AT&T Extends iPhone 3G S Upgrade Pricing to Many Customers

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/06/17/atandt-extends-iphone-3g-s-upgrade-pricing-to-many-customers/)

While today's big news has been the release of iPhone OS 3.0 (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/06/17/apple-releases-iphone-os-3-0/), AT&T today also announced (http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=1574) that it is expanding the eligibility window for determining which customers are eligible for upgrade pricing on the iPhone 3G S. Customers who previously would not have become upgrade eligible until July, August or September of this year will instead qualify for AT&T's lowest upgrade pricing as of tomorrow, making them eligible to purchase the iPhone 3G S at the $199 (16 GB) or $299 (32 GB) price point at launch. Affected customers will save $200 on the purchase of a new iPhone 3G S as a result. Importantly, we want our customers to better understand our wireless device upgrade program. Like most U.S. carriers, we offer a variety of phones that we sell below our actual cost when customers agree to sign service agreements. In general, the more a customer spends with us, the quicker they become eligible for a price break on a new device. For example, iPhone customers who spend more than $99 a month per line with us generally are eligible for an upgrade between 12 and 18 months into their contract.

We also currently offer early upgrade pricing only for iPhone 3G S and iPhone 3G.

All of that said, we've been listening to our customers. And since many of our iPhone 3G customers are early adopters and literally weeks shy of being upgrade eligible due to iPhone 3G S launching 11 months after iPhone 3G, we're extending the window of upgrade eligibility for a limited time.

We're now pleased to offer our iPhone 3G customers who are upgrade eligible in July, August or September 2009 our best upgrade pricing, beginning Thursday, June 18.Newly-eligible customers who have already pre-ordered the iPhone 3G S at the higher prices will receive credits for the difference in price. Users can check their upgrade eligibility status by visiting AT&T's iPhone page (http://www.att.com/iphone), calling *NEW# (*639#) on their AT&T device, or visiting any AT&T store.

Reminder: The new pricing will not appear in the eligibility tools listed until Thursday, June 18th

Article Link: AT&T Extends iPhone 3G S Upgrade Pricing to Many Customers (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/06/17/atandt-extends-iphone-3g-s-upgrade-pricing-to-many-customers/)

[xerenthar]

$98 bills mean December instead of July for me... and I bought in July!

calling TONIGHT :D

[JayLenochiniMac]

iPhone users must be special after all.

[Enigmafan420]

A. FREAKING. MIRACLE.

Unbelievable-the first thing AT$T has done right since it became "the exclusive iPhone provider" in the USA

[Nikos]

What happens to those of us who already paid $499 to Apple or AT&T? I already purchased mine from Apple's online store.

EDIT: Nevermind, didn't see that part in the middle. I wonder if I would have been eligible.

[xerenthar]

iPhone users must be special after all.

and here, i thought we had to "STOP WHINING" this whole time

[TitoC]

Well, this has got to be good news for SOME customers. Personally, this does not affect me, since i bought the iPhone when it first came out 2 years ago. But I also have friends who were not qualified until September or so. I guess all the ranting did pay off for some. But for others, well . . .

[adampol15]

I have the feeling that the "small, useless compass update" to the iPhone 3G suddenly became very important to some people...

[LillieDesigns]

Now people can finally shut up. :D

[Mykbibby]

Wow, that's very impressive. For once I'm actually happy with something AT&T did!

MMS... that's a different story.

[YoGramMamma]

and its not even my birthday..

but i fell into this boat.

Time to sell this 3G ASAP!

[arn]

What happens to those of us who already paid $499 to Apple or AT&T? I already purchased mine from Apple's online store.

you'll get credited.

arn

[Small White Car]

It's a nice gesture.

The shame of it is that the people being given this gift probably won't appreciate it. I suspect many of them will see this as atonement for AT&T, when in fact there's no reason in the world they had to do this.

We'll see. Maybe I'll be proven wrong and they'll get praise for this. Sure would be nice, but I'm not holding my breath.

[SatanLover]

GREAT! now how the F are we supposed to get one? they are all sold out and on back order now! LMAO! oh well beggars can't be choosers i guess i'm pretty excited now!

[WilliamG]

This confuses me. How does this affect ANYONE with an iPhone 3G who bought that the day it came out???

[ugp]

I am still not able to upgrade... this is not a complaining comment but I bought my iPhone 3G on release day... How are others able to upgrade that have a 3G and I cannot upgrade until December...This doesn't make sense for some of us still. I remember seeing a few others that bought theirs launch day and have to wait til December.

[andrew0122]

They must have FINALLY realized that all of the early adopters of the 3G who want the 3GS were planning on holding off until the 2010 iPhone.

As for me I just Pre-Orders the 3GS on the 13 (Sat) and it is being overnighted from Fort Worth, TX . . . Kinda odd anyone else have any thoughts?

Now if only my bill was less than $90/ Month. . . :rolleyes:

[mstell168]

$98 bills mean December instead of July for me... and I bought in July!

calling TONIGHT :D

Same here, waited online on launch day for both the previous versions, if I understand this correctly if my bill was $2.00 more a month I could buy it Friday at the discounted prices, instead I have to wait until 12/12 because of $2 a month... thats just stupid!!!!

[xerenthar]

This confuses me. How does this affect ANYONE with an iPhone 3G who bought that the day it came out???

I am still not able to upgrade... this is not a complaining comment but I bought my iPhone 3G on release day... How are others able to upgrade that have a 3G and I cannot upgrade until December...This doesn't make sense for some of us still. I remember seeing a few others that bought theirs launch day and have to wait til December.

it has to do with your bill costs. if it's over $99 per line you get 7/09, if it's under, you get 12/09.

honestly, i am going to call and see if i get lucky. my bills have been over $95 forever...

[aperture01]

people always hatin' on AT&T! I've been with them for years they are a great company if you ask me. One time I called japan for a long time racked up $300+ in overage chrages, I called the next day and added international calling to my phone, and they knocked down the charges to $50.

I really just don't like verizon. but whateva, that's me... Alright looks like I can buy a 3gs for dirt cheap because I just sold my iPhone 3G 16GB for $240.
:D

[Le Big Mac]

This confuses me. How does this affect ANYONE with an iPhone 3G who bought that the day it came out???

You can be upgrade eligible after 12 months if you spend a lot (i.e., pay back the subsidy fast). So there are people who bought last july who would be upgrade eligible this july.

Perhaps ATT wants to juice revenue in q209?

[healthyfatboy]

At least they clarified the upgrade process some so next year when the newest version comes out, there won't be the confusion there was from this year. We'll still have people who don't like the policy but if that's the case, they can sign up for the $99/mo plan. For those paying $98 for your bill, is that before or after taxes? My guess is the $99 cutoff is before taxes.

[WilliamG]

I see. I'm not over $99 per line, though, poop. I'm at around $167 for two lines in a family FAN plan. Lame!

[jamesryanbell]

They should offer it to all existing iPhone 3G owners and TAKE THE HIT.

They don't do that? No care.

I want a LOT for not much. Every time.

LOL

[moka]

i don't get why they would give them a break, yet i still have to pay $499 for the 32gb iphone 3gs and i currently own a first gen iphone that i had to reactivate because at&t could not reactivate the previous phone number i had after a warranty replacement.

[airjan23]

Who would be eligible that bought phone in July or August last year for the upgrade? Only those with large minute plans? Seems as this is the norm for AT&T not a major change as more times than not they would let those users upgrade what is considered early. Guess I am still stuck paying the extra $200 as I am not eligible until Jan, 2010.

[bigchief]

This tells me there will be plenty of new 3Gs to go around this Friday. Now we'll here from those who are eligible for upgrade in October to start screeming BS.

[solarguy17]

they shouldnt have done that but at least now that means they will haev to every year or risk alienating many customers. I will benifit next year but really ATT should have stuck by their guns.

[Nikos]

it has to do with your bill costs. if it's over $99 per line you get 7/09, if it's under, you get 12/09.

honestly, i am going to call and see if i get lucky. my bills have been over $95 forever...

I wonder what will happen with mine. I've been paying ~$105 since I joined AT&T on 3G launch day. Just switched to family plan last month and my bill was a whopping $420 (just for that month, pro rated I believe).

[NinjaHERO]

The question is will this make people happy or start another uproar?

[nicegoogly]

GREAT! now how the F are we supposed to get one? they are all sold out and on back order now! LMAO! oh well beggars can't be choosers i guess i'm pretty excited now!

That was the plan. As everything is already sold out, most of us are eligible in July, August and September, so they lose nothing. It is like saying "Free Whoppers. We are just out of hamburgers during the promotion."

[DiamondMac]

I guess something good did come out of everyone crying

Thank you to them

Just don't annoy me so much in the future.....except when it helps me in the end

[airjan23]

people always hatin' on AT&T! I've been with them for years they are a great company if you ask me. One time I called japan for a long time racked up $300+ in overage chrages, I called the next day and added international calling to my phone, and they knocked down the charges to $50.

I really just don't like verizon. but whateva, that's me... Alright looks like I can buy a 3gs for dirt cheap because I just sold my iPhone 3G 16GB for $240.
:D

Sold via Ebay, Craiglist, other?

[dwd3885]

again, if you spend more than $99 per line then you are kinda lame to begin with and are getting raped on your monthly bill, so enjoy your $200 off an iPhone that you will buy again next year also. LOL

[xerenthar]

again, if you spend more than $99 per line then you are kinda lame to begin with and are getting raped on your monthly bill, so enjoy your $200 off an iPhone that you will buy again next year also. LOL

have some sour grapes

[Shiner]

i don't get why they would give them a break, yet i still have to pay $499 for the 32gb iphone 3gs and i currently own a first gen iphone that i had to reactivate because at&t could not reactivate the previous phone number i had after a warranty replacement.

I agree with you. I had to wait 18 months for my blackberry contract to end on one of my lines before I could get the new iphone.

These babies come on and whine about not being able to read a contract and get the new iphone. This is why tech people and geeks get a bad name. They act like spoiled brats!

[ugp]

it has to do with your bill costs. if it's over $99 per line you get 7/09, if it's under, you get 12/09.

honestly, i am going to call and see if i get lucky. my bills have been over $95 forever...

So because I get a monthly discount on my account I am out of luck. That is retarded though. AT&T gives me this discount for who I work for.

My bill is $96 a month and that is with a 10% discount. How dumb is that... Doesn't matter, iPhones are sold out anyways.

[dwd3885]

and the funny thing is, is that if you waited to buy an iPhone because your upgrade time was in the next few months, then you won't even be able to get one by Friday because they are all sold out, lol.

