I've been thinking about how Apple could truly revolutionize the prepaid mobile phone market.
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First, like Apple always loves to do, let's look at "the old way" of offering prepaid phones. Companies like TracFone, etc. have pre-paid phones. However, they're old, outdated, and makes you look like a cheapskate. While we're at it, let's look at the "old way" of offering reloadable prepaid phone minutes. You have to buy pre-paid phone cards in varying demoninations in order to reload when you are either low or out. The only benefits of a prepaid phone and service currently is that you don't have to pay upwards of $60 American per month, OR sign a contract.
Now, let's look at Apple's solution to the prepaid phone. Meet iPhone Prepaid. It offers a camera that can do both pictures and video, stereo Bluetooth, it has true GPS, not assisted GPS as in the iPhone 3G itself, and it has all other features of the iPhone 3G, including a plastic back AND custom ringtones.
Now, let's look at Apple's solution to the prepaid phone service (i.e. the minutes). Meet Apple Mobile. It would be done through iTunes (as everything Apple is), and the minutes would be automatically added to your account. Data usage DOES NOT AFFECT these prepaid minutes. Unlimited text messaging (perfect for teenagers) and unlimited email and web browsing (again, perfect for teenagers). Prepaid minutes are also unaffected by calling another mobile phone. Minutes would range from $5 for 15 landline-calling minutes to $50 for 120 landline-calling minutes. Of course, all prices are in US dollars, so YMMV.
However, if Apple did the iTunes Premium Pass (iTPP) that I described in detail in another thread, the iTPP would negate these charges, too. Also, the iPhone Prepaid would cost only $99 straight up, with no activation required, and certainly no standing in long lines at your local Apple or AT&T stores. In lieu of offering it at AT&T stores, however, this device would be offered at ANY PLACE that iPods are currently sold, along with select grocery stores in several major markets (Publix, Kroger, etc). So, even if you don't have an Apple Store in your vicinity, you can still have the iPhone Prepaid.
Also, if you have to replace your iPhone Prepaid for any reason whatsoever, all you need to do is go to a special Apple website, and you'll instantly get an "iPhone Prepaid Replacement Certificate" that you can take to your local store (again, doesn't have to be Apple) and replace the phone for free. Couldn't be easier.
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Now, this would CERTAINLY get rid of the vast majority of the sinners who have SIM-unlocked their iPhones. If only Apple would do it (and AT&T would let 'em).
BJ
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First, like Apple always loves to do, let's look at "the old way" of offering prepaid phones. Companies like TracFone, etc. have pre-paid phones. However, they're old, outdated, and makes you look like a cheapskate. While we're at it, let's look at the "old way" of offering reloadable prepaid phone minutes. You have to buy pre-paid phone cards in varying demoninations in order to reload when you are either low or out. The only benefits of a prepaid phone and service currently is that you don't have to pay upwards of $60 American per month, OR sign a contract.
Now, let's look at Apple's solution to the prepaid phone. Meet iPhone Prepaid. It offers a camera that can do both pictures and video, stereo Bluetooth, it has true GPS, not assisted GPS as in the iPhone 3G itself, and it has all other features of the iPhone 3G, including a plastic back AND custom ringtones.
Now, let's look at Apple's solution to the prepaid phone service (i.e. the minutes). Meet Apple Mobile. It would be done through iTunes (as everything Apple is), and the minutes would be automatically added to your account. Data usage DOES NOT AFFECT these prepaid minutes. Unlimited text messaging (perfect for teenagers) and unlimited email and web browsing (again, perfect for teenagers). Prepaid minutes are also unaffected by calling another mobile phone. Minutes would range from $5 for 15 landline-calling minutes to $50 for 120 landline-calling minutes. Of course, all prices are in US dollars, so YMMV.
However, if Apple did the iTunes Premium Pass (iTPP) that I described in detail in another thread, the iTPP would negate these charges, too. Also, the iPhone Prepaid would cost only $99 straight up, with no activation required, and certainly no standing in long lines at your local Apple or AT&T stores. In lieu of offering it at AT&T stores, however, this device would be offered at ANY PLACE that iPods are currently sold, along with select grocery stores in several major markets (Publix, Kroger, etc). So, even if you don't have an Apple Store in your vicinity, you can still have the iPhone Prepaid.
Also, if you have to replace your iPhone Prepaid for any reason whatsoever, all you need to do is go to a special Apple website, and you'll instantly get an "iPhone Prepaid Replacement Certificate" that you can take to your local store (again, doesn't have to be Apple) and replace the phone for free. Couldn't be easier.
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Now, this would CERTAINLY get rid of the vast majority of the sinners who have SIM-unlocked their iPhones. If only Apple would do it (and AT&T would let 'em).
BJ
