That nice long article Arn posted pretty much sums up the policy. Actually it includes the bits and pieces of info reps have given to potential buyers. It all boils down to customers believing what they want to believe and hoping somehow that magically EVERYONE will be able to purchase the iPhone for $199/$299 respectively.
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AT&T iPhone 3G Upgrades and Eligibility
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That nice long article Arn posted pretty much sums up the policy. Actually it includes the bits and pieces of info reps have given to potential buyers. It all boils down to customers believing what they want to believe and hoping somehow that magically EVERYONE will be able to purchase the iPhone for $199/$299 respectively.
$30+$39.99=$85?
In all seriousness, the cheapest voice plan offered is $39.99 plus $30 instead of the old $20 for the data plan. Anyone who wants a 3G plan will pay $69.99/mo minimum plus taxes for your location.
One thing I haven't seen mentioned however is text messages. How many will we get for our $30/mo? If it's more than 200, it'll be attractive for me since I pay an extra $4-$5/mo in "overages" from my 200 included texts.
$30+$39.99=$85?
In all seriousness, the cheapest voice plan offered is $39.99 plus $30 instead of the old $20 for the data plan. Anyone who wants a 3G plan will pay $69.99/mo minimum plus taxes for your location.
One thing I haven't seen mentioned however is text messages. How many will we get for our $30/mo? If it's more than 200, it'll be attractive for me since I pay an extra $4-$5/mo in "overages" from my 200 included texts.
It has been reported that the 3G plan has 0 text messages included. If you want text messaging you will have to buy it separately.
Dave
It's also been reported that the $30 data plan will continue to come with 200 SMS per month for iPhone users.
most who plan on actually using their text messaging will either sign up for the more expensive 1500 text plan, adding up to much more than $40
I think AT&T has updated their iPhone page. I apologize if this isn't "new" news.
http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-ph...?wtSlotClick=1-0013IS-0-1&WT.svl=calltoaction
it says the site is under maintainance...so much for that
Some definitive answers:
I just spoke with someone in the office of the President of the Northeast Region at AT&T, and heres a summary of what I learned:
Since I switched to AT&T on June 11, I'll probably return my Samsung July 11 and try my damndest to get the iPhone same day. If any of you are right on the border like I am, I would recommend talking to someone at AT&T and ask if they will allow you to return your phone within the 30-day return period without necessarily purchasing a new phone within that period, and making sure they note that in your account, and also make sure that they note in your account when you return the phone and also not to submit a request to cancel your number. This is what they did for me since I'm right on the border, and I may not be able to get my hands on an iPhone right on launch date. I still have my old t-mobile phone that I'm gonna see about unlocking, that way I'll have something to use in the interim til I can get my hands on an iPhone.
I just spoke with someone in the office of the President of the Northeast Region at AT&T, and heres a summary of what I learned:
- Purchasing the iPhone 3G at the advertised $199/$299 price will require current AT&T customers to be eligible for an upgrade.
- Customers not eligible for upgrade will have to pay a higher price for the iPhone. This higher price has not yet been determined.
- Regardless of which price you pay, you will still need to sign a new 2-year contract, which will replace any existing contracts.
- If you recently switched to AT&T like myself, or (I think) recently upgraded your phone, if you return your phone (non iPhone) within the 30 day return period, you can then purchase the iPhone for the 199/299 price.
Since I switched to AT&T on June 11, I'll probably return my Samsung July 11 and try my damndest to get the iPhone same day. If any of you are right on the border like I am, I would recommend talking to someone at AT&T and ask if they will allow you to return your phone within the 30-day return period without necessarily purchasing a new phone within that period, and making sure they note that in your account, and also make sure that they note in your account when you return the phone and also not to submit a request to cancel your number. This is what they did for me since I'm right on the border, and I may not be able to get my hands on an iPhone right on launch date. I still have my old t-mobile phone that I'm gonna see about unlocking, that way I'll have something to use in the interim til I can get my hands on an iPhone.
You are correct, for new phones on a new account is $36, however if you are upgrading a phone on a current account the upgrade fee is $18
Yep, sure does, could we be so luck as to finally have all this mess sorted out??
And, assuming the unconfirmed rumor of a higher price point is true, many of us are on cheaper plans that are no longer offered. In which case the overall difference is likely huge.
The page is back... http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-ph...?wtSlotClick=1-0013IS-0-1&WT.svl=calltoaction
And here's the PDF from the page...
Please see this link:
http://gigaom.com/2008/06/09/att-mobility-ceo-new-3g-iphone-game-changer/
AT&T Mobility's President says:
"The SMS messages are not bundled anymore, and you pay for what you want. Again, the prices are based on what you buy."
There are no SMS messages provided in the $30 dollar plan. To get the 200 messages back will cost $5/month. Therefore, to get back to the same features you had before (voice, unlimited data and 200 SMS messages) costs $15/month more....not $10/month more.
Therefore, the true increased cost to upgrade to the iPhone 3G from the original iPhone is $199.99 plus $15/month for 24 months ($360) for a total of (drum roll please) $560! Just about what we early adopters paid for the first iPhone. There is no great "deal" being offered on the 3G iPhone. I can't believe how many people are only talking about the $199.99 up front cost and claiming how wonderful and revolutionary this pricing is....bunk.