[DiamondMac]

again, if you spend more than $99 per line then you are kinda lame to begin with and are getting raped on your monthly bill, so enjoy your $200 off an iPhone that you will buy again next year also. LOL
How old are you exactly?

There are many legitimate reasons why people spend over $99 per line.

I get the feeling your parents pay your bill still?

[WilliamG]

How do you check on ATT.com exactly what your monthly bill is? I think one of my lines on the family plan might be over $99. I'm not sure what numbers make up that $99...

[dwd3885]

have some sour grapes

nope, i upgraded on my wife's line which was eligible. :rolleyes:

[leandromp]

I'm eligible in December, so i guess i don't qualified. Still, good news! We're special, bitches, lol!

[Shiner]

I wonder what will happen with mine. I've been paying ~$105 since I joined AT&T on 3G launch day. Just switched to family plan last month and my bill was a whopping $420 (just for that month, pro rated I believe).

Well I hope when you switched you didn't sign a new 2 year contract. Friend of mine switched to family plan before buying the iphone and has 18 months to wait. LOL

[Cousin Dirk]

Now, if only O2 would listen to its customers...

[toneloco2881]

they shouldnt have done that but at least now that means they will haev to every year or risk alienating many customers. I will benifit next year but really ATT should have stuck by their guns.
Agreed. There's no way in hell if I was AT&T that I would have caved. Sad to say, but I operate a business and I see time and time again; that the more you give the more people want. You would like to believe it wouldn't be like that, but there's a large group of people out there who feel like they should receive handouts or concessions.

[MyJelleo]

O thank God! All the moaning and whining can finally stop.

AT&T just got some brownie points.

[xerenthar]

I agree with you. I had to wait 18 months for my blackberry contract to end on one of my lines before I could get the new iphone.

These babies come on and whine about not being able to read a contract and get the new iphone. This is why tech people and geeks get a bad name. They act like spoiled brats!

tbh, i think being bitter over others getting a good deal and crying about it online would give "tech people" a bad name first.

Agreed. There's no way in hell if I was AT&T that I would have caved. Sad to say, but I operate a business and I see time and time again; that the more you give the more people want. You would like to believe it wouldn't be like that, but there's a large group of people out there who feel like they should receive handouts or concessions.

i suspect mounting apple pressure in the face of a 2010 contract expiration. additionally, this is a smart move anyway. why don't they want these people under contract into 2011 if the exclusivity may end in 2010

[Nikos]

How will AT&T even know that we paid $399-499 from Apple before they announced this? Doesn't sound like we will receive credit, we'll probably have to ask for it and show proof of purchase.

[airjan23]

So because I get a monthly discount on my account I am out of luck. That is retarded though. AT&T gives me this discount for who I work for.

My bill is $96 a month and that is with a 10% discount. How dumb is that... Doesn't matter, iPhones are sold out anyways.

I am in the same boat, 90 with firm discount, would be over 100, ah well.

[Nikos]

Well I hope when you switched you didn't sign a new 2 year contract. Friend of mine switched to family plan before buying the iphone and has 18 months to wait. LOL

All I did was add two lines to my existing plan. I kept my number and add two new numbers.

[ugp]

I am in the same boat, 90 with firm discount, would be over 100, ah well.

Screw it I guess.

[MacVixen]

O thank God! All the moaning and whining can finally stop.

AT&T just got some brownie points.

Now why in the world would you expect the moaning and whining to stop? ;)

I'm torn on this - it was good of AT&T to do so, but they've set a dangerous precedent for themselves. This same group crying now will be doing the exact same thing next year when the next version of iPhone is released. If I were running AT&T, I might just want to consider switching iPhone users to 1 year contracts with a higher subsidized price :eek:

[nicegoogly]

I am eligible in August. I had the 2g and wanted until there were no crazy lines for the 3g. The 3G S is just not that difference to worry about getting on launch day. I can walk into the store by August and not have to deal with a rugrat questioning me on my eligibility and directing me what damn line to be in.

[dwd3885]

How old are you exactly?

There are many legitimate reasons why people spend over $99 per line.

I get the feeling your parents pay your bill still?

well I get $15 off a month with my monthly discount and I have a 700 minute plan back when they were Cingular for cheap, so no actually

[iphones4evry1]

This is an excellent victory for the consumer ... and for Apple and AT&T's long-term market expansion. :)

[Shiner]

tbh, i think being bitter over others getting a good deal and crying about it online would give "tech people" a bad name first.




i suspect mounting apple pressure in the face of a 2010 contract expiration. additionally, this is a smart move anyway. why don't they want these people under contract into 2011 if the exclusivity may end in 2010

Well you would be wrong and completely blind. Every website was filled with these babies for a week. Everyone is sick of them. I am blown away that AT&T caved.

[chr1s60]

That's good that AT&T supports the customers with expensive bills that possibly didn't become AT&T customers until last July and not the customers like myself that have been with them for 10 years. This just helps my point that the whole 2-year contract in order to make up the money lost for subsidizing a phone excuse is a bunch of crap because of the overpriced plans. If I wasn't already getting one for $199 I would be mad.

[iObama]

people always hatin' on AT&T! I've been with them for years they are a great company if you ask me. One time I called japan for a long time racked up $300+ in overage chrages, I called the next day and added international calling to my phone, and they knocked down the charges to $50.

I really just don't like verizon. but whateva, that's me... Alright looks like I can buy a 3gs for dirt cheap because I just sold my iPhone 3G 16GB for $240.
:D

Seriously, I like AT&T also. They're always helpful when I call them for anything.

And cool about your 3G! I just sold my cracked screen, dented, dead-pixeled iPhone for $150 on eBay! Woop woop!

[jhiner]

Does anyone know if I pre-ordered in an AT&T store and I go to pick it up on Friday, do I have to activate it there or can I take it home?

[YoGramMamma]

Just got off the phone with an ATT rep and he told me that this was pretty much valid though he hadnt been given the official word through his channel.


OF NOTE: he was a very nice and conversational guy and we got to talking about the new iphone and 3.0 OS. He mentioned that the new iphone supported MMS (which i already knew of course) but that if I upgraded my current 3G to 3.0 that I would get MMS as well. I told him that i knew i had that ability but only when ATT enabled it which wasn't supposed to be until later in the summer. HE seemed confused as to why it wasn't working already because my account showed that it has been enabled and then he said, "oh right, well it will be working by the time the new phone launches".

SO reading into things putting the pieces together and if i heard him right... we should be seeing real MMS support from AT&T on Friday.

Fingers crossed to him actually knowing what he was talking about. Real nice guy though.

[Shiner]

All I did was add two lines to my existing plan. I kept my number and add two new numbers.

Thats good as long as you didn't sign up for a family plan from an individual plan you will be ok.

[MistaBungle]

Now if only Rogers did something like this...

[aristobrat]

So this is cool, but it essentially does nothing for the majority of AT&T customers who got an iPhone 3G around launch time last year and have monthly bills less than $99.

They're still waiting til December for the full discount...

Great PR spin for AT&T, minimal impact on the majority of iPhone customers. :)

[typerlover]

Seeing as how the majority of people who want an iphone have one now after two generations, they are likely to be the majority of people who would have wanted to upgrade.

By having not allowed them at the lower price ATT and Apple probably didn't see the preorder or number interest and felt this was actually in their own best interest to make this deal as well.

[dwd3885]

what i'm glad is that for the first time, someone from ATT actually said why some people are eligible before others. People who pay $99 per line. No one has been able to tell me why I couldn't upgrade until March.

[optophobia]

people always hatin' on AT&T! I've been with them for years they are a great company if you ask me. One time I called japan for a long time racked up $300+ in overage chrages, I called the next day and added international calling to my phone, and they knocked down the charges to $50.

I really just don't like verizon. but whateva, that's me... Alright looks like I can buy a 3gs for dirt cheap because I just sold my iPhone 3G 16GB for $240.
:D

Well I didn't qualify for the reduced 3GS pricing but ordered anyway, but it works out since i sold my 3G for $450 not $240 :D:D

[Shiner]

So this is cool, but it essentially does nothing for the majority of AT&T customers who got an iPhone 3G around launch time last year and have monthly bills less than $99.

There still waiting til December for the full discount...

Great PR spin for AT&T, minimal impact on the majority of iPhone customers. :)

As it should be.

[dwd3885]

So this is cool, but it essentially does nothing for the majority of AT&T customers who got an iPhone 3G around launch time last year and have monthly bills less than $99.

They're still waiting til December for the full discount...

Great PR spin for AT&T, minimal impact on the majority of iPhone customers. :)

agree with you 100%

[Nikos]

Thats good as long as you didn't sign up for a family plan from an individual plan you will be ok.

I'm a little confused, I had an individual plan (one iPhone 3G), then added a second iPhone 3G and a regular phone, turning it into a family plan.

[xerenthar]

Well you would be wrong and completely blind. Every website was filled with these babies for a week. Everyone is sick of them. I am blown away that AT&T caved.

well if everyone is sick of them... i must bow to your made-up-****-on-the-internet expertise.

$90+ bill / December eligibility camp: anyone want to call AT&T and see what they say about us / haggle? i will later tonight, but all of us in this same boat should keep in contact with each other and see if there's anything that can help us take advantage of this great AT&T deal. :) you can PM me or we can talk in this / another thread.

[Nikos]

Just got off the phone with an ATT rep and he told me that this was pretty much valid though he hadnt been given the official word through his channel.


OF NOTE: he was a very nice and conversational guy and we got to talking about the new iphone and 3.0 OS. He mentioned that the new iphone supported MMS (which i already knew of course) but that if I upgraded my current 3G to 3.0 that I would get MMS as well. I told him that i knew i had that ability but only when ATT enabled it which wasn't supposed to be until later in the summer. HE seemed confused as to why it wasn't working already because my account showed that it has been enabled and then he said, "oh right, well it will be working by the time the new phone launches".

SO reading into things putting the pieces together and if i heard him right... we should be seeing real MMS support from AT&T on Friday.

Fingers crossed to him actually knowing what he was talking about. Real nice guy though.

That would be great if true!

[iphones4evry1]

This explains a lot. I had the $5.00 text messaging plan for all of my contract until two months ago, then I upgraded to the $15 text message plan (causing my total bill with taxes to exceed $100/mo). AT&T's site said I am eligible for the $399 now. I just put my messaging back to $5.00. Now, I was not intentionally trying to fool the system, but it inadvertently had that effect.
I'm not saying people should try this, but perhaps someone else had a similar experience or someone wants to experiment with it.

[boylinator]

I've had 2 months since I purchased iPhone 3g on opening day when my bill was below $100. I've had months when it was $140. My average bill since last June has been $119 and I still don't qualify until 12/14/09!!!!

