AT&T and Apple Tightening Policies to Reduce iPhone Unlocking

[winterspan]

My point is that at least with Verizon you get faster 3G. And I know T-Mobile is just now rolling out 3G but you can choose your features pretty much ala carte with them That way if you only want text and voice or voice and data you can save money. AT&T makes you buy everything.

But it's true isn't it? That is actually what you pay for it, plus the outlay, of course. To me, that's exorbitant, and can only be so high because ATT have a defacto monopoly in the US.

T-mobile's 3G network is not even rolled out. It's going to be a year(s) before they even have the coverage AT&T does. Unfortunately, Sprint is also falling by the wayside, so we end up with Verizon and AT&T as the dominant players. AT&T is not a monopoly, but it certainly doesn't help that we have two competing technical standards in this country for cellphone networks.... We should have had a mandated adoption like the EU, but that's only my opinion. Trust me, I understand the frustration with the lack of competition in the USA telecom market, especially the wired broadband. I never said I particularly enjoy paying AT&T's prices, but RELATIVE TO THEIR PRIMARY COMPETITOR, it's actually not bad at all.


Here is something you guys need to look at. Again, you can bitch all you want about "unethical" prices, but they are not going to change anytime soon. I need mobile internet access for my business, it's not an option, so I'm going to get the best deal I can, and I am saying that AT&T's deal is not bad.

The AT&T 3G iPhone deal overall is NOT bad at all compared to Verizon, their primary 3G competitor..

= First of all, Nearly all of Verizon's (much inferior) smartphones like a Treo 700wx, Samsung i760, HTC Touch, etc, are all $300-400. So an iPhone is already $100-200+ cheaper.
= Secondly, the AT&T base iPhone 3G Plan, even at $70 month, is still $20 cheaper compared to the same verizon Plan. Check it out:

Verizon Wireless "Smartphone/PDA" base plan
- 450 voice minutes
- "unlimited data" (5GB)
- ZERO included text/mms messages (pay per txt)
========================================
$79.95/month

Add 500 text/mms messages
+10.00/month

GRAND TOTAL: $89.95/month


*data obtained from verizonwireless.com 10 mins ago

 

[j763]

I thought Apple would have fought harder to get more freedom, they're not really worried about jailbreaking are they, it's AT&T etc who lose out.

Best post on these boards since I don't know how long...

 

[BongoBanger]

No. I'm bitching because I cannot fathom how some people will take it up their rear lieing down, while shouting "Oh, please, twirl it, master", whenever Apple releases a product. It's as if some people have no mind of their own.

Err... I own a Nokia N95. I intend to buy an N96 or possibly an E71 because whilst I can manage without MMS I want a better camera with video at 30 fps and a flash, bluetooth file transfer and hot swap SDHC. I may get a PAYG iPhone as a back up though because it's got a good browser. My point is not about what Apple do or don't do, it's that you don't understand how the smartphone market - at least in the Uk - works.

Reading some of these posts it's apparent that a lot of people don't either, particularly the rather important point that it's the carrier who subsidises the handset, not the manufacturer.

 

[Tosser]

T-mobile's 3G network is not even rolled out. It's going to be a year(s) before they even have the coverage AT&T does. Unfortunately, Sprint is also falling by the wayside, so we end up with Verizon and AT&T as the dominant players. AT&T is not a monopoly, but it certainly doesn't help that we have two competing technical standards in this country for cellphone networks.... We should have had a mandated adoption like the EU, but that's only my opinion.

I don't think we disagree much. A "defacto" monopoly simply means a monopoly-like situation and not a "factual" monopoly.

Trust me, I understand the frustration with the lack of competition in the USA telecom market, especially the wired broadband. I never said I particularly enjoy paying AT&T's prices, but RELATIVE TO THEIR PRIMARY COMPETITOR, it's actually not bad at all.

Man, I said it before, but I seriously need to invest in some US-telecom shares. Sweet deal.

 

[GregorBehr]

LOL, nope. That's about 80 percent of the fun. It IS a forum after all. Man, I'd hate to be on a forum with people who knit …

Oh come on now... knit one, pearl two, there has to be something in there to rag on. What do you mean I have to pay extra for the yarn???


