Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

I have a question about buying an Iphone 3g in store.

W

wcc17

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Okay. I have a friend who is upgrading, but only needs to upgrade one of their phones, but they have two upgrades available, so they are going to let me use one of the upgrades. I am going to be using the upgrade to buy myself an Iphone 3g, if possible. Now here's my question. If they go into the store, will ATT let them buy the iphone 3g without activating it? And if they do that, will i be able to go activate it with MY sim card, or on my computer at home?
 
wcc17 said:
Okay. I have a friend who is upgrading, but only needs to upgrade one of their phones, but they have two upgrades available, so they are going to let me use one of the upgrades. I am going to be using the upgrade to buy myself an Iphone 3g, if possible. Now here's my question. If they go into the store, will ATT let them buy the iphone 3g without activating it? And if they do that, will i be able to go activate it with MY sim card, or on my computer at home?
Click to expand...

Welcome to MacRumors!

You cannot buy a iPhone 3G in an AT&T, Apple or Authorized Retailer store without activating. But if you have an AT&T number, you can use that same number for your iPhone. You will have sign a new 2 year contract, though.

David
 
Well.. If I can't do that.. Is there anyway I could do what I am trying to do?
 
Wait, so can I activate it to MY sim card? Even though they are the ones upgrading?
 
wcc17 said:
Wait, so can I activate it to MY sim card? Even though they are the ones upgrading?
Click to expand...

I believe if you have a 3G SIM that is compatible with the iPhone then they can put it in. They won't charge you for the new SIM though and it's free to transfer your number from your old SIM to a new SIM. You can't get out of the 2 year contract though.

David
 
wcc17 said:
So no matter what, I'm going to have to be on their plan?
Click to expand...

Yes, once you get the iPhone though you can unlock it and go with T-Mobile. They are much cheaper than AT&T. If you have questions about that then let us know.

David
 
But I would still be on ATT and that seems like a waste of money.. If I upgrade online, could i do this?
 
wcc17 said:
But I would still be on ATT and that seems like a waste of money.. If I upgrade online, could i do this?
Click to expand...

What do you mean by upgrading online? You can buy unlocked iPhones on eBay but they are pretty pricy. If you bought a 8GB iPhone 3G and wanted to put it on T-Mobile, you would end up pending about $520: iPhone ($199) + one month of service ($60) + early termination ($180) + about $520. That's about how much you will pay on eBay.

David
 
By upgrading online, I mean, could I upgrade on Att's website, and get the iPhone for the 200 price.
 
wcc17 said:
By upgrading online, I mean, could I upgrade on Att's website, and get the iPhone for the 200 price.
Click to expand...

I am not aware of a feature like this that is currently offered. I think all official iPhone 3G purchases must be done in store.

David
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back