The sad fact is that no one knows for sure until the official announcement, and that probably includes the AT&T executives who have been quoted. They are still figuring out exactly how this will all work. I'm hoping existing customers who are not upgrade eligible won't get screwed too badly, it would be nice for them to decide that 199/299 is really for everyone regardless. However, I'm a realist so we'll just have to wait and see. Anything a customer service rep tells you at this point is pure speculation, no matter how sure they sound. I went to an AT&T store to ask some questions and the guy was basically clueless.
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AT&T iPhone 3G Upgrades and Eligibility
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The sad fact is that no one knows for sure until the official announcement, and that probably includes the AT&T executives who have been quoted. They are still figuring out exactly how this will all work. I'm hoping existing customers who are not upgrade eligible won't get screwed too badly, it would be nice for them to decide that 199/299 is really for everyone regardless. However, I'm a realist so we'll just have to wait and see. Anything a customer service rep tells you at this point is pure speculation, no matter how sure they sound. I went to an AT&T store to ask some questions and the guy was basically clueless.
I emailed ATT about what time the iPhone would go on sale and they replied and this was in the email
Customers that do not currently have an iPhone must qualify for an upgrade to the 3G iPhone and can verify upgrade options via myWireless Account or by contacting Customer Service at 1-800-331-0500 when the new device becomes available. No-commitment pricing is unavailable for the 3G iPhone, which will only be available for purchase with a new 2 year service agreement.
Here is a post to the email reply from ATT
https://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=5614731
Customers that do not currently have an iPhone must qualify for an upgrade to the 3G iPhone and can verify upgrade options via myWireless Account or by contacting Customer Service at 1-800-331-0500 when the new device becomes available. No-commitment pricing is unavailable for the 3G iPhone, which will only be available for purchase with a new 2 year service agreement.
Here is a post to the email reply from ATT
https://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=5614731
So if it' s announced that we have to be eligible for an upgrade to buy the phone for the $199/299 price..would this work out?
-I'm on a family plan and my number is not eligible for an upgrade until 11/08. However, my dads line is eligible for an upgrade right now. If we bought the phone for his line, would I be able to put my simcard (which is 3G) into it and use it? I would just give him my lg cu500 to use..
-I'm on a family plan and my number is not eligible for an upgrade until 11/08. However, my dads line is eligible for an upgrade right now. If we bought the phone for his line, would I be able to put my simcard (which is 3G) into it and use it? I would just give him my lg cu500 to use..
whenever ATT gets more info about the contract terms & pricing for the iPhone 3g in the next coming weeks here is the number sequence to streamline the process of speaking to a service rep
1-888-333-6651
1 1 2 1 0 0
1-888-333-6651
1 1 2 1 0 0
AT&T Told me current iPhone owners must still be upgrade eligible
So, I'm like you - I have an iPhone, I'm not upgrade eligible (have had the phone only 6 months), but I want the new one.
I read the leaked internal memo stating current iphone owners would be made eligible for an upgrade when the 3g phone was launced, so I called AT&T to confirm.
I called two separate times, but got the same bad news twice. What I was told is that every AT&T customer must be upgrade eligible to get the 3G iPhone at the $199/$299 price. Also, on both calls the rep could not tell me the unsubsidized price, or when that price would be made available.
I've read posts from other people that said they spoke with AT&T and they were told the opposite - that iPhone 2G owners could upgrade no problem. But, other than here and on various other blogs, I can't find any substantial proof.
I was planning on line-camping (if necessary) to get this phone, but I don't wanna camp for a phone thats gonna cost me $200+ MORE than what I was planning on.
Does anyone know where there is some solid documentation from AT&T or Apple, stating that 2G iPhone owners will be eligible to upgrade, regardless of their current contract status?
So, I'm like you - I have an iPhone, I'm not upgrade eligible (have had the phone only 6 months), but I want the new one.