[macnerd77]

Upping my price plan so that i am over $100 a month. On the phone right now. I am so excited. This means i will be able to get in line of thursday night for a iPhone 3G S as i will now be able to afford it.

[DiamondMac]

well I get $15 off a month with my monthly discount and I have a 700 minute plan back when they were Cingular for cheap, so no actually

What part of that was I supposed to care about?

[Shiner]

Now why in the world would you expect the moaning and whining to stop? ;)

I'm torn on this - it was good of AT&T to do so, but they've set a dangerous precedent for themselves. This same group crying now will be doing the exact same thing next year when the next version of iPhone is released. If I were running AT&T, I might just want to consider switching iPhone users to 1 year contracts with a higher subsidized price :eek:

I agree 100%!! Next year we will go through the same thing with these same people. Think of the children!!!

[Essjay]

Still confused about the whole situation and called ATT a minute ago. I bought my 3G 3 days after launch and I am not upgrade eligible until December 14th. The business rep told me that it was Apple's strict restrictions that are preventing the upgrades, which is bs.

If anyone could explain why I'm not eligible even after purchasing the 3g only 3 days after launch that would be appreciated.

PS I paid my bills ontime if that matters at all :)

[vertigo235]

They must have FINALLY realized that all of the early adopters of the 3G who want the 3GS were planning on holding off until the 2010 iPhone.

As for me I just Pre-Orders the 3GS on the 13 (Sat) and it is being overnighted from Fort Worth, TX . . . Kinda odd anyone else have any thoughts?

Now if only my bill was less than $90/ Month. . . :rolleyes:

Mine too, from Ft. Worth, and I also ordered on Sat. My guess is that AT&T is fulfilling those pre-orders made through Saturday with phones they likely were going to send to the stores as first come first serve stock. Our phones probably shipped to the processing facility from China mfor distribution to the AT&T stores.

[dwd3885]

What part of that was I supposed to care about?

wow. douchebag

[stylez23]

this is still of no help for me..

i bought the iPhone 2G a week after it came out in which i signed up for AT&T, then i bought the iPhone 3G release day waiting 6 hours in line with some friends... my monthly bill is on average about $120+ and still my upgrade date is 12/11/2009.

Am i missing something?

[SBik2]

well our family plan is 367 a month on avg. so I hope it goes by those. but are they going by the individual numbers?

[Lepton]

I'm not eligible until December. But I have over 5,000 of your stupid rollover minutes because the minimum amount of minutes you make me buy is much more than I need. Will you take them back and give me the discount?

[TheOrioles33]

This tells me there will be plenty of new 3Gs to go around this Friday. Now we'll here from those who are eligible for upgrade in October to start screeming BS.

EXACTLY! LOL! :) I'm eligible in December but could'nt wait.

[sdeetz]

This does not help 3G owners at all.

I bought my 3G the very first day it went on sale, and AT&T just told
me that I'm still not eligible until March 2010. So apparrently the
only people elibigle are ones that bought an original iphone before
spring 2008, and did not extend their contract to get a 3G.

Sounds nice for PR purposes, but a useless gesture for most of us.

[DiamondMac]

wow. douchebag

Hardcore. I bet you can beat everyone up online and can fight 10 different ways.

When mommy and daddy stop paying your bills, then get back to me about what people pay for their phone plans....especially when most center around work....which is something quite foreign to you I bet.

[Shiner]

I'm a little confused, I had an individual plan (one iPhone 3G), then added a second iPhone 3G and a regular phone, turning it into a family plan.

That is exactly what my friend did. I was just talking about upgrading to 3GS. That is what he wanted to do but jumped the gun like a week to early. He took his 3G phone and made it a family plan with two other 3G users. He did not know that he had signed a new two year contract when he signed up for the family plan. He can't upgrade for 18 months now. Just call and make sure or go online.

[jpan08]

I am still not able to upgrade... this is not a complaining comment but I bought my iPhone 3G on release day... How are others able to upgrade that have a 3G and I cannot upgrade until December...This doesn't make sense for some of us still. I remember seeing a few others that bought theirs launch day and have to wait til December.


I feel your pain

[aristobrat]

Still confused about the whole situation and called ATT a minute ago. I bought my 3G 3 days after launch and I am not upgrade eligible until December 14th. The business rep told me that it was Apple's strict restrictions that are preventing the upgrades, which is bs.

If anyone could explain why I'm not eligible even after purchasing the 3g only 3 days after launch that would be appreciated.

PS I paid my bills ontime if that matters at all :)
What matters is how much you spend with AT&T per month.

If you spend over $99/month, you are eligible to get a fully-discounted phone upgrade after 12 months.

If you're like most people and DON'T spend over $99/month, you have to wait 18-months (which would be December) until you get a full-discounted phone upgrade.

All AT&T did today was say "hey, if you spend more than $99/month and bought your iPhone 3G in July/Aug/Sep, you don't have to wait 12 months .. you can get a fully-discounted upgrade in June!"

Like I said, it does nothing for the majority of iPhone 3G owners. AT&T is "relenting", but in the least possible way.

[Shiner]

well our family plan is 367 a month on avg. so I hope it goes by those. but are they going by the individual numbers?

Nope it goes off of individual phones. more than likely one phone will be eligible.

[QCassidy352]

I didn't have any sympathy for people who signed these contracts without reading/understanding them, but this is still nice for early iphone 3G adopters. Hopefully we can all be happy now... though I somehow doubt that's how this will play out. :rolleyes:

[optophobia]

This does not help 3G owners at all.

I bought my 3G the very first day it went on sale, and AT&T just told
me that I'm still not eligible until March 2010. So apparrently the
only people elibigle are ones that bought an original iphone before
spring 2008, and did not extend their contract to get a 3G.

Sounds nice for PR purposes, but a useless gesture for most of us.

Please read the other posts in this thread before making such a bold statement.

[Nikos]

That is exactly what my friend did. I was just talking about upgrading to 3GS. That is what he wanted to do but jumped the gun like a week to early. He took his 3G phone and made it a family plan with two other 3G users. He did not know that he had signed a new two year contract when he signed up for the family plan. He can't upgrade for 18 months now. Just call and make sure or go online.

Damn lol, I may have screwed myself then. I don't even want to know how long my contract is for at the moment. When I added the two lines it probably added two years each (or at least two for the other 3G) and for the 3GS I already purchased through Apple I will have another 2 years added. :o

[jpan08]

I'm not eligible until December. But I have over 5,000 of your stupid rollover minutes because the minimum amount of minutes you make me buy is much more than I need. Will you take them back and give me the discount?

lol me too

[ugp]

What part of that was I supposed to care about?

If you don't care don't comment about it. Simple enough right?

[boylinator]

What matters is how much you spend with AT&T per month.

If you spend over $99/month, you are eligible to get a fully-discounted phone upgrade after 12 months.

If you're like most people and DON'T spend over $99/month, you have to wait 18-months (which would be December) until you get a full-discounted phone upgrade.

All AT&T did today was say "hey, if you spend more than $99/month and bought your iPhone 3G in July/Aug/Sep, you don't have to wait 12 months .. you can get a fully-discounted upgrade in June!"

Like I said, it does nothing for the majority of iPhone 3G owners. AT&T is "relenting", but in the least possible way.

This isn't totally true as I've spend $119/month and I show 12/14/09. I had the original iPhone on launch day and the 3g on launch day. It's actually not that hard to be over $100. 900 minutes, the data plan and 1500 text messages.

[aristobrat]

but this is still nice for early iphone 3G adopters
.. that spend $99+/month on their AT&T bill .. those are the only ones this helps! :D

[macnerd77]

This isn't totally true as I've spend $119/month and I show 12/14/09. I had the original iPhone on launch day and the 3g on launch day.

The new date will be listed tomorrow on there site. they are updating the system over night

[xerenthar]

wow. douchebag

that's you, dood. you're the one upset that people got a good deal. sorry that people are happy somewhere in the world.

This explains a lot. I had the $5.00 text messaging plan for all of my contract until two months ago, then I upgraded to the $15 text message plan (causing my total bill with taxes to exceed $100/mo). AT&T's site said I am eligible for the $399 now. I just put my messaging back to $5.00. Now, I was not intentionally trying to fool the system, but it inadvertently had that effect.
I'm not saying people should try this, but perhaps someone else had a similar experience or someone wants to experiment with it.

you have a bigger voice plan? i have unlimited texts and my bills are:

06/08/2009 CREDIT CARD **** ($101.27)
05/23/2009 CREDIT CARD **** ($95.16)
04/22/2009 CREDIT CARD **** ($95.10)
03/21/2009 CREDIT CARD **** ($95.64)
02/26/2009 CREDIT CARD **** ($88.13)
01/21/2009 CREDIT CARD **** ($88.13)
12/22/2008 CREDIT CARD **** ($88.34)
11/24/2008 CREDIT CARD **** ($88.34)
10/24/2008 CREDIT CARD **** ($88.34)
09/21/2008 CREDIT CARD **** ($88.34)
08/22/2008 CREDIT CARD **** ($117.38)
07/21/2008 CREDIT CARD **** ($106.85)


I'm not eligible until December. But I have over 5,000 of your stupid rollover minutes because the minimum amount of minutes you make me buy is much more than I need. Will you take them back and give me the discount?

this would make me SO happy. they're expiring anyway.

[aristobrat]

This isn't totally true as I've spend $119/month and I show 12/14/09. I had the original iPhone on launch day and the 3g on launch day. It's actually not that hard to be over $100. 900 minutes, the data plan and 1500 text messages.
The $99 figure is what people/blogs are guessing by looking at the difference between people who get a fully-discounted upgrade in 12 months vs those who have to wait 18 months.

If you've had a monthly bill of $119/month since you signed your last contract, I'd get on the phone with AT&T and figure out why you have to wait until 12/14/09, as it seems like pretty much everyone else paying $99+/month is able to upgrade around now.

[Nikos]

On the AT&T website, for two of my lines I have upgrade dates in 2010 and I can select to upgrade them.

For my personal line, I get this:

You can take advantage of our no-commitment pricing option, with the exception of iPhone which requires a 2-year commitment.

Then there's a "How to upgarde" link that doesn't work. Would this mean my 3rd line is available for an upgrade?

[djrobsd]

it has to do with your bill costs. if it's over $99 per line you get 7/09, if it's under, you get 12/09.

honestly, i am going to call and see if i get lucky. my bills have been over $95 forever...

Please let us all know if it works, I am in the same boat. My FAN discount brings me from $100 down to like $97 a month. :(

[theheadguy]

It's a nice gesture.
The shame of it is that the people being given this gift probably won't appreciate it. I suspect many of them will see this as atonement for AT&T, when in fact there's no reason in the world they had to do this.
AT&T is a business, not a charity. Handing out "gifts" for "no reason in the world" doesn't make business sense and would undoubtedly result in unruly stockholders.