And you're right, at times it can be a cheap source of entertainment, but at times its just draining to wade through the constant negativity.

There are some folks on here with good insights and certainly helpful technical back grounds. I suppose its my own fault for trying to get information (as I posted a bit ago about contract renewals and text messaging) from a rumor forum.

*shrug*

 

[SchneiderMan]

thats is what i say

 

[Tosser]

Err... I own a Nokia N95. I intend to buy an N96 or possibly and E71 because whilst I can manage without MMS I want a better camera with video at 30 fps and a flash, bluetooth file transfer and hot swap SDHC. I may get a PAYG iPhone as a back up though because it's got a good browser. My point is not about what Apple do or don't do, it's that you don't understand how the smartphone market - at least in the Uk - works.

Well, apparently I'm not just letting my bongo get banged without me hollaring.

Reading some of these posts it's apparent that a lot of people don't either, particularly the rather important point that it's the carrier who subsidises the handset, not the manufacturer.

Yes, I read that too. But if you don't get howcome that comes back to manufacturer, especially when said manufacturer claims the price has been lowered, it is you, who have missed the point by a mile. Hell, make that a nautical one.

 

[winterspan]

Oh come on now... knit one, pearl two, there has to be something in there to rag on. What do you mean I have to pay extra for the yarn???


And you're right, at times it can be a cheap source of entertainment, but at times its just draining to wade through the constant negativity.

There are some folks on here with good insights and certainly helpful technical back grounds. I suppose its my own fault for trying to get information (as I posted a bit ago about contract renewals and text messaging) from a rumor forum.

*shrug*

I completely agree --- I like good conversation and sharing ideas and information with the insightful members of the forum. But my god you have to spend an eternity just to get through the BS and the hyperbole!

 

[BongoBanger]

Tosser, the price has been lowered. The previous price for a 16GB iPhone on 02 was £329 on the same 18 month £35pm contract. It's now £159 - a £170 difference.

Not sure what part of that you're failing to grasp.

 

[Tosser]

Oh come on now... knit one, pearl two, there has to be something in there to rag on. What do you mean I have to pay extra for the yarn???

Hahaha!! I wish I could deal you some points, but imaginary will have to do:
•˚º•˚º•º˚ºº

And you're right, at times it can be a cheap source of entertainment, but at times its just draining to wade through the constant negativity.

True, but it can be just as tiring when all you read is "wow, Apple Rulz!" "I'll buy that the instant it comes to my store, yadda yadda".

There are some folks on here with good insights and certainly helpful technical back grounds. I suppose its my own fault for trying to get information (as I posted a bit ago about contract renewals and text messaging) from a rumor forum.

Yup. But then again, closer to the release date when we actually get to see some contracts and terms from around the world, there might be more facts to actually give to you.

*shrug*

Cheer up!

 

[GregorBehr]

I have a few posts under my belt. x) I'm more of an observer, really.

Haha... I honestly do not mind all the bitching, complaining and whining. I actually find it quite entertaining and I always learn something new about many different types of human/emotional conditions.

Hey! If I don't appreciate something and I'm in the mood to voice my opinion... I don't see anything wrong with that. I'm prepared for all ramifications.

It used to be, avoid discussions of religion and politics if you didn't want to open a can of worms. Who knew it would eventually include cell phone and laptop development.

 

[nomad01]

Getting a £45 or £75 tariff gets you the iPhone for free.
<snip>
Oh and there's also going to be a pay as you go option. I think O2 got a pretty good deal on all of this.

So I wonder if we could get the free phone on a £45 tariff and then downgrade to £35 after a few months? Would still work out cheaper than paying £99 quid for the phone... right?

Be interesting to see how much the pay as you go option is.

 

[Tosser]

Tosser, the price has been lowered. The previous price for a 16GB iPhone on 02 was £329 on the same 18 month £35pm contract. It's now £159 - a £170 difference.

Not sure what part of that you're failing to grasp.

