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NO It's not! The press release clearly stated if your phone is "upgrade eligible" on those dates. NOT "purchased" on those dates.

Purchasing on those dates and having a $99+ voice plan would make you upgrade eligible on those dates. She just worded it a bit differently. This is not some kind of super complicated math equation, it's more akin to 2+2=4.
 
Yet there are tons of posts from people who bought on those dates that spent over $99 per line who are reporting not being golden.
 
Purchasing on those dates and having a $99+ voice plan would make you upgrade eligible on those dates. She just worded it a bit differently. This is not some kind of super complicated math equation, it's more akin to 2+2=4.

I agree but where the confusion comes in is when people are reporting not having a > $99 per month bill and getting early upgrade eligible.

I have yet to hear of someone with a 3GS in hand that got the deal under those circumstances.

To further my point this is what happened to me today...
*639# tells me I am not eligible until 12/18 even though I purchased in July last year.
My bill is around $80 per month.

I call to check if they had any left (this is around 1PM EST).
He said he had one 32GB black and he would hold it for me (couldn't believe that part) if I assured him I would be there within a half hour.
I mentioned that I needed to find if I fell under the early upgrade.
He told me to call 639 and I told him I did already but people were suggesting I go to the store and find out.
He then asks me when I purchased, and I told him July 08.
(Here is where some may get confused).
He told me that as of 6AM this morning they were told anyone who bought around that time was eligible.
Now, if I stopped there, I would echo some of the comments on this thread.
I then mentioned... "even if my bill wasn't over $99?"
He says, "ohhh, ummm, no, you would need to pay the extra $200."

I was all ready to go to the store and find out once and for all until I read in this thread that someone was turned down at the store.

So it looks like my window is closed for today, and probably the next week or two.
It will give me time to see how things shake out.
I fully expect AT&T changing their tune once the original orders are fulfilled.
If not, no biggie, I am perfectly happy with my OS 3.0 3G.
For $299, it was worth the upgrade, for $499, that is insane for what you get.
 
I agree but where the confusion comes in is when people are reporting not having a > $99 per month bill and getting early upgrade eligible.

I have yet to hear of someone with a 3GS in hand that got the deal under those circumstances.

To further my point this is what happened to me today...
*639# tells me I am not eligible until 12/18 even though I purchased in July last year.
My bill is around $80 per month.

I call to check if they had any left (this is around 1PM EST).
He said he had one 32GB black and he would hold it for me (couldn't believe that part) if I assured him I would be there within a half hour.
I mentioned that I needed to find if I fell under the early upgrade.
He told me to call 639 and I told him I did already but people were suggesting I go to the store and find out.
He then asks me when I purchased, and I told him July 08.
(Here is where some may get confused).
He told me that as of 6AM this morning they were told anyone who bought around that time was eligible.
Now, if I stopped there, I would echo some of the comments on this thread.
I then mentioned... "even if my bill wasn't over $99?"
He says, "ohhh, ummm, no, you would need to pay the extra $200."

I was all ready to go to the store and find out once and for all until I read in this thread that someone was turned down at the store.

So it looks like my window is closed for today, and probably the next week or two.
It will give me time to see how things shake out.
I fully expect AT&T changing their tune once the original orders are fulfilled.
If not, no biggie, I am perfectly happy with my OS 3.0 3G.
For $299, it was worth the upgrade, for $499, that is insane for what you get.

That's a pretty big detail to leave out after his previous statement, underlined in bold. Was he hoping you didn't ask to get you in the store and do a bait and switch, or he just really didn't know until you asked?
 
NOT REAL price break

I just left the ATT store and here is the real deal!:
I own a 3G for almost 1 year 07/29/08.
I have a 1st generation i phone also that i have for 2 years (passed down to spouse after buying the 3G.)
Their policy breaks down to certain criteria to qualify for an early upgrade:
If you are due to upgrade in July, August,september, must have averaged 99.00 monthly (as i have 3 lines but 1 regular phone i activated 05/09; i already had a regular phone). I have been with (CINGULAR) ATT for over 6 years and this is how they treat their veteran customers.
So if you have a family plan, you better spend $100.00 monthly on each line or you don't qualify for the 299.00 price.
It is all a FLUFF to the media.
So i will continue my contracts until they mature and i will definitely switch to anther carrier as they expire.
PLEASE pass this info along to the media!!!:confused:
 
That's a pretty big detail to leave out after his previous statement, underlined in bold. Was he hoping you didn't ask to get you in the store and do a bait and switch, or he just really didn't know until you asked?

No, he sounded honest but he is a sales drone. I am sure he heard about upgrade stuff this morning while most of us here have known a couple of days.