It's interesting (and at times comical) to see how polarized these forums have become over the years. People either hate AT&T no matter what they do, or as exampled above, act as if they are some kind of sainthood incapable of anything except for the most virtuous of actions. Very few people seem to have a balanced view. AT&T's a business and their actions are governed by what makes the most business sense, period.

[Shiner]

The $99 figure is what people/blogs are guessing by looking at the difference between people who get a fully-discounted upgrade in 12 months vs those who have to wait 18 months.

If you've had a monthly bill of $119/month since you signed your last contract, I'd get on the phone with AT&T and figure out why you have to wait until 12/14/09, as it seems like pretty much everyone else paying $99+/month is able to upgrade around now.

No it isn't. This is an exact figure given out by AT&T for the last two years of service. I was told the figure last year while trying to upgrade to the iphone3G. I do agree that he should call and find out why he is not eligible.

[andrew0122]

AT&T must know that they've been pissing Apple off so much by now that they are trying to get the 3G owners to upgrade because they will probably loose their exclusive contract to be the only U.S. carrier. That way AT&T will be able to keep their subscribers at least until 2011.

Example not offering MMS and Tethering at launch when other carriers will be.

Just my 2 cents.

[stylez23]

Please let us all know if it works, I am in the same boat. My FAN discount brings me from $100 down to like $97 a month. :(

with my my fan account its bring me down to $120... i really don't get how AT&T determines the 12 or 18 month upgrade policy when its based on how much they take from you :mad:

[xerenthar]

$90+ bill / December eligibility camp: anyone want to call AT&T and see what they say about us / haggle? i will later tonight, but all of us in this same boat should keep in contact with each other and see if there's anything that can help us take advantage of this great AT&T deal. :) you can PM me or we can talk in this / another thread.[/QUOTE]

this includes FAN users :)

EDIT: http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=7850527#post7850527

[PaThKu]

Wow, didn't see this coming! Good job ATT, you're finally starting to win me back over! Now, if you'd only hurry up on getting MMS.....

And what about the people who already payed the full fee? Do they get a refund? I didn't see that mentioned in the press release.

[aristobrat]

No it isn't. This is an exact figure given out by AT&T for the last two years of service. I was told the figure last year while trying to upgrade to the iphone3G. I do agree that he should call and find out why he is not eligible.
I said "guessing" because until someone can provide a link to where AT&T has publicly stated this policy, half the people here won't believe it. So if you say "guessing", there's less room for them to go ballistic over the wording. :)

[Nate:Dogg]

nope, i upgraded on my wife's line which was eligible. :rolleyes:

How did you go about doing this? can you do it on ATT website? or did you have to go into a store?

Thanks in Advance,

Nate

[Youngy]

Wonder if O2 in UK will follow suit.

[Zimmy68]

Ok, I am confused.
I went to the Apple site to see when I am upgrade eligible.
It says I will be in Dec 2009.
If AT&T are offering this special plan to people who are eligible in July - Sept 09, my question is, who are these people?
I bought a 3G the month it came out, how can anyone else be eligible over me?

[chr1s60]

Ok, I am confused.
I went to the Apple site to see when I am upgrade eligible.
It says I will be in Dec 2009.
If AT&T are offering this special plan to people who are eligible in July - Sept 09, my question is, who are these people?
I bought a 3G the month it came out, how can anyone else be eligible over me?

It is based off the price you pay monthly. I upgraded to 3G the day after it was released and I am not eligible until 3/2010. Those eligible are the ones with the most expensive plans. AT&T doing this really has nothing to do with early adopters.

[HailToTheVictor]

Well, Instead of spending the day in line this year and buying a new iPhone for $500 that I will not be eligible again to get one in a year, I will be spending the cash on a home kegging system.

Playing with 3.0 so far has been ok. The phone seems a bit faster overall, but no huge gains than what I saw with 2.2.1. However, I do not like the way the text messages are sent. They show up as part of the 'chat' but the new sending progress indicator is at the top showing that he message hasn't be sent. I like the old format and hope it will get switched back.

[TurboSC]

haha, I knew there was still love for the early adopters :)

I can't wait to hand them $299 for my 32GB 3GS... oh yea....

[DiamondMac]

If you don't care don't comment about it. Simple enough right?

Considering he was responding to my post, I think my question was pretty straight forward. What part of the response to me was I supposed to care about? He gets $15 off....so what? What does that have to do with what I said?

[James Howlett]

Now if only Rogers did something like this...

I'm holding out for something similar today. I have been told by three different people three different things, yes your eligible on July 12/09, no you have to wait 2 years from July 12/09, and you have to wait Till feb next year because your in warranty swap counts as an hardware upgrade

[boylinator]

The $99 figure is what people/blogs are guessing by looking at the difference between people who get a fully-discounted upgrade in 12 months vs those who have to wait 18 months.

If you've had a monthly bill of $119/month since you signed your last contract, I'd get on the phone with AT&T and figure out why you have to wait until 12/14/09, as it seems like pretty much everyone else paying $99+/month is able to upgrade around now.

Here are my payments. Only 1 under $99.

05/18/2009 CREDIT CARD ****6076 ($132.08)
04/21/2009 CREDIT CARD ****6076 ($128.73)
03/19/2009 CREDIT CARD ****6076 ($126.52)
02/20/2009 CREDIT CARD ****6076 ($149.44)
01/23/2009 CREDIT CARD ****6076 ($103.88)
12/19/2008 CREDIT CARD ****6076 ($103.85)
11/22/2008 CREDIT CARD ****6076 ($103.85)
10/20/2008 CREDIT CARD ****6076 ($63.87)
09/24/2008 CREDIT CARD ****6076 ($146.83)
08/24/2008 CREDIT CARD ****6076 ($120.60)

[AustinSTI]

It is based off the price you pay monthly. I upgraded to 3G the day after it was released and I am not eligible until 3/2010. Those eligible are the ones with the most expensive plans. AT&T doing this really has nothing to do with early adopters.

That's not true though. My monthly bill on Family plan for 2 phones tops $175 every month; always on time. My wife and I both got phones on the same day. Guess what; She's eligible 8/4, I'm not eligible till April. WTF? That makes little sense to me especially since my line is the primary!!

What confounds me even more is AMEX/Apple replaced her phone 2 months later cause it cracked.

[Diode]

Just got off the phone with AT&T. Canceled my $399 16GB black phone order and placed a order for a 32GB black for $299.

My upgrade date was 12/22 but I purchased the 3G on launch date.

I pay 70/month BTW

[boylinator]

AT&T must know that they've been pissing Apple off so much by now that they are trying to get the 3G owners to upgrade because they will probably loose their exclusive contract to be the only U.S. carrier. That way AT&T will be able to keep their subscribers at least until 2011.

Example not offering MMS and Tethering at launch when other carriers will be.

Just my 2 cents.


FYI. I talked to a friend of mine who works in the corporate office at Verizon and was told they ARE DEFINITELY getting the iPhone in 2010. Couldn't give specific dates though. Not sure if this has just been rumored before so I thought I'd throw it out there. I would think this would CRUSH AT&T since most find Verizon's reception to be far superior!

[angemon89]

Ugh, I'm not upgrade eligible until March 2010, and I bought the 3G on launch day. :(

[AustinSTI]

Here are my payments. Only 1 under $99.

05/18/2009 CREDIT CARD ****6076 ($132.08)
04/21/2009 CREDIT CARD ****6076 ($128.73)
03/19/2009 CREDIT CARD ****6076 ($126.52)
02/20/2009 CREDIT CARD ****6076 ($149.44)
01/23/2009 CREDIT CARD ****6076 ($103.88)
12/19/2008 CREDIT CARD ****6076 ($103.85)
11/22/2008 CREDIT CARD ****6076 ($103.85)
10/20/2008 CREDIT CARD ****6076 ($63.87)
09/24/2008 CREDIT CARD ****6076 ($146.83)
08/24/2008 CREDIT CARD ****6076 ($120.60)


Why is one bill so low? I'm guessing the $99 is based on your bill BEFOre overages...if you went over $99 because of overages I'd bet that doesn't figure in

[boylinator]

Why is one bill so low? I'm guessing the $99 is based on your bill BEFOre overages...if you went over $99 because of overages I'd bet that doesn't figure in


No overages. I've switched my plan a couple of times from 450 to 900, then added early nights and weekends. That one bill was due to an overpay the previous month.

[SBik2]

Ugh, I'm not upgrade eligible until March 2010, and I bought the 3G on launch day. :(

same here.. but im thinking that we wont see the final answer on upgrading until lateee tonight or tomorrow.. thats what the at&t statement said.

[stylez23]

Just got off the phone with AT&T. Canceled my $399 16GB black phone order and placed a order for a 32GB black for $299.

My upgrade date was 12/22 but I purchased the 3G on launch date.

I pay 70/month BTW

are you saying your upgrade date was 12/22/09? and that you were able to get in on this? if so I'm calling AT&T right now

[DiamondMac]

same here.. but im thinking that we wont see the final answer on upgrading until lateee tonight or tomorrow.. thats what the at&t statement said.

Correct. People shouldn't be freakin out just yet.

Wait until tomorrow for a bit more details about when and who

[Diode]

are you saying your upgrade date was 12/22/09? and that you were able to get in on this? if so I'm calling AT&T right now

Correct. I'm through premier so I don't know if that's a difference.

[KoNeko]

Alright...

Question: What if I have another line on my family plan that is upgrade eligible in August that was never an iPhone 3G owner? Would I still be able to get the 3G S for $199 since the other line (my line) is a 3G owner, even if that line isn't fully eligible until December?

[nemaslov]

I upgraded for $199. since I had an original iPhone but my son who doesn't even have an iPhone (on our family plan) cannot get the cheapest price until next April (since we replaced a damaged cheap Nokia a few months ago), but an ATT store person suggested this: Add an entirely new third line to our family plan (my son would then have to have the new phone number I think), allowing us to buy a 16GB iPhone for $199. We would then basically turn off his old phone, eliminating any text plans, etc. and never use it. In April we could then close this phone number out without any early termination fees but we would still be paying 9.99 per month until then (or about $90 total) essentially getting the new phone for 290. Still cheaper than the 399. they want us to pay right now.

Hey $110. in this economy and ATT gets the extra monthly iPhone fees.

Good or bad idea?

[nemaslov]

Alright...

Question: What if I have another line on my family plan that is upgrade eligible in August that was never an iPhone 3G owner? Would I still be able to get the 3G S for $199 since the other line (my line) is a 3G owner, even if that line isn't fully eligible until December?