I read the leaked internal memo stating current iphone owners would be made eligible for an upgrade when the 3g phone was launced, so I called AT&T to confirm.
I called two separate times, but got the same bad news twice. What I was told is that every AT&T customer must be upgrade eligible to get the 3G iPhone at the $199/$299 price. Also, on both calls the rep could not tell me the unsubsidized price, or when that price would be made available.
I've read posts from other people that said they spoke with AT&T and they were told the opposite - that iPhone 2G owners could upgrade no problem. But, other than here and on various other blogs, I can't find any substantial proof.
I was planning on line-camping (if necessary) to get this phone, but I don't wanna camp for a phone thats gonna cost me $200+ MORE than what I was planning on.
Does anyone know where there is some solid documentation from AT&T or Apple, stating that 2G iPhone owners will be eligible to upgrade, regardless of their current contract status?
keynote
is it just me, or was it stated during the keynote that the iphone will sell for $199. no qualifications given. even on apple's own site, no qualifications given. the only fine print refers to the speed of the network, nothing about service eligibility. it does say that it requires a "new 2 year contract", but that seems rather obvious given the need for at&t to redeem its investment.
it simply cannot be that steve would confidently give a price and then later have to qualify that price based on at&t's need. those details would have been worked out before the keynote.
some one should talk with a local apple store.
is it just me, or was it stated during the keynote that the iphone will sell for $199. no qualifications given. even on apple's own site, no qualifications given. the only fine print refers to the speed of the network, nothing about service eligibility. it does say that it requires a "new 2 year contract", but that seems rather obvious given the need for at&t to redeem its investment.
it simply cannot be that steve would confidently give a price and then later have to qualify that price based on at&t's need. those details would have been worked out before the keynote.
some one should talk with a local apple store.
Were you a new AT&T customer when you bought your iPhone or otherwise eligible for a subsidized iPhone? At launch, many people signed up with AT&T, got a subsidized phone, then got the (non-subsidized) iPhone. I also read on AT&T's site, when I got my iPhone around six months ago, too, that iPhone purchasers would still have an upgrade eligibility on their account (but unfortunately didn't take screen shot and that's gone now). If you would otherwise be eligible (new customer, and didn't get subsidized phone, or enough time has gone by without an upgrade), I suggest sending them an email through their "contact us" on the webpage. I did, and got written confirmation back (not a conversation or "chat," but an email) that I am eligible for an equipment upgrade as I didn't receive one when I signed up with AT&T. But that they would have to process that in-store, they couldn't manually make the change on my account. In my same email, I asked about pricing for the 3G iPhone, and she responded that they don't give equipment pricing via email "as pricing may vary through each of our sales channels." So I'm only suggesting sending an email at this point if you should be eligible for an upgrade in general, and get them to confirm it. Otherwise, there's no "solid documentation" for anything except that AT&T is subsidizing the price, and that data plans will be $30 -- on press release and/or their website, so it's just wait and see.
When I signed up for NEW AT&T service on Jan 5, 2008, I had two iphones that were previously used on prepaid goPhone plans (in someone elses name) and I just got a family plan in my name and used that equipment. I did NOT buy any equipment from AT&T when I signed up for service, and I haven't since.
The first rep was saying that I would be eligible for an upgrade because I didn't get any equipment discount at sign-up on one of my phones, but then when I explained that I didn't get a discount on either phone, she transferred me to her manager, who said that it didn't matter about me getting a discount on my phone or not. I didn't have service for long enough to get a new phone upgrade, and that was that. End of story. I'm screwed - an iPhone 2g owner for 6 months, but I still gotta pay whatever the unsubsidized price will be, and they both assured me there would be an unsubsidized price.
Although, I gotta say, no one I spoke to really had an tone of confidence in their voice to show that they really knew what they were talking about for a fact.
as a former apple employee, i know this. but i also know that they are given in-depth information about KNOWN launches. this is not a product in development.