I think he just didn't think it through.

Doesn't need to bait and switch to sell a 3Gs, I bet he sold that one within the hour after I called.
 
Yet there are tons of posts from people who bought on those dates that spent over $99 per line who are reporting not being golden.

But is their contract for $99+ or are they just paying overages every month that brings them up over $99? As I read it, your contracted plan must be over the $99 price point, not what you actually pay every month. Also, its seems that unpaid balances will also render you un "golden."
 
That's what I was gleaning initially. That even if you paid $3,000 a month, if your 'plan' was < $99 - you were screwed. But then I'm reading differently where peeps who's plan is below - are getting the subsidy. GAH!

I'm calling AT&T again. I'm disturbed by the fact that no one has yet to answer my question - if their date changed in OLAM or the texting thing in any way. Also disturbed that no one is really reporting on their various successes/failures after being told emphatically they were golden despite what OLAM date states.
 
That's what I was gleaning initially. That even if you paid $3,000 a month, if your 'plan' was < $99 - you were screwed. But then I'm reading differently where peeps who's plan is below - are getting the subsidy. GAH!

I'm calling AT&T again. I'm disturbed by the fact that no one has yet to answer my question - if their date changed in OLAM or the texting thing in any way. Also disturbed that no one is really reporting on their various successes/failures after being told emphatically they were golden despite what OLAM date states.

Once I got my 3GS and activated, the *NEW# thing started working again for me and put me back at my original date of 1/06/10... As I stated before, I never thought I was going to be eligible for it, but it is just crazy that some people are even though they aren't over the $99! Let us know what you find out...
 
That's what I was gleaning initially. That even if you paid $3,000 a month, if your 'plan' was < $99 - you were screwed. But then I'm reading differently where peeps who's plan is below - are getting the subsidy. GAH!

I think that a lot of people are being told one thing, that they are eligible for the full subsidy, but once they get down to the store will be told that they do not.

And there will definitely be people who don't qualify that end up getting the full subsidy. Store managers do have a certain amount of discretion to override the computer and hook up people who are not eligible. And there will always be those people who use their supple breasts, a low cut top, and a little flirting to get the price they want. ;)
 
Most sales rep do not know all the variables and conditions. I just did the @638# which messaged me back a Dec upgrade date.

I got my IPHONE G3 late July. I am eligible for the usually upgrade in two years. I am also eligible for the usually 6 months early upgrade in Dec . They do this for everyone hoping to keep you as a customer.

Now, as a special favor ATT is allowing you to purchase a new IPHONE GS at an insult of a discount over list price.

Not a deal to me, I'l wait to Dec to get a better discount and if thats not to my liking, I'll wait till July 2011 to get the best discount plus the latest IPHONE, plus new (better) service at whatever carrier their may be.

Cheers Valkat

PS If you are due to upgrade in July, August,September you are not upgrading with and IPHONE G3. Pay attention to your cell phone models (Nokia, Moto, etc.) you can upgrade if you are due to to upgrade in July, August,September.
 
does anyone actually know if the open a new line, switch IMEIs, leave it dormant at 9.99 per month (with a gophone or a cheap POS to avoid data plans) trick would work?

it's actually 240$ instead of 200$...
 
Who cares if you plan is $99 or more, that's not the qualification, it's not even in that press release. They simply say 3G owners that are eligible in July, Aug, Sept can upgrade early. Simple as that!

Just because you have a $99+ something plan still doesn't guarantee you'd have fallen under those three months because it's up to ATTs desecration based off other factors, like credit score, payment history, how long you've been with ATT, etc. (At least from what I read before)

So simply, if you were upgrade eligible in July, Aug, and Sept, you can get the discount right now, simple as that.

If you are not in those months, even if you paid over $99 a month or more, well, you must not have met their criteria. You can call and see if they'll rethink the decision, but you have no right to complain since they said nothing about how much your plan was in this release. The only reason it has come up was having an expensive plan was just "one" thing that made it possible to be upgrade eligible in the months of July, Aug, and Sept so early compared to the standard 18-24months, but not the only thing.

So you can't really say, "I paid $99+ a month so I should get to upgrade now," If you were upgrade eligible, again, those three months, then yes, you can upgrade. Again, you can try and ask politely about how you have paid so and so per month, and that you made good payments, been with ATT for so and so length, and hopefully they'll cut you a break, but nothing is owed if you were not already listed under those three months before this.
 
Who cares if you plan is $99 or more, that's not the qualification, it's not even in that press release. They simply say 3G owners that are eligible in July, Aug, Sept can upgrade early. Simple as that!