Do you not understand that the dataplan price has been raised, thus actually making you pay more for a 24 month contract? That way, no matter how you cut, slice and dice it, you still have to have at least the same amount of money out of your pocket from you make the decision to buy an iphone and to the point your contract expires?
I, on the other hand, very well see what it is you're missing. I thought you called people who fell for the marketing speak for idiots? Or maybe that wasn't you.

 

[BongoBanger]

Do you not understand that the dataplan price has been raised, thus actually making you pay more for a 24 month contract?

Which part of "the UK smartphone market" - are you having difficulty with?

 

[marcj]

Do you not understand that the dataplan price has been raised, thus actually making you pay more for a 24 month contract? That way, no matter how you cut, slice and dice it, you still have to have at least the same amount of money out of your pocket from you make the decision to buy an iphone and to the point your contract expires?
I, on the other hand, very well see what it is you're missing. I thought you called people who fell for the marketing speak for idiots? Or maybe that wasn't you.

You're being a little narrow-minded if you can't see beyond the US. Yes AT&T maybe screwing you over but that isn't Apple's fault. Apple said the iPhone will be cheaper and it is. As has already been said, it'll be £170 less in the UK.

Who's to say it won't be cheaper than the 1st gen in the other 68 countries it's going to roll out to.

Would you still say Steve lied to you if it's cheaper in every country but yours?

 

[SchneiderMan]

yep apple only sells iphones in stores.. ):

Where to buy:
iPhone will be available in 8GB (black) and 16GB (black or white) models1 at Apple Retail Stores and AT&T Stores.

Find a store

 

[Tosser]

Which part of "the UK smartphone market" - are you having difficulty with?

Ah, I see. So you disagreed with me when I was discussing the US-market, and now it's _just_ the UK-market you're discussing.
Excellent, Bongo. Thinking back, I seem to recall how you did that. Everytime you were countered and couldn't seem to find arguments you began making the disclaimer, that this was just the uk-market. Now, how many contracts from the UK have we actually seen? And how many NON-preliminary terms from the UK have we seen?

Seriously, you think that Apple will not try a similar stunt in the UK (and Denmark) as they did over there? Of course they cant do the exact same (we have better rights), but surely you don't support the behaviour Apple is laying on the table in the US? It seems you do.

Oh, well. Anyway, I'm off to work. Ta.

 

[Tosser]

You're being a little narrow-minded if you can't see beyond the US. Yes AT&T maybe screwing you over but that isn't Apple's fault. Apple said the iPhone will be cheaper and it is. As has already been said, it'll be £170 less in the UK.

Oh, what a joke. I'm a dane, living in Denmark. How's that for being "narrowminded"? Sheesh!

Yes, the "price" (read: Outlay) is lowered. However, since you cannot take it out the door without signing a contract (I'm sure the O2 unlocked, carrierfree is pure hope from their part), the actual price will be higher.

In fact, that way of advertising is illegal in this country. You have to advertise what the TOTAL cost will be when the contract expires.

Who's to say it won't be cheaper than the 1st gen in the other 68 countries it's going to roll out to.

LOL, have you ever experienced that with an Apple-product?

Would you still say Steve lied to you if it's cheaper in every country but yours?

No, but then again, I'm pretty sure that's very hardcore wishful thinking.

And now, I really should be going.

 

[ddrueckhammer]

Do you have a link to that information?
Please and thank you.

Sorry, I saw it on howardforums but it was linked in either the AT&T press release or the internal leaked memo to store managers...

 

[ts1973]

I just don't understand you people who are "fine" with phones locked to contracts, especially with the iphone. Don't you see that in the end you just pay more ?

I for one just want an iphone for using as a phone, an iPod (video), and a business tool (calender, contacts) and now as a GPS, but without the expensive data packages which I could care less about.

I don't need to have my e-mail standing by, or harassing me in the middle of my day, or surf the web when I'm in the middle of the street. I'm fine with using wi-fi hotspots (or just using my laptop instead of a phone !) - I don't really see the benefit of the internet on my phone except in (for me) very rare occasions.

It's clear that for anyone like me (and I have quite a few people around me that feel the same way), the iPhone is just a no go !