It depends on the contact with the older non iPhone. I just tried to upgrade my son from a four month old Nokia but would have to pay the middle rate, not the cheapest.

[angemon89]

same here.. but im thinking that we wont see the final answer on upgrading until lateee tonight or tomorrow.. thats what the at&t statement said.Yeah, hopefully there is some kind of mistake where they notice I bought on launch day, and they make me upgrade eligible. I would purchase the phone on the spot. :p

[stylez23]

Correct. I'm through premier so I don't know if that's a difference.

im on premier as well... i'll have to talk to someone at AT&T...

[KoNeko]

It depends on the contact with the older non iPhone. I just tried to upgrade my son from a four month old Nokia but would have to pay the middle rate, not the cheapest.

Might that just be because AT&T stated the new eligibility would not show up through their "upgrade eligibility tools" until the 18th?

[jpan08]

im on premier as well... i'll have to talk to someone at AT&T...

sorry for asking, but whats a premier?
nvm apparently i qualify

[sesnir]

I'm not eligible until December. But I have over 5,000 of your stupid rollover minutes because the minimum amount of minutes you make me buy is much more than I need. Will you take them back and give me the discount?

Ditto... I'd pay for a 100-minute plan if they had one.

[AlanShutko]

One important clarification:


You need to spend more than $99 PER LINE to qualify for quicker upgrades
Your total bill is not important. If you have a family plan with three lines, and you are paying $150 a month, you will not qualify for the quickest upgrades.

[linedpaper]

I guess I'll wait until tomorrow and see what their site says. I'm on premier and my date is listed sometime in December. If I get the discount AT&T can keep me, if not then I'm gone when my contract is up!

[Braindead360]

Before everyone gets overly excited, take note that if you have an iPhone, and your on a family plan, you are highly unlikely to be eligible for this. My fiance and I are currently on my parents plan, my portion of the bill is as follows. $10 for additional line, $30 for Data, and $15 for SMS, which is a total of $55 a month. However, I actually pay an additional $20 so we can have more minutes and not have to budget our minutes as much, but in AT&T's eyes I'm only contributing $55 a month. My uprade eligibility will not take effect until March 12, 2010, and I bought my 3G on day 1. So if anyone of you are in a similar situation, your most likely not going to be eligible for this. My advice would be to sit back and enjoy Os 3.0 and hold off until the next version of the phone which will most likely release next June or July, because there's a good chance AT&T wont be as generous next time around. ;)

[D-Love]

Ok, I'm confused on all this. I bought the 3G first day, and have had the regular data plan with not unlimited texting, but the notch below. My last bill I know is over $90. Am I eligible for this upgrade?

[rush0]

Ok, I'm confused on all this. I bought the 3G first day, and have had the regular data plan with not unlimited texting, but the notch below. My last bill I know is over $90. Am I eligible for this upgrade?

Just dial *639# from your phone.

[CybrMike]

You guys all got this wrong.

AT&T did not do anything special here other than allow people who would have been able to upgrade in July, August, or September the ability to upgrade on Friday, essentially giving them the early upgrade credit a month or two earlier.

It has always been there policy that if you spend $99+ per line, you can upgrade and get a credit 12 months after the start of your contract.

Sprint does the same thing (except u only have to spend $69.99 per month).

You all are acting like AT&T caved or something, when all they are doing is clarifying an existing policy and letting people upgrade a month or so early.

[Cardy]

Last week many people got some harsh comments when US and UK iPhone customers posted their unhappy comments in this forum! in fact they got slated from most of you and the threads ran and ran and in the were even closed for all the negatives well can i just say thanks to the unhappy complainers because look what has happened
http://www.tuaw.com/2009/06/17/atandt-revises-their-3g-s-iphone-upgrade-policy/

Big up the complainers

[xerenthar]

Just got off the phone with AT&T. Canceled my $399 16GB black phone order and placed a order for a 32GB black for $299.

My upgrade date was 12/22 but I purchased the 3G on launch date.

I pay 70/month BTW

you have a FAN too? i have a FAN.

would you like to describe what you said to get this deal?

i will order a 32gb tonight if i can.

feel free to come visit http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=7851556&posted=1#post7851556

[citybythebay]

They just told me it is actually, if you purchased your iPhone in July, August or September of 2008 you are upgrade eligible. NOT..... if it says your are upgrade eligible in July August or September of 2009. So if you are an early adopter, you are eligible. This came directly from AT&T.

[andrew0122]

FYI. I talked to a friend of mine who works in the corporate office at Verizon and was told they ARE DEFINITELY getting the iPhone in 2010. Couldn't give specific dates though. Not sure if this has just been rumored before so I thought I'd throw it out there. I would think this would CRUSH AT&T since most find Verizon's reception to be far superior!

That's exactly who I was talking about. I figured Verizon would be the next carrier to get the iPhone. They probably don't have a specific date because just like this year for example the 3GS is available almost a month before the 3G was released over the 2G iPhone. AT&T just wants to screw over everyone that may want the 2010 iPhone, but wants to switch to Verizon with an early termination fee. Either way AT&T wins. . .

[toneloco2881]

Ok, I'm confused on all this. I bought the 3G first day, and have had the regular data plan with not unlimited texting, but the notch below. My last bill I know is over $90. Am I eligible for this upgrade?
Doubt it.

[Diode]

You guys all got this wrong.

AT&T did not do anything special here other than allow people who would have been able to upgrade in July, August, or September the ability to upgrade on Friday, essentially giving them the early upgrade credit a month or two earlier.

It has always been there policy that if you spend $99+ per line, you can upgrade and get a credit 12 months after the start of your contract.

Sprint does the same thing (except u only have to spend $69.99 per month).

You all are acting like AT&T caved or something, when all they are doing is clarifying an existing policy and letting people upgrade a month or so early.

Explain why they let me upgrade to a 32GB for 299 when my contract upgrade date was December 2009? I pay 70/month

It's based on when you purchased the 3G and not when your update is eligible.

[toneloco2881]

They just told me it is actually, if you purchased your iPhone in July, August or September of 2008 you are upgrade eligible. NOT..... if it says your are upgrade eligible in July August or September of 2009. So if you are an early adopter, you are eligible. This came directly from AT&T.
They told you wrong. All you have to do is read the press release. It's spelled out perfectly. I'm not sure why people are confused??:confused:

[drober30]

The first part of the statement only outlines their normal upgrade policy! It goes on to say... with that said... and points out that they will let people who bought the 3G early, upgrade at the lowest price.

"All of that said, we've been listening to our customers. And since many of our iPhone 3G customers are early adopters and literally weeks shy of being upgrade eligible due to iPhone 3G S launching 11 months after iPhone 3G, we're extending the window of upgrade eligibility for a limited time.

We're now pleased to offer our iPhone 3G customers who are upgrade eligible in July, August or September 2009 our best upgrade pricing, beginning Thursday, June 18."

So if you bought the 3G the first three months it was out, you will be able to upgrade at the $199/299 price.

This is the way I read it.

[jlyanks85]

My gf and I are on a family plan. She's able to upgade this december, while I have to wait until August of 2010. So I'm sure this doesn't apply to us, but would be nice if at&t can move the upgrade eligibility up a couple months.

Most likely scenario is I'll have to skip the 3gs, and get the next iphone that will be announced in June of 2010 unless at&t does something that will please everybody, which I doubt.

[TechWhore]

I know a lot of people didn't want early adopters to get the discount pricing... heck I even saw a poll that stated that we shouldn't.... but you know what... Apple and At&T did the right thing.

God bless Apple's Jar of unicorn tears :) Credit card in hand waiting until tomorrow! Its like Christmas in Jul... oh wait thats right its even earlier BWAHAHAHA Christmas in June :)

[xerenthar]

Explain why they let me upgrade to a 32GB for 299 when my contract upgrade date was December 2009? I pay 70/month

It's based on when you purchased the 3G and not when your update is eligible.

what did you say? i'm calling after 5....

They just told me it is actually, if you purchased your iPhone in July, August or September of 2008 you are upgrade eligible. NOT..... if it says your are upgrade eligible in July August or September of 2009. So if you are an early adopter, you are eligible. This came directly from AT&T.

verrry interesting...

[mavis]

Wirelessly posted (iPhone 3G (white): Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 3_0 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/528.18 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/4.0 Mobile/7A341 Safari/528.16)

Yeah, I don't think AT&T has done themselves any favors on this one. Now all the people who don't understand what the word "contract" means have learned that complaining noisily enough will cause AT&T to cave. I shudder to think about what next year is going to be like ...

[faustfire]

I don't see where the statement says anything about monthly charges. It states that they realize iPhone 3G customers are early adopters and they are going to let them upgrade early.

Importantly, we want our customers to better understand our wireless device upgrade program. Like most U.S. carriers, we offer a variety of phones that we sell below our actual cost when customers agree to sign service agreements. In general, the more a customer spends with us, the quicker they become eligible for a price break on a new device. For example, iPhone customers who spend more than $99 a month per line with us generally are eligible for an upgrade between 12 and 18 months into their contract.


Uhh...right here.

This isn't that complicated people.:rolleyes:

[macrobat]

here is the link from the full at&t statement http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=13745 .
I had to give the at&t rep the link to this because they have no idea about it. So far I have been on the phone for a hour and half with apple and at&t with no straight answer about the refund if you pre-ordered from apple.

[Slip Jigs]

All ATT did was knock up to three months wait for some people. My guess is that they got with Apple and wanted to show big numbers for the initial release, and this is a good way to do it. Add to that some PR to address the complaining.

I still have to wait until next year. So I'm still complaining.

[iberroa]

I was eligible for my upgrade on 7/14/09, but now that AT&T has
revised the upgrade policy they also pushed my upgrade date back to
12/14/09. I checked on Friday of last week and it said 7/14/09. I
can't wait till the iPhone goes Verizon. :mad:

[covertsurfer]

Come on O2 steal the thunder from AT&T and drop your prices!

[larrybeo]

I will be HAPPY to pay $399 for the 16GB 3G S.

[Cardy]

Wirelessly posted (iPhone 3G (white): Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 3_0 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/528.18 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/4.0 Mobile/7A341 Safari/528.16)

Yeah, I don't think AT&T has done themselves any favors on this one. Now all the people who don't understand what the word "contract" means have learned that complaining noisily enough will cause AT&T to cave. I shudder to think about what next year is going to be like ...

For me and the 1000's of other people that day the same people who signed the twitter petitions etc understood the contracts we signed that was never in doubt and we were not expecting the "special treatment" that everyone was accusing us of we just wanted a more realistic upgrade price! i feel so smug for all those people now who are making the slaters eat their words!