Just because you have a $99+ something plan still doesn't guarantee you'd have fallen under those three months because it's up to ATTs desecration based off other factors, like credit score, payment history, how long you've been with ATT, etc. (At least from what I read before)

So simply, if you were upgrade eligible in July, Aug, and Sept, you can get the discount right now, simple as that.

If you are not in those months, even if you paid over $99 a month or more, well, you must not have met their criteria. You can call and see if they'll rethink the decision, but you have no right to complain since they said nothing about how much your plan was in this release. The only reason it has come up was having an expensive plan was just "one" thing that made it possible to be upgrade eligible in the months of July, Aug, and Sept so early compared to the standard 18-24months, but not the only thing.

So you can't really say, "I paid $99+ a month so I should get to upgrade now," If you were upgrade eligible, again, those three months, then yes, you can upgrade. Again, you can try and ask politely about how you have paid so and so per month, and that you made good payments, been with ATT for so and so length, and hopefully they'll cut you a break, but nothing is owed if you were not already listed under those three months before this.

From the horses mouth - there are 2 qualifications to upgrade a 3GS.

1.) you MUST have bought the 3G phone in June/July/Aug of 2008
2.) You must have a VOICE plan that is $99+ (data/texts/whatever else does not count)

That's it.
 
No - $99 includes data, etc. That's been parroted over & over again.

Timothy - The problem lies in what is said above. If you get on the phone every AT&T rep will say "purchased" july/aug/sept. That's what's messing with people's heads.

Oh and you wouldn't believe what this lady is telling me right now. What a big "bag of hurt".
 
From the horses mouth - there are 2 qualifications to upgrade a 3GS.

1.) you MUST have bought the 3G phone in June/July/Aug of 2008
2.) You must have a VOICE plan that is $99+ (data/texts/whatever else does not count)

That's it.

Well, it kind of goes with out saying that you would have had to purchase a 3G during the first 3 months of release to have a 12month turn around to fall under the 3 months originally mentioned for upgrade eligibility. Sort of like if I say my 1st birthday was in Oct, then I must have been born in Oct 12 months before. So without saying it, if you your 3G account was upgrade eligible in those three months, then you had to have bought the phone 12 months ago on those months. Secondly, for that to happen in 12 months, a total plan, or possibly just voice, of $99+ would have been needed. But is that it, is that a guarantee? That having a plan $99+ would make it possible to upgrade exactly 12months later? Nothing else is a factor, not your credit, payment history, time with ATT, etc?

I have a regular plan, so I'd normally get to upgrade from 18-24months, but I'm not guaranteed to be able to upgrade exactly at 18 months. Currently I am, March 2010, but isn't it at ATT's discretion to change that? That's where I was trying to make a point, but I don't know for sure. So is it possible that even if one has a plan that's $99+ a month, and that you purchased a 3G on even release date, you might not have been eligible 12 months later in one of the 3 months in the notice because of other reasons. And that could be why they made sure not mention $99+ in the original notice sent out? And the stores are just saying what would have been needed to even fall under those three months, by originally purchasing on the 3 particular months 12 or less months ago and a $99 plan. What if a payment was late, or you credit was too low at sign-up, first year with ATT, or a combination.
 
AT&T is now telling me I have to pay $600 or $700. I'm not even eligible for the $400/$500 deal. The last thing I'm going to do is stand in line with zero clue as to what I'll pay. But the kicker is, I don't see any other way to find out what I'll pay. lol

First she tells me we are on Family Talk, I say "no we're not, it's individual" she says "oh - you're right." Now both are eligible in December. I say "do you have a copy of the iPhone memo/Rules in front of you? What are they?"
"I'll put you on hold and get them" :eek: She says:

1. PURCHASED july/aug/sept
2. $99+
3. payment history good standing

Says I qualify but date in OLAM says December & March still. Says she can't change it and that's that. So I'm eligible according to every rep I talked to but no one can change the date in the system so they're saying I'm screwed.
 
Well, it kind of goes with out saying that you would have had to purchase a 3G during the first 3 months of release to have a 12month turn around to fall under the 3 months originally mentioned for upgrade eligibility. Sort of like if I say my 1st birthday was in Oct, then I must have been born in Oct. So without saying it, if you your 3D account was upgrade eligible in those three months, then you had to have bought the phone 12 months ago on those months.

Exactly.
 
