iPhone users have the ability to restore their phones at home so you would then be forced to go into the AT&T store to reactivate you phone if you had any issues or after any software update.

[Diode]

It wasn't a press conference, Diode, it was an interview that Glenn Lurie gave to Gizmodo. The leaked memo that appeared today on the same site is the second piece of confirmation and I now believe it's a fact.

But that memo also seems to make clear that the in-store activation will only be REQUIRED in the AT&T store, that it will be an option in the Apple Store. But we need some clarity on that matter.

The source of everything was this press conference (http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=113088&p=irol-eventDetails&EventId=1873725) held the day of the iphone announcement. If you watch the video Rick Lindner (Senior Executive Vice President and CFO of AT&T) specifically mentions in store activation for Apple and AT&T

I have not been following the issue so this might have/has been changed. Or the Rick Lindner was reporting bogus/mis-informed information ....

I was just merely pointing out that in store activation was not originally a rumor but came directly from top brass at AT&T.

[Benjamindaines]

was there a credit check for the 1st gen iPhone? I don't remember...but if there is a credit check for the 3G iPhone then that really sucks because i don't have any credit at all. any ideas on how i would go about that?

Get a credit card, buy some stuff, pay your bill. You've got enough time before you can buy an iPhone.

[wesk702]

No, in store activation is not a rumor and is true. Att reps have already been asked this multiple times from different sources.

Engadget:

"UPDATE: And you will be required to activate your phone at the store. From AT&T spokeswoman Sarah Andreani:

When customers purchase their new 3G iPhone, customers will activate the device in the retail store. This is the traditional wireless activation model that our customers are very familiar with. In-store activation should take just a few minutes and customers will be able to leave with their iPhone up and running. This will be especially helpful if any questions or issues arise during activation."

http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/09/iphone-3g-purchase-and-activation-will-be-in-store-only/

[Benjamindaines]

No, in store activation is not a rumor and is true. Att reps have already been asked this multiple times from different sources.

Engadget:

"UPDATE: And you will be required to activate your phone at the store. From AT&T spokeswoman Sarah Andreani:

When customers purchase their new 3G iPhone, customers will activate the device in the retail store. This is the traditional wireless activation model that our customers are very familiar with. In-store activation should take just a few minutes and customers will be able to leave with their iPhone up and running. This will be especially helpful if any questions or issues arise during activation."

http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/09/iphone-3g-purchase-and-activation-will-be-in-store-only/

I don't really mind that, as long as I don't need to take it in after every software update or restore I may have to do.

[sweetice2007]

jus buy a p&g one unlock and pop ur sim in

[Michael CM1]

SPECULATION:

Possibly there are 2 steps to the contract/activation process -- ie. something that you have to do in store, whether it be AT&T or Apple Store (credit check, sign 2yr contract on the dotted line, pay deposit, whatever...) combined with the actual iTunes activation at home. Just a thought...

This is kinda how they have done it on other phones. I bought my first phone from Buy.com and they did a credit check or something online. It was subsidized ($50 instead of $300) so the same kind of deal was going on.

AT&T is going to highly regret not doing iTunes activation somehow when lines are REALLY long and they lose non-iPhone customers. Just keep my credit card on record and whack me with a $300 penalty if I don't activate within a month.

[chicagdan]

No, in store activation is not a rumor and is true. Att reps have already been asked this multiple times from different sources.

Engadget:

"UPDATE: And you will be required to activate your phone at the store. From AT&T spokeswoman Sarah Andreani:

When customers purchase their new 3G iPhone, customers will activate the device in the retail store. This is the traditional wireless activation model that our customers are very familiar with. In-store activation should take just a few minutes and customers will be able to leave with their iPhone up and running. This will be especially helpful if any questions or issues arise during activation."

http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/09/iphone-3g-purchase-and-activation-will-be-in-store-only/

That quote conflicts with the Gizmodo AT&T leaked memo. So I think there's still some confusion on this issue. It's clear that AT&T stores will require in-store activation, but the leaked memo indicates that at least some customers should be expected not to activate in store if they purchased at the Apple Store. Unless the leaked memo is a fake.

[aethelbert]

That quote conflicts with the Gizmodo AT&T leaked memo. So I think there's still some confusion on this issue. It's clear that AT&T stores will require in-store activation, but the leaked memo indicates that at least some customers should be expected not to activate in store if they purchased at the Apple Store. Unless the leaked memo is a fake.
Do you seriously believe that they would make you activate at one place but not the other? That completely defeats the purpose, and everyone who would unlock would just buy it elsewhere. If they're gonna lock down the system, they're gonna lock it all down. Not just half of it.