This does not mean that the iPhone is not revolutionary, or a great product...I think it is. However, I hate the bait and switch tactics that Apple is participating in this time around. Just goes to show you that the old adage "if you sleep with the dogs you will get flees" is still pertinent. Getting is bed with AT&T has taught Apple some bad new tricks.
Dave
It's not my intent to argue. I was just pointing out that it's being reported both ways out on the net.
See, for example, http://blogs.zdnet.com/Apple/?p=1843
See, for example, http://blogs.zdnet.com/Apple/?p=1843
Well thankfully I'm not 13 and don't need unlimited. 200-400 would do just nicely for me.
just got off the phone with an AT&T rep. they claim that there is no way to purchase the iPhone other than being eligible for an upgrade like other subsidies. i have had a plan that would have qualified me under the originally posted 3 class policy, however, AT&T (this rep) says that is not how the phone will be sold.
the gentleman i spoke with did have to speak with someone to get clarification on the policy, but i do not know if that calls his conclusion into question.
the gentleman i spoke with did have to speak with someone to get clarification on the policy, but i do not know if that calls his conclusion into question.
I think it's safe to say that until an official press release with the new pricing and conditions is released by ATT, all ATT employees, and reps dont know what is going on and are in the same boat we're in.
I understand, it is being reported both ways depending on where you read it. The source link I provided is an interview with the President of AT&T Mobility; I would hope that he knows the true story. However, having said that, it would not surprise me that we find out that he does not know what he is talking about.
By the way, I see your from Jax. I live "down the road" in Green Cove Springs.
Dave
I actually agree with you. I would think that the President of AT&TM would have his head on straight, if anyone. But we've seen the converse before.
And yep -- here I am in lovely Jacksonville. My brother runs a graphic design shop down your way in GCS.
What about those of us without data plans...
I sort of understand this, BUT what about those of us who are existing AT&T subscribers without data plans.
I signed with AT&T last summer to position myself for a 3G iPhone purchase this summer. Lo and behold the sucky Samsung "bottom of the barrel" flip phone I got with my contract counts as my subsidized phone!? Seriously!? I'm not eligible now until December 2008 for a hardware upgrade!?
I can't possibly imagine that I am still paying for the 'subsidized' valule AT&T kicked in for this Samsung phone... But even so, with an iPhone I would be adding an additional $30 a month data plan into the mix. I would think that over two years the $30 a month would be worth enough to AT&T to offset 1) The subsidized value of the iPhone and 2) The remaining $$$ on this Samsung flipper.
WTF, AT&T. WTF.
I sort of understand this, BUT what about those of us who are existing AT&T subscribers without data plans.
I signed with AT&T last summer to position myself for a 3G iPhone purchase this summer. Lo and behold the sucky Samsung "bottom of the barrel" flip phone I got with my contract counts as my subsidized phone!? Seriously!? I'm not eligible now until December 2008 for a hardware upgrade!?
I can't possibly imagine that I am still paying for the 'subsidized' valule AT&T kicked in for this Samsung phone... But even so, with an iPhone I would be adding an additional $30 a month data plan into the mix. I would think that over two years the $30 a month would be worth enough to AT&T to offset 1) The subsidized value of the iPhone and 2) The remaining $$$ on this Samsung flipper.
WTF, AT&T. WTF.
i agree, especially because i just called them back out of curiosity and was told that the phones are $199 and $299 for ANYONE.
please AT&T, enlighten us.
It doesn't matter to me about the new price of the 3g data plan & txt messaging, I'm already paying for that anyways so this would not change. The only thing I care and that I think most people care about is getting the phone for $199/$299 accepting the term for a 2 year contract & 3g data plan.
I sort of understand this, BUT what about those of us who are existing AT&T subscribers without data plans.
I signed with AT&T last summer to position myself for a 3G iPhone purchase this summer. Lo and behold the sucky Samsung "bottom of the barrel" flip phone I got with my contract counts as my subsidized phone!? Seriously!? I'm not eligible now until December 2008 for a hardware upgrade!?
I can't possibly imagine that I am still paying for the 'subsidized' valule AT&T kicked in for this Samsung phone... But even so, with an iPhone I would be adding an additional $30 a month data plan into the mix. I would think that over two years the $30 a month would be worth enough to AT&T to offset 1) The subsidized value of the iPhone and 2) The remaining $$$ on this Samsung flipper.
WTF, AT&T. WTF.
I lost my work cell phone (for a while at least) and I got a replacement from Nextel and they billed my department $249 for the "cheap flip phone". Interestingly enough, I had just gotten my 4 Gig iPhone for $299...
So much for "the iPhone being the most expensive" statement from Ballmer.
Yes, Samsung charged AT&T $199 for that phone. I guess that's about right, with the iPhone being $399.
I was just told this exact same thing when i called. She just said all i needed to have was an active att account,which i obviously do. This was from someone in the business coustomer support dept.
Okay Ill throw another "my CSR said" reply.
Here's what I got in reply to my email question:
Mr. Smith, at initial launch, you will only be able to purchase the 3G
iPhone at company owned retail stores (and select kiosks) and Apple
stores. At that time, your phone will be activated. You will not go
through the iTunes account to activate the new 3G iPhone like you did
with your current iPhone. While your phone is being activated, the
representative will apply the new contract and the new data plan at that
time. The new iPhone data plans do not include messaging. It only
includes unlimited internet/email. At this time there is no information
regarding the text messaging feature..
I'm not sure what she meant by 'At this time there is no information
regarding the text messaging feature' seems to contradict the previous statement.