[meagain]

Wish it helped me. We got our 3g's on launch day. Still don't qualify. :(

[uberamd]

Now that AT&T has caved once, they will experience much more of this crap.

[airjan23]

what did you say? i'm calling after 5....



verrry interesting...

So is it upgrade eligible or early adopter or both... My bill would be 100+ but discount brings me to 90, on now with ATT, they had no clue as to policy.

[STEVESKI07]

I highly doubt that this has anything to do with people complaining. You can all make yourself feel special by thinking that though. Apple and AT&T both know that they will make more money by allowing people to upgrade a few months early. 3 months from now, maybe some really ground breaking phone hits and then all those AT&T customers switch instead of upgrading to the 3 month old 3GS. It's obvious what they are doing here. The only reason they don't let everyone upgrade is because they would lose money from subsidizing the phones. They know what they're doing and this is all worked out in one mathetmatical formula. They will make more money this way.

[optophobia]

The first part of the statement only outlines their normal upgrade policy! It goes on to say... with that said... and points out that they will let people who bought the 3G early, upgrade at the lowest price.

"All of that said, we've been listening to our customers. And since many of our iPhone 3G customers are early adopters and literally weeks shy of being upgrade eligible due to iPhone 3G S launching 11 months after iPhone 3G, we're extending the window of upgrade eligibility for a limited time.

We're now pleased to offer our iPhone 3G customers who are upgrade eligible in July, August or September 2009 our best upgrade pricing, beginning Thursday, June 18."

So if you bought the 3G the first three months it was out, you will be able to upgrade at the $199/299 price.

This is the way I read it.

But if you don't spend over $99/month you wouldn't be "weeks shy" you would be 6 months shy....

[212rikanmofo]

so does this mean that iphone 3g users who bought theiriphones on launch date last year also get to buy the new iphone 3gs for the $199 and $299 price as well? I hope so, because i don't want to wait until next june to qualify for the discount. I hate these 2 yr contracts!

[Cardy]

Wish it helped me. We got our 3g's on launch day. Still don't qualify. :(

I know but it is still good news for some and even better that to quote "a big company like AT@T" has dropped the price for some customers

[sd2009]

Come on O2 steal the thunder from AT&T and drop your prices!
well theyre not really in competition are they ?
:D

[twoodcc]

it's too bad this isn't for all iphone 3g users though

[ClemTiger0408]

yeah, you all should feel very proud of yourselves that you whined and moaned your way into getting what you don't deserve in the first place.

[xerenthar]

it's too bad this isn't for all iphone 3g users though

conflicting theories on that though. some people upthread got theirs upgraded and they pay $70/month.

[staccato83]

I was eligible for my upgrade on 7/14/09, but now that AT&T has
revised the upgrade policy they also pushed my upgrade date back to
12/14/09. I checked on Friday of last week and it said 7/14/09. I
can't wait till the iPhone goes Verizon. :mad:

Wow, that is pretty shady. Like you, I checked a couple of days ago and it said I was eligible for the standard upgrade on 7/12/09. I just tried to check now, but there is some kind of system error when I click on "check upgrade options."

Although, I do meet the criteria they specify in the front page article. I guess we will have to wait until tomorrow to see what is going to happen.

[SFStateStudent]

It's all about Marketing in the real world; AT&T never had any intention of making the 3G S⃣ iPhone "unavailable" they just wanted to make it more desirable by many more of us that are one year into our contracts.....:eek::eek::eek:

[Cardy]

I highly doubt that this has anything to do with people complaining. You can all make yourself feel special by thinking that though. Apple and AT&T both know that they will make more money by allowing people to upgrade a few months early. 3 months from now, maybe some really ground breaking phone hits and then all those AT&T customers switch instead of upgrading to the 3 month old 3GS. It's obvious what they are doing here. The only reason they don't let everyone upgrade is because they would lose money from subsidizing the phones. They know what they're doing and this is all worked out in one mathetmatical formula. They will make more money this way.

Sorry don't agree with you, course it is to do with people complaining a very good friend of mine works for O2 here i the UK and has told me that they have had so many customers complaining that they have been in meetings all week talking about the very same thing (price drops) but were waiting to see what Friday would be like and that they have had very little enquires this year regrading the 3GS so watch this space UK

[QuietFun]

But see we all complained and complained.. what we need to do now is say THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!! or else they may try to pull a fast one down the line

[marksman]

LOL.

I love when people who cry like petulant children take responsibility for something that was going to happen anyways.

Sometimes companies hesitate to do stuff just because of the appearance it gives to giving in to such childish antics. AT&T did the right thing by not worrying about that now... Regardless of the ridiculous claims that such behavior had anything to do with that decision.

[Cardy]

But see we all complained and complained.. what we need to do now is say THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!! or else they may try to pull a fast one down the line


Good reply

[Konz]

Your bill needs to be at least $100 / month from what I understand.

In other words, you only get to upgrade if you're already paying monthly fees out the ass.

lol?

[Badandy]

For me and the 1000's of other people that day the same people who signed the twitter petitions etc understood the contracts we signed that was never in doubt and we were not expecting the "special treatment" that everyone was accusing us of we just wanted a more realistic upgrade price!

What do you mean realistic? You can't have it both ways. This exception ATT made is the definition of "special treatment." So, yes, you were expecting special treatment.

[Mav1323]

So I guess we should start complaining about MMS then so we can get that at launch...

[samab]

Big up the complainers

Or it has nothing to do with the complaining --- that it was purely a response to RIM announcing the new Blackberry Tour yesterday for both Verizon and Sprint for this summer.

Coincidently the new AT&T upgrading policy aims at precisely people who would be stuck in the summer (July, August and September) when the Tour would be launched.

[nfl46]

Wait!! Its now showing that I have to pay $499/599 for it! WOW! The other day it was 399/499.

I guess I won't be getting one then.

I maybe I need to pay my bill...

Payment of the balance on your AT&T account will qualify you for an iPhone at the full retail price. Use *PAY to check your balance and pay your bill from your AT&T phone. On 09/30/2009, you may qualify for a standard iPhone upgrade.

[airjan23]

But if you don't spend over $99/month you wouldn't be "weeks shy" you would be 6 months shy....
Just got off with ATT, they had no clue of policy. Was an early adopter of 3G. Based on $99 bill, which is what I am above before my firm discount, I should be eligible in August. Date on system say Jan 2010, because I pay 90, though my bill is over 100 before discounts. Cust Svce Rep only knows date on computer, no idea of policy, say only those in July-Sept dates can upgrade now and I am under a year from upgrade so not eligible. I try and say that based on plan, I should be August and within time frame, got nowhere. Phone was ordered last week any way, just hope I can sell 3G for decent money and ATT figures out if policy is bill, early adopters or both.

[optophobia]

Wait!! Its now showing that I have to pay $499/599 for it! WOW! The other day it was 399/499.

I guess I won't be getting one then.

you snooze you lose....

[Cardy]

LOL.

I love when people who cry like petulant children take responsibility for something that was going to happen anyways.

Sometimes companies hesitate to do stuff just because of the appearance it gives to giving in to such childish antics. AT&T did the right thing by not worrying about that now... Regardless of the ridiculous claims that such behavior had anything to do with that decision.

To quote you from your band wagon comments early this week
------------
It is amazing how demanding idiots can be.

I am dumbfounded by how many people had no idea how subsidized phone pricing works.

All you people signed a freaking contract. Did you bother to read it, forget about understanding it. Lets just start with reading it.

These are the absolutely dumbest complaints, and nothing Apple and AT&T are doing here is wrong.

The 1st generation iPhone was sold without subsidy, thus it was MUCH more expensive. You can still buy a 3GS iphone without subsidy if you choose.

If you want AT&T to pay for a significant part of the phone, you have to give them something for that.

Again, I am amazed how many people do not understand this. To make a petition on this is like making a neon sign with a sky light pointing to your house that says, "Idiot lives here."
----------------
Enough said

[adster]

I was eligible for my upgrade on 7/14/09, but now that AT&T has
revised the upgrade policy they also pushed my upgrade date back to
12/14/09. I checked on Friday of last week and it said 7/14/09. I
can't wait till the iPhone goes Verizon. :mad:

The EXACT same thing happened to me, right down to the same exact dates. I have been on the phone with a very nice REP for over an hour and a half. The good thing was that she was able to see me requesting the dates from last week up until today, so at least she SAW the Jul 14th date and it didn't seem like I was making it up.

We spent quite a bit of time trying to figure out why the date changed, such as account changes, payment problems, etc... and couldn't find anything. She recommended I goto a local AT&T store, as the managers there have the ability to change the dates.

[Cardy]

Your bill needs to be at least $100 / month from what I understand.

In other words, you only get to upgrade if you're already paying monthly fees out the ass.

lol?

It doesn't matter the fact is they have changed the upgrade policy i think that is the point

[STEVESKI07]

Sorry don't agree with you, course it is to do with people complaining a very good friend of mine works for O2 here i the UK and has told me that they have had so many customers complaining that they have been in meetings all week talking about the very same thing (price drops) but were waiting to see what Friday would be like and that they have had very little enquires this year regrading the 3GS so watch this space UK

Haha well you're wrong. Most companies don't operate to make people happy. They operate to make money. As much as you'd like to believe that AT&T is just being such a sweetheart by allowing this, they know exactly what they are doing. They want you wrapped up in that 2 year contract and don't even want to give you the chance to think about leaving. They see dollar signs.

[Badandy]

His comments are still true...

You seem to think signing a twitter petition actually did something rather than ATT deciding to let some people upgrade a couple months early as a gesture of goodwill. Is this what people now days view as effective action? Signing a twitter petition and complaining on forums?

You got special treatment. Don't say you weren't asking for special treatment, because you were.

[uberamd]

Your bill needs to be at least $100 / month from what I understand.

In other words, you only get to upgrade if you're already paying monthly fees out the ass.

lol?

Not only $100 a month, but $100 a month, PER LINE. So a family plan paying $160/mo for 4 lines doesn't qualify anyone. That family plan would require $400/mo to qualify. Lovely deal. Oh well, I am getting my 3G S in the mail Friday. I earned my upgrade price of $200.

[Cardy]

Anyway no malice intended with this post just pointing out the fact of the TUAW post!
i am going to leave it now before this post turns into the many earlier this week! and gets closed down if they drop the price here in the UK great if not so be it. I for one will be getting the 3GS on Friday anyway.

Enjoy 3.0 night
Logged Out

[Cardy]

His comments are still true...

You seem to think signing a twitter petition actually did something rather than ATT deciding to let some people upgrade a couple months early as a gesture of goodwill. Is this what people now days view as effective action? Signing a twitter petition and complaining on forums?

You got special treatment. Don't say you weren't asking for special treatment, because you were.