I find it highly unlikely that ANY apple or AT&T employee that works in a store or wit customer service would know the official conditions and pricing before some sort of official press release is issued. This price diffrence is no diffrent than any other phone on the market. I do feel the frustration about the missleading annoucement during the keynote though. Jobs announced the price like that was it and it would cost 199/299 no matter what (no asterisk present). Just like the origional iphone. What do you expect, this is how the cell phone business works.
You dont have to drive anywhere. Just wait until after the release when they start selling them online. Easy.
I'm so fricking pissed now
THIS F***ING SUCKS!!
I switched to AT&T last June in the anticipation of buying an iPhone at some point. At that time, they told me that I could upgrade to an iPhone at any time and simply get a 2-year contract starting at that point (i.e. restart my 2-year contract).
Not you're telling me that They aren't even going to let me get an iPhone, even if I sign up for a 2-year contract? A contract is a contract, what does it matter whether I'm an existing subscriber or not if I agree to 2 more years?
I'm so pissed right now. I waited a long time for an iPhone, and was finally going to get one about a month ago, but decided to wait because the 3G version seemed imminent. Now I'm getting penalized BECAUSE I'm an AT&T customer?
No joke, this makes me seriously rethink getting any Apple or AT&T products ever again. This is just horrible customer's service. I'm so pissed off!!!!!!! Guess I'll never get an iPhone.
THIS F***ING SUCKS!!
I switched to AT&T last June in the anticipation of buying an iPhone at some point. At that time, they told me that I could upgrade to an iPhone at any time and simply get a 2-year contract starting at that point (i.e. restart my 2-year contract).
Not you're telling me that They aren't even going to let me get an iPhone, even if I sign up for a 2-year contract? A contract is a contract, what does it matter whether I'm an existing subscriber or not if I agree to 2 more years?
I'm so pissed right now. I waited a long time for an iPhone, and was finally going to get one about a month ago, but decided to wait because the 3G version seemed imminent. Now I'm getting penalized BECAUSE I'm an AT&T customer?
No joke, this makes me seriously rethink getting any Apple or AT&T products ever again. This is just horrible customer's service. I'm so pissed off!!!!!!! Guess I'll never get an iPhone.
Business Premier account discount
since im may not be eligible for the $199 price...
The company i work for has one of those discount programs with AT&T. last time i went to a AT&T store they said i get a discount on any phone using my company discount. will this work with the iphone?
since im may not be eligible for the $199 price...
The company i work for has one of those discount programs with AT&T. last time i went to a AT&T store they said i get a discount on any phone using my company discount. will this work with the iphone?
.So if it' s announced that we have to be eligible for an upgrade to buy the phone for the $199/299 price..would this work out?
-I'm on a family plan and my number is not eligible for an upgrade until 11/08. However, my dads line is eligible for an upgrade right now. If we bought the phone for his line, would I be able to put my simcard (which is 3G) into it and use it? I would just give him my lg cu500 to use..
The end of my trust in Steve Job's speech
http://iphone.vodafone.it/?tk=9616,c&ty_key=iphone.vodafone.it
Vodafone Italia.
This article states the following:
"Don't miss the chance to be the first who gets a new iPhone 3G!
If you have a Pay-as-you-go contract the prices will be 499 Euro for the 8GB and 569 Euro for the 16 GB. If you have the contract there are more advantages. Click the red button for more information..."
Not a word about a 199 or a 299 figure in the whole iPhone 3G webpage from 1 out of the 2 official carriers in Italy.
End of my hopes. I'll get the phone in November when I'll be able to get the discount from ATT. Or, at that point wait for a January 32GB one...
Another 6 months with the RAZR.
PS: Converting the currency the 8GB costs today $773 to an American who needs to buy iPhone in Italy!
http://iphone.vodafone.it/?tk=9616,c&ty_key=iphone.vodafone.it
Vodafone Italia.
This article states the following:
"Don't miss the chance to be the first who gets a new iPhone 3G!