[djransom]

This is kinda how they have done it on other phones. I bought my first phone from Buy.com and they did a credit check or something online. It was subsidized ($50 instead of $300) so the same kind of deal was going on.

AT&T is going to highly regret not doing iTunes activation somehow when lines are REALLY long and they lose non-iPhone customers. Just keep my credit card on record and whack me with a $300 penalty if I don't activate within a month.

I honestly don't believe that the lines are gonna be as long as people are making them out to be, but then again stranger things have happened.

[chicagdan]

The source of everything was this press conference (http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=113088&p=irol-eventDetails&EventId=1873725) held the day of the iphone announcement. If you watch the video Rick Lindner (Senior Executive Vice President and CFO of AT&T) specifically mentions in store activation for Apple and AT&T

I have not been following the issue so this might have/has been changed. Or the Rick Lindner was reporting bogus/mis-informed information ....

I was just merely pointing out that in store activation was not originally a rumor but came directly from top brass at AT&T.

Thanks for sending the link, but I'm not going to listen to the whole one hour, 15 minute webcast to get the precise quote. Did you? I really just want to nail down whether the leaked memo is accurate and if so whether than means Apple Store policies will be different from AT&T store policies.

[chicagdan]

Do you seriously believe that they would make you activate at one place but not the other? That completely defeats the purpose, and everyone who would unlock would just buy it elsewhere. If they're gonna lock down the system, they're gonna lock it all down. Not just half of it.

It depends on what the purpose of in-store activation really is. Why would they have a non-activation penalty if it were possible not to activate? AT&T has stated that a lot of their customers want to be able to use the phone immediately. If that's the purpose of in-store activation, they fulfill it by having that done in AT&T stores while Apple Store customers would just have the option. No one at AT&T has stated that the purpose of in-store activation is to stop the unlocking.

[admanimal]

What is really the point of trying to decipher all of this stuff so far in advance? We know that the exact process will be made clear with plenty of time to go before July 11.

[Benjamindaines]

I think we've all been missing the painfully obvious. The iPhone 3G will still activate over iTunes just as the original one did, you will just have to do it in the store when you buy it. But if you need to restore your phone you will still be able to do it at home just the same as before, and if for some reason you can't do it in the store you can do it at home; hence the 30 day grace period.

At least that's how I think it will be (and hope!).

[aethelbert]

No one at AT&T has stated that the purpose of in-store activation is to stop the unlocking.
It's pretty obvious that they're doing it to prevent unlocking, though. They'll never come out and say it, though. iTunes worked fine and I never heard of any problems with it, but the unlocking eats into their business. It's pretty clear to me that they want to keep the iPhone as exclusive as possible in the US.

[wesk702]

Do you seriously believe that they would make you activate at one place but not the other? That completely defeats the purpose, and everyone who would unlock would just buy it elsewhere. If they're gonna lock down the system, they're gonna lock it all down. Not just half of it.

Agreed, even in the memo it makes reference to a tethering tool that will be provided to Att stores that will help along the activation process. This could be the essential item needed to properly activate the phone. It won't be difficult to activate it at the apple store with some hardware. Afterall, look at how easy it was for us to just activate it at home for gen 1.

I think the statement regarding penalties is just some sort of "safety net" terms of agreement in case some buyers manage to find a way to screw the system.

[Van Wildonher]

Does anybody think that maybe they will make you sign a contract saying if you don't sign up with AT&T within 30 days you will get fined or whatever? And that they only "tether it" in the store? That would allow it to be turned on, and then you have the option to finish there or take it home and sign up with iTunes?

Doesn't make much sense to do it like that, but it might help with the line... if there is one.

[Merlosso]

The SSK has been modified to allow customers interested in the iPhone 3G to enter their information, select rate plans and data plans, and print a document that will allow COR reps to quickly access the customer's information in OPUS and save time for data entry in the activation process.

What does this mean? What is an SSK?

[tjespo22]

yea I've been hearing a lot of the same.

me too, i think its true, well i hope it is.. but i think it will also be optional like it is now, like if you think you will have a problem doing it or if you do have a problem doing it then can do it right at the store.

tom

[guru_ck]

What does this mean? What is an SSK?

Sounds like some type of kiosk system.