Well win win to us then!

[patliean1]

Silly question but....

Is the $99 per line before or after taxes?

My phone plan is $39.99 for 450 minutes plus $30 data, and $20 Unlimited texts. That brings my bill up to $90 but after taxes I pay $105 each month.

Does this mean I qualify?

[wolfshades]

I'm holding out for something similar today. I have been told by three different people three different things, yes your eligible on July 12/09, no you have to wait 2 years from July 12/09, and you have to wait Till feb next year because your in warranty swap counts as an hardware upgrade

I was told 2 different stories as well, both within about 15 minutes. I'll understand (obviously) if they say we're not eligible for an upgrade, as the deal was they were underwriting the cost of the phone in exchange for a 3 year commitment. But yeah, if they're willing to offer a deal, I'm willing to step up to the plate to take it. :D

[ClemTiger0408]

To quote you from your band wagon comments early this week
------------
It is amazing how demanding idiots can be.

I am dumbfounded by how many people had no idea how subsidized phone pricing works.

All you people signed a freaking contract. Did you bother to read it, forget about understanding it. Lets just start with reading it.

These are the absolutely dumbest complaints, and nothing Apple and AT&T are doing here is wrong.

The 1st generation iPhone was sold without subsidy, thus it was MUCH more expensive. You can still buy a 3GS iphone without subsidy if you choose.

If you want AT&T to pay for a significant part of the phone, you have to give them something for that.

Again, I am amazed how many people do not understand this. To make a petition on this is like making a neon sign with a sky light pointing to your house that says, "Idiot lives here."
----------------
Enough said

This is still true. The poster is correct. You signed a contract, and you SHOULD get what you paid for. You paid for a 2 year commitment and after the 2 years, you are entitled to a new subsidy.

Personally, I think this is AT&T trying to be nice and give in, but in no means did they need to. Basically you are no better than a spoiled little kid who cried and cried until he finally got ice cream.

You may have gotten what you wanted, but you should be ashamed.

[diamond.g]

Silly question but....

Is the $99 per line before or after taxes?

My phone plan is $39.99 for 450 minutes plus $30 data, and $20 Unlimited texts. That brings my bill up to $90 but after taxes I pay $105 each month.

Does this mean I qualify?

Pretty sure it is before taxes.

[SatanLover]

yeah, you all should feel very proud of yourselves that you whined and moaned your way into getting what you don't deserve in the first place.

i wish everybody would stop WHINING about other people whining. LOL

[meagain]

The whiners whining about people whining are more often than not a 1st gen owner. And I sort of don't blame them for being cranky after living with that slow thing all this time.

[Stiss]

O2.

The iPhone community has it's eyes on you now.

Do the right thing.
:apple:

[joro]

I personally find it funny that they decided to do this AFTER the deadline for ordering the phone for Friday delivery. So for those who were waiting for a lower price you have gotten your wish but unfortunately, there’s a chance you may have to wait a week or so for it.

[Cardy]

This is still true. The poster is correct. You signed a contract, and you SHOULD get what you paid for. You paid for a 2 year commitment and after the 2 years, you are entitled to a new subsidy.

Personally, I think this is AT&T trying to be nice and give in, but in no means did they need to. Basically you are no better than a spoiled little kid who cried and cried until he finally got ice cream.

You may have gotten what you wanted, but you should be ashamed.

mmmmm Apple flavored Ice Cream god it tastes so much better when you get it cheaper, boo hoo for the people who are saving $$$$$$$$$$$

[aristobrat]

The first part of the statement only outlines their normal upgrade policy! It goes on to say... with that said... and points out that they will let people who bought the 3G early, upgrade at the lowest price.

"All of that said, we've been listening to our customers. And since many of our iPhone 3G customers are early adopters and literally weeks shy of being upgrade eligible due to iPhone 3G S launching 11 months after iPhone 3G, we're extending the window of upgrade eligibility for a limited time.

We're now pleased to offer our iPhone 3G customers who are upgrade eligible in July, August or September 2009 our best upgrade pricing, beginning Thursday, June 18."

So if you bought the 3G the first three months it was out, you will be able to upgrade at the $199/299 price.

This is the way I read it.
No.

If you bought your 3G the first three months it was out, you're an early adopter, but that doesn't mean you're automatically "upgrade eligible".

Just because you're an iPhone 3G early adopter doesn't mean your account is upgrade eligible.

Two conditions have to be met for this special AT&T offer:

1. you have to be an iPhone early adopter
2. your account must be "upgrade eligible" in July, August, or Sept

[Cardy]

Sorry i said i would leave it didn't i
Defo logged out now

[freeny]

Now people can finally shut up. :D

agreed. now lets move on.

[xerenthar]

No.

If you bought your 3G the first three months it was out, you're an early adopter, but that doesn't mean you're automatically "upgrade eligible".

Two conditions have to be met for this special AT&T offer:

1. you have to be an iPhone early adopter
2. your account must be "upgrade eligible" in July, August, or Sept

hell no! diode is our hero!

[chstr]

Wirelessly posted (iPhone 3G (white): Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 3_0 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/528.18 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/4.0 Mobile/7A341 Safari/528.16)

Yeah, I don't think AT&T has done themselves any favors on this one. Now all the people who don't understand what the word "contract" means have learned that complaining noisily enough will cause AT&T to cave. I shudder to think about what next year is going to be like ...

yeah, stupid att for making a ton more money on the iPhone 3gs and making a ton of their customers happy. shame shame

[Blue Fox]

Doesn't matter if all the whining did anything or not. It's still whining. :D

[marksman]

Cardy,

I stand by my comments. Clearly AT&T had planned this for a while based on their own internal numbers. AT&T in its entire history has never done anything in a week. To think they just made this decision and rolled it out in a week is to be completely ignorant how AT&T does anything.

This was something they had planned to do for awhile, and the cry baby peepants had nothing to do with it.

Notice they extended it out 3 months, not to everyone. This is because they decided they had recovered enough money and would recover more with the new contract, that it made sense for them to do it.

Not because some of you cried.

[aristobrat]

It doesn't matter the fact is they have changed the upgrade policy i think that is the point
It's not a policy change. AT&T specifically says it's a one-time exemption.

And the only people that can take advantage of it are the ones that spend $99+/month.

And the only thing they get out of it is the ability to upgrade up to 90 days early?

Hardly anyone qualifies for this "change" (as you call it), but yet people like you are running around like it's a major victory.

So yay that the people making AT&T the most money get to upgrade up to 90 days early. Lot of good that does the other 90% of the customers. :D

[mathewr]

Now that AT&T has caved once, they will experience much more of this crap.

correct. staring in a yr from now

[mickq]

It was a nice thing that AT&T did to extend offer to more existing customers. Unfortunately I must wait until Oct. They should give some benefit to those of us that have multiple phones and have upgraded after each time the newer version has been released. My current phone works fine I just wish the Apple site would stay up long enough for me to upgrade to the 3.0 version of the operating system. I continue to get a "server" error.

[meagain]

AT&T is telling me that NO ONE with a 3g iPhone can upgrade on Friday. Period.

LOL

[Island Dog]

I'm curious about the 1st gen owners. I'm not eligible until July 11th, even though I got it on the original launch day.

[nemaslov]

Question: Do I have to use a new iPhone with the phone number I purchase it with? For instance I want to add a third line and then use the NEW iPhone on an existing line that is now using a four month old NOKIA. See my previous post below and tell me what you think. Thanks

From earlier:

I upgraded for $199. since I had an original iPhone but my son who doesn't even have an iPhone (on our family plan) cannot get the cheapest price until next April (since we replaced a damaged cheap Nokia a few months ago), but an ATT store person suggested this: Add an entirely new third line to our family plan (my son would then have to have the new phone number I think), allowing us to buy a 16GB iPhone for $199. We would then basically turn off his old phone, eliminating any text plans, etc. and never use it. In April we could then close this phone number out without any early termination fees but we would still be paying 9.99 per month until then (or about $90 total) essentially getting the new phone for 290. Still cheaper than the 399. they want us to pay right now.

[nfl46]

WHEW!! Now, I'm back to the 399/499 pricing. I had to pay my cellphone bill, that was the reason it was showing 599/699 for me a few minutes ago!!

[dmelgar]

Doesn't apply to me either. $90/mo bill doesn't meet their $99 PER LINE criteria, so it does nothing other than further irritate customers.

Apparently iPhone 3GS sales are lackluster. There is little improvement to justify forking over $400.

Another year from now, when we are all upgrade eligible, there should be yet another version of the iPhone, the AT&T exclusivity should be OVER, all our contracts will have run their 2yr course and we can BAIL to whoever gives us the best deal and coverage (not AT&T).

[Zepol]

I bought an iPhone 3G when it first came out, even though they were on back order, I tried to upgrade to the 3G S and I was told I couldn't get the 199 or 299 pricing because, basically I don't spend too much with them. I do have 3 phone lines with them, I have 2 iPhones, or did, one got stolen, which is the only reason I am trying to get another iPhone. I just want to replace the one that got stolen. Anyway, anyone else have this type of scenario happen to them? Not necessarily the stolen part, but the not spending a lot with them?

[anubis09]

I got my phone on Oct 2nd and the dude at the store told me that I would be ineligible for the new upgrade price, but I called Customer service and they told me I was good to go. The reps exact word were "We are not going to fight you over two days." :D

[fdot]

I was eligible for my upgrade on 7/14/09, but now that AT&T has
revised the upgrade policy they also pushed my upgrade date back to
12/14/09. I checked on Friday of last week and it said 7/14/09. I
can't wait till the iPhone goes Verizon. :mad:

****ing att they did the same too me... i was on the phone for 2 hours today and i got one person who kinda knew what was going on.... im waiting for a rep to call me back .... i will not be bambuzlledddd

[Cartoonkid]

Cardy,

I stand by my comments. Clearly AT&T had planned this for a while based on their own internal numbers. AT&T in its entire history has never done anything in a week. To think they just made this decision and rolled it out in a week is to be completely ignorant how AT&T does anything.

This was something they had planned to do for awhile, and the cry baby peepants had nothing to do with it.

Notice they extended it out 3 months, not to everyone. This is because they decided they had recovered enough money and would recover more with the new contract, that it made sense for them to do it.

Not because some of you cried.

+1

And I'd bet that Cardy is still checking this thread, even though he claims to have logged off. :rolleyes:

[xerenthar]

Doesn't apply to me either. $90/mo bill doesn't meet their $99 PER LINE criteria, so it does nothing other than further irritate customers.

Apparently iPhone 3GS sales are lackluster. There is little improvement to justify forking over $400.