 

[GregorBehr]

Hahaha!! I wish I could deal you some points, but imaginary will have to do:
•˚º•˚º•º˚ºº


True, but it can be just as tiring when all you read is "wow, Apple Rulz!" "I'll buy that the instant it comes to my store, yadda yadda".


Yup. But then again, closer to the release date when we actually get to see some contracts and terms from around the world, there might be more facts to actually give to you.

Cheer up!

LOL, thanks!

And I do agree with you! That just because its the newest Apple product, doesn't mean you have to lemming after it and the "I'll be in line for that, I want it NOW" line is just as boring!

My Apple products have served me well and I like them, but I DO see their faults as well. I've got my iPhone and will probably upgrade the software and be very happy. My housemate is giving up her smartphone with her job change, and since she won't be getting one from her new employer, she is very interested in the new iPhone as it will keep her doing business in a manner she has become accustomed to. So I'll be one of those fools.... errr, folks in line (Dear Steve, save me from you followers) to pick one up for her.

And again you are correct, the contract and plan details will be much clearer as the launch date moves closer, I was just wondering if I had missed that information, assuming it had even been released yet.

 

[BongoBanger]

Ah, I see. So you disagreed with me when I was discussing the US-market, and now it's _just_ the UK-market you're discussing.

You can take that up with AT&T since they set the tarrif, not Apple. The fact remains the handset price is cheaper. I'm going to bet AT&T fold on this one too and reduce the charge.

Now, how many contracts from the UK have we actually seen?

The one from O2 which is actually the only one available. The tarrifs are clearly stated.

Seriously, you think that Apple will not try a similar stunt in the UK (and Denmark) as they did over there?

Obviously not since 02 have already announced the tarrif.

Of course they cant do the exact same (we have better rights), but surely you don't support the behaviour Apple is laying on the table in the US? It seems you do.

Oh, well. Anyway, I'm off to work. Ta.

AT&T set the tarrif, not Apple.

 

[ddrueckhammer]

I just don't understand you people who are "fine" with phones locked to contracts, especially with the iphone. Don't you see that in the end you just pay more ?

I for one just want an iphone for using as a phone, an iPod (video), and a business tool (calender, contacts) and now as a GPS, but without the expensive data packages which I could care less about.

I don't need to have my e-mail standing by, or harassing me in the middle of my day, or surf the web when I'm in the middle of the street. I'm fine with using wi-fi hotspots (or just using my laptop instead of a phone !) - I don't really see the benefit of the internet on my phone except in (for me) very rare occasions.

It's clear that for anyone like me (and I have quite a few people around me that feel the same way), the iPhone is just a no go !

I feel your pain, and so do all of the thousands of people who have unlocked phones with T-Mobile US. As I said before, even if you can't use 3G with T-Mobile, at least their pricing structure is set up to let you pick and choose what features you want to add to your plan.

Personally, I think AT&T did this because of pressure put on them by RIM and the other smart phone manufacturers. Yes, the price is cheaper subsidized but Apple isn't going to reach the mass market unless people can just use it as a Wifi/Text/Voice device without the even more expensive 3G charges. I think many people were just starting to get their heads around the data charges of the 1st gen one and now the charges are higher.

 

[blackshuu]

And Puerto Rico is left out once again regarding iphone coverage & availability even thought we have AT&T and the iphone works just fine here...

 

[Jowl]

I just don't understand you people who are "fine" with phones locked to contracts, especially with the iphone. Don't you see that in the end you just pay more ?

I for one just want an iphone for using as a phone, an iPod (video), and a business tool (calender, contacts) and now as a GPS, but without the expensive data packages which I could care less about.

I don't need to have my e-mail standing by, or harassing me in the middle of my day, or surf the web when I'm in the middle of the street. I'm fine with using wi-fi hotspots (or just using my laptop instead of a phone !) - I don't really see the benefit of the internet on my phone except in (for me) very rare occasions.

It's clear that for anyone like me (and I have quite a few people around me that feel the same way), the iPhone is just a no go !

I think you're right - the iPhone is NOT for you. One of the biggest and best thing about it....and IMO the thing you pay the contract for is the unlimited data for the web browsing e-mail.

You just need a phone, not a 'smartphone'

oh, and it's couldn't care less.