I just left the ATT store and here is the real deal!:
I own a 3G for almost 1 year 07/29/08.
I have a 1st generation i phone also that i have for 2 years (passed down to spouse after buying the 3G.)
Their policy breaks down to certain criteria to qualify for an early upgrade:
If you are due to upgrade in July, August,september, must have averaged 99.00 monthly (as i have 3 lines but 1 regular phone i activated 05/09; i already had a regular phone). I have been with (CINGULAR) ATT for over 6 years and this is how they treat their veteran customers.
So if you have a family plan, you better spend $100.00 monthly on each line or you don't qualify for the 299.00 price.
It is all a FLUFF to the media.
So i will continue my contracts until they mature and i will definitely switch to anther carrier as they expire.
PLEASE pass this info along to the media!!!:confused:

I've been with AT&T since it was AT&T originally (Before Cingular bought them).. so about 7 years now and I had Sprint prior to that. I have to laugh when I see people getting upset at their carrier, cause you know what, it's not just AT&T.. ALL cell carriers have their quarks and the grass is no greener from one carrier to the next. I've always had great service from AT&T therefore I have no complaints.. that's not to say they are nice to everyone, but I remember how crappy things were when I was on Sprint.

They let me upgrade today even though I wasn't supposed to be able to until December... I was extremely nice and polite when I asked and ya know what, they came through for me. The fact that they are letting any 3G customers upgrade only 11 months into their contract is pure luck, based on normal 2 year cellular contracts, they don't have to allow that and most carriers aren't so nice! If you were on Verizon and wanted to get the next newest Blackberry everytime Blackberry released an update.. you'd have to pay full retail if you were only 1 year into your 2 year contract... so get over it! I'm a total Mac geek, but I wouldn't have lost any sleep had AT&T not allowed me to upgrade today at the $199 price... I would have gladly paid the $399 'early upgrade' price. Just because Apple brings an updated product to the market, it seems people have this sense of entitlement at the expense of AT&T. I bought my new 24" Aluminum iMac last May, and a few months ago they updated a few things in it... that doesn't mean I'm going to get the updated model at a discount and cellular phones are no different. Be satisfied that Apple and AT&T even offer subsidies on the iPhones... that wasn't the case with the first iPhone, which many of us stood in line for and shelled out top dollar without complaining at that time.
 
AT&T is now telling me I have to pay $600 or $700. I'm not even eligible for the $400/$500 deal. The last thing I'm going to do is stand in line with zero clue as to what I'll pay. But the kicker is, I don't see any other way to find out what I'll pay. lol

First she tells me we are on Family Talk, I say "no we're not, it's individual" she says "oh - you're right." Now both are eligible in December. I say "do you have a copy of the iPhone memo/Rules in front of you? What are they?"
"I'll put you on hold and get them" :eek: She says:

1. PURCHASED july/aug/sept
2. $99+
3. payment history good standing

Says I qualify but date in OLAM says December & March still. Says she can't change it and that's that. So I'm eligible according to every rep I talked to but no one can change the date in the system so they're saying I'm screwed.

meagain... go into your local AT&T store in person... calling and talking to the reps over the phone will get you no where.. I tried that and I got no where. The store managers have the authority to override the upgrade date, they did it for me this morning.
 
Do you think the Apple store can as well? I was told they have access to the same screens, etc. as AT&T does. I'd rather not get it from AT&T in case there's an issue with pixels, etc. They won't be so quick to swap I think.
Also, they're probably all sold out now anyway.
 
They let me upgrade today even though I wasn't supposed to be able to until December... I was extremely nice and polite when I asked and ya know what, they came through for me

DESCRIBE how you asked and what you said.

what is your bill per month
 
meagain... go into your local AT&T store in person... calling and talking to the reps over the phone will get you no where.. I tried that and I got no where. The store managers have the authority to override the upgrade date, they did it for me this morning.

i actually was at an ATT Premier store as i have a premier account and i was told the same 3 criteria.
now i have the original Iphone with NO current contract and they still told me the same story !!! so i assume the redskinsf guy works for ATT !!!
 
Do you think the Apple store can as well? I was told they have access to the same screens, etc. as AT&T does. I'd rather not get it from AT&T in case there's an issue with pixels, etc. They won't be so quick to swap I think.
Also, they're probably all sold out now anyway.

meagain,
I just returned to work from the 22nd, midwest road AT&T store. They had phones left! However, I was not allowed to purchase the 16gb 3GS at the $199 price. I asked why if I purchased it on the launch date of the 3G and my phone plan is over $100. I told him that a friend of mine(since we're all friends here anyway) purchased the same 8gb 3G iPhone on launch day last year and this morning was allowed to purchase the 16GB 3GS for $199. He said he knows but they cant override the "screen" he saw that I had spoke to 3 AT&T customer service reps on the phone in the past 24hrs and that All he could do was escalate my concerns to his "head boss" who oversees the Wisconsin, Illinois region and that it oculd take up to 72hrs to hear a respone. He said he would contact me on my cell. No manager override here. I'll simply wait, no rush here!
 
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