Another year from now, when we are all upgrade eligible, there should be yet another version of the iPhone, the AT&T exclusivity should be OVER, all our contracts will have run their 2yr course and we can BAIL to whoever gives us the best deal and coverage (not AT&T).

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=723222

come party

[Nickel Dime Bay]

YES!! now i dont have to wait till July 6th to get my 3GS! whoo whoo!!

[amitdoc2b]

It has to be above $99 BEFORE tax. You have 4 payments that do not reach above $99 BEFORE tax. Those 4 prices below do not qualify.


Here are my payments. Only 1 under $99.

05/18/2009 CREDIT CARD ****6076 ($132.08)
04/21/2009 CREDIT CARD ****6076 ($128.73)
03/19/2009 CREDIT CARD ****6076 ($126.52)
02/20/2009 CREDIT CARD ****6076 ($149.44)
01/23/2009 CREDIT CARD ****6076 ($103.88)
12/19/2008 CREDIT CARD ****6076 ($103.85)
11/22/2008 CREDIT CARD ****6076 ($103.85)
10/20/2008 CREDIT CARD ****6076 ($63.87)
09/24/2008 CREDIT CARD ****6076 ($146.83)
08/24/2008 CREDIT CARD ****6076 ($120.60)

[Tonezorz]

Doesn't apply to me either. $90/mo bill doesn't meet their $99 PER LINE criteria, so it does nothing other than further irritate customers.

Apparently iPhone 3GS sales are lackluster. There is little improvement to justify forking over $400.

Another year from now, when we are all upgrade eligible, there should be yet another version of the iPhone, the AT&T exclusivity should be OVER, all our contracts will have run their 2yr course and we can BAIL to whoever gives us the best deal and coverage (not AT&T).

I'm in the same boat, with my $96/month, and have had the same thoughts about the subject as a whole as well.

I'll see you in line next year for the iPhone 4.0 at insert different carrier here

[DiamondMac]

agreed. now lets move on.

There are some certains in life

Death, Taxes, and people not shutting up here no matter what AT&T/Apple do

[xerenthar]

I'm in the same boat, with my $96/month, and have had the same thoughts about the subject as a whole as well.

I'll see you in line next year for the iPhone 4.0 at insert different carrier here

have you called att

[fdot]

this is mine wtf

DATE POSTED PAYMENT METHOD AMOUNT
06/05/2009 CREDIT CARD ****7608 ($114.31)
05/06/2009 CREDIT CARD ****7608 ($133.69)
04/07/2009 CREDIT CARD ****7608 ($149.79)
03/14/2009 CREDIT CARD ****7608 ($94.53)
01/19/2009 CREDIT CARD ****7608 ($144.53)
12/17/2008 CREDIT CARD ****7608 ($144.85)
12/11/2008 CREDIT CARD ****7608 ($144.85)
10/28/2008 CREDIT CARD ****7608 ($168.31)
10/05/2008 RD OT CC ****2001 ($167.68)

[gdeusthewhizkid]

it's too bad this isn't for all iphone 3g users though

yup im not eligible to october 28 while you guys gloat. grrrr....

[itsmeok]

whatever at&t. talk to the hand. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_O-QqC9yM28) i am still mad at you for mms and tethering.

[maokh]

I "quality" for an "early" upgrade (or a normal upgrade on 7/23/09), and just went through the pre-approval, and its showing the 3G S iphone at $299 and $399 ...

are they charging customers slightly more but not the full amount?

[army91c]

Guess this is a good lesson for some.... If you whine and cry and whine some more, even though you signed a contract you'll get your wayl.... Man I would hate to see how some of your kids act.

[nfl46]

Umm, I'm confused. I got my 3G iPhone on 8/29/08, but I still have to pay the 399/499 price for it. It says I'm not eligible for an upgrade until 4/2010, but my other line, that's a non iPhone says its eligible for upgrade on 9/2009. Our bill is around $120/month.

[xerenthar]

Guess this is a good lesson for some.... If you whine and cry and whine some more, even though you signed a contract you'll get your wayl.... Man I would hate to see how some of your kids act.

hopefully my kids won't act bitter and whine and cry about good things happening to people.

[born4sky]

grrr ... no $200 refund for me

[crisss1205]

Got this today!
Dear CARMEN .......,

Good news about your iPhone 3G S early upgrade pre-order! We realize that many of our customers who bought iPhone 3G last July, would now like to have the most recent iPhone technology as soon as it’s available, at the lowest upgrade price. As a result, beginning Friday, June 19, 2009, we’re offering all iPhone 3G customers who are upgrade eligible in July, August, or September 2009 our best upgrade pricing.

Since you have already placed your online pre-order, we will credit you for the difference between the standard upgrade price - $199 (16 GB) or $299 (32 GB) - and the price that you paid online.

What to expect

Once your order ships, your credit card will be charged the early upgrade price shown in your order confirmation email
AT&T will credit the difference back onto the method of payment used during the online purchase (i.e. MasterCard®, VISA®, etc.)

No need to call – this will automatically occur after we’ve successfully shipped and processed the original transaction. You can expect the credit within three days after your order has shipped from our warehouse.

AT&T greatly values your business. We hope that you enjoy your new Apple iPhone 3G S and the network that offers you best global coverage!

Thank you for your pre-order,

All at AT&T


You have received this service message because you are a valued AT&T customer. Replies to this email are not received by a live person. You can read our Privacy Policy for more information about how we use information.

[aristobrat]

AT&T is telling me that NO ONE with a 3g iPhone can upgrade on Friday. Period.
Normally, that would be the case. If the iPhone went on sale in July of last year, and the quickest anyone can qualify for a full-discount upgrade is 12 months, the soonest anyone would qualify would be July of this year. (Although on most plans, it would take 18 months to qualify for a full-discount upgrade)

I guess that person didn't hear about AT&T's press release yet? :D

[aristobrat]

I "quality" for an "early" upgrade (or a normal upgrade on 7/23/09), and just went through the pre-approval, and its showing the 3G S iphone at $299 and $399 ...

are they charging customers slightly more but not the full amount?
$599/$699 = no discount
$399/$499 = early upgrade discount
$199/$299 = regular upgrade discount

Since you qualify for a normal/regular upgrade in July, under this special deal, you should be able to order an iPhone 3Gs now for $199/$299, although I thought they said their online processes won't reflect the proper prices until the 18th.

[milo]

The shame of it is that the people being given this gift probably won't appreciate it.

You have been proven right already, the whiners are still finding things to whine about.

[absolutic]

Do you guys think I am eligible? My monthly bill would have been over $99 due to text messaging, but because of my government/corporate discount, my resulting monthly bills were lower than $99. What would they do to people like me?

I think it is stupid for AT&T to limit it to $99 per month and above paying customers. They need to realize that most early adapters are crazy kids who want the latest gadget, and these kids will probably be on the cheapest monthly plan. These same crazy kids would be the ones to snatch the new model right away, they are the ones who have nothing to do and may stay in line for hours on Day 1 to create a marketing demand. By cutting these kids off, they are not helping themselves.

[Konz]

It doesn't matter the fact is they have changed the upgrade policy i think that is the pointYou sure about that? I'm almost positive AT&T already allowed early upgrades to people paying exorbitant rates per line. Those people will be profitable even if they get to upgrade early...

I.E. They're still not getting a better "deal," they're just getting less ripped off now :p

[dagomike]

And the only thing they get out of it is the ability to upgrade up to 90 days early?


If that. It might be a few weeks for 12 months.

Anyway, I really think ATT should just make this iPhone policy. Say if you have $95/mo per line (900 minutes, data, 200 text), pay all your bills on time, and maybe an ATT customer for so many years you qualify for an iPhone upgrade every year. That will really retain customers and they'll be making an extra $240 per year on most customers.

[dmelgar]

AT&T has not handled this well.

What should be a positive overture to their best early adopter customers is instead broadcast to the world as an in your face, you don't spend enough with us and therefore we're going to give the other guy a discount.

They should have quietly sent out emails or SMS to their chosen best customers telling them about this lower pricing. Putting out a press release just gets everyone else upset.

[brn2ski00]

$599/$699 = no discount
$399/$499 = early upgrade discount
$199/$299 = regular upgrade discount

Since you qualify for a normal/regular upgrade in July, under this special deal, you should be able to order an iPhone 3Gs now for $199/$299, although I thought they said their online processes won't reflect the proper prices until the 18th.

This is exactly how I understand it - Right now it says I am eligible on July 12th, but since this note has come out, I am thinking that I will be eligible for June 19th (launch day). I am in the process of selling my 3G now and going to wait in line for the 3Gs!

I don't understand what all the hoopla is about - I mean, At&t made it perfectly clear: If you were eligible to buy the 3Gs in July, August or September, then you are NOW eligible to buy one this Friday.

Am I missing something?!

[oloz]

So wait,

I'm on a family plan paying 160-170 dollars a month for 4 lines, I purchased my iPhone in August of last year. I just bought an iPhone 3GS for 399. Will I get a 200 dollar credit now?

[Pwned]

Asked the rep how much it would cost me to upgrade given the new requirements (as of yesterday I was December eligible and spend 90 per month on my bill) final answer is I am eligible as of tomorrow to get the new iphone for the 199/299 price tag. I took the rep's name down and what city he works in in case at&t gives me trouble tomorrow. I am slightly excited but will be pumped if this is true and I can buy one tomorrow!
:apple:

[MACdaddy859]

Got this today!

What if you bought if from Apple online? I bought my IPhone 3G last July....so I should be elgible to upgrade this July? I thought it was 18 months, not 12. Im mad if I cant. I just paid $400 :mad: ....... :p

[DELLsFan]

Now this is good news. I'm certain I still wouldn't qualify for an upgrade this year, but it's nice to know many 3G folks will.

AT&T will do anything to appease Apple. Oh ... not the customers. Not you ... Apple. Exclusivity = power = money. It was a smart shift in policy. I'm just glad we benefit ... this time. :D

[rbucci]

IF you bought the 3G in July, August or September last year & you have a bill of $99 or more, you will be eligible for the lowest price available!
That's not $99 per line but for the whole account.
They said your account will be updated tomorrow by 6am EST.

[zedsdead]

What if you bought if from Apple online? I bought my IPhone 3G last July....so I should be elgible to upgrade this July? I thought it was 18 months, not 12. Im mad if I cant. I just paid $400 :mad: ....... :p

I was eligible in July, and Apple just sent me an email saying they were issuing me a credit. I ordered online for delivery.

[alesse]

Ugh, I'm not upgrade eligible until March 2010, and I bought the 3G on launch day. :(

me too! i bought it on the second day it was out and my eligibility isn't until march 2010. i wonder why some of us have that date? am i paying too little a month. sure doesn't feel that way to me! :)