If you have a Pay-as-you-go contract the prices will be 499 Euro for the 8GB and 569 Euro for the 16 GB. If you have the contract there are more advantages. Click the red button for more information..."
Not a word about a 199 or a 299 figure in the whole iPhone 3G webpage from 1 out of the 2 official carriers in Italy.
End of my hopes. I'll get the phone in November when I'll be able to get the discount from ATT. Or, at that point wait for a January 32GB one...
Another 6 months with the RAZR.
PS: Converting the currency the 8GB costs today $773 to an American who needs to buy iPhone in Italy!
If you live 4 hours from the nearest AT&T store, don't expect 3G coverage!
And if your travels don't take you near an AT&T or Apple store, you don't need GPS.
ATT (and other international carriers) Activation!
I just found this on the UK site, iPhonic. Not good news for us hoping that we can activate at home within 30 days. Looks like its going to be hell!
Im from the UK and im hoping that O2 doesnt do this.
http://www.iphonic.tv/2008/06/iphone_3g_activation_another_f.html#more
I just found this on the UK site, iPhonic. Not good news for us hoping that we can activate at home within 30 days. Looks like its going to be hell!
Im from the UK and im hoping that O2 doesnt do this.
http://www.iphonic.tv/2008/06/iphone_3g_activation_another_f.html#more
One or two people may be in my position, so let me share the solution that I worked out with my local AT&T salesman:
I joined ATT june 1 and got a cheap (though subsidized) phone, thus I am currently not upgrade eligible and my 30 day escape window ends before the iphone comes out. My local salesman said that I should return my current phone and replace my current plan with a PAYG plan using an unsubsidized phone (either a friend's old phone, or a new cheapo one). With my new plan, using an unsubsidized phone, there are no contract limitations regarding upgrades. Thus when the iphone comes out I can upgrade at the right price.
He said he's very confident that this will work and that he's been working with a few customers who are in my position.
I joined ATT june 1 and got a cheap (though subsidized) phone, thus I am currently not upgrade eligible and my 30 day escape window ends before the iphone comes out. My local salesman said that I should return my current phone and replace my current plan with a PAYG plan using an unsubsidized phone (either a friend's old phone, or a new cheapo one). With my new plan, using an unsubsidized phone, there are no contract limitations regarding upgrades. Thus when the iphone comes out I can upgrade at the right price.
He said he's very confident that this will work and that he's been working with a few customers who are in my position.
I think they just don't know...
Soooo...I've been examing AT&T's page on the iphone, and I can't find any little tidbit on it mentioning that the $199/$299 are Upgrade-only price points, and that those not eligible for an upgrade will have to pay more.
I know for a fact that the AT&T staff (both in-store and call center) don't have any other price info than the $199/$299 price points. I also started thinking about my calls to AT&T, and realized that I always started the phone talking about my upgrade eligibility. I think if I had just asked how much the phone would cost for me, and not mentioned upgrades, they would have just quoted me the $199/$299 prices and that would be that.
I really believe that they AT&T staff are just as confused as we are, and they are just making educated guesses bases on how they handle other phones, so they don't have to say "I don't know, sir" - since they know we would give 'em hell if they did tell us that.
Anyways, I'm really hoping that the price is exactly what the AT&T page and the WWDC Keynotes speach stated - $199/$299 for everyone. done.
Soooo...I've been examing AT&T's page on the iphone, and I can't find any little tidbit on it mentioning that the $199/$299 are Upgrade-only price points, and that those not eligible for an upgrade will have to pay more.
I know for a fact that the AT&T staff (both in-store and call center) don't have any other price info than the $199/$299 price points. I also started thinking about my calls to AT&T, and realized that I always started the phone talking about my upgrade eligibility. I think if I had just asked how much the phone would cost for me, and not mentioned upgrades, they would have just quoted me the $199/$299 prices and that would be that.
I really believe that they AT&T staff are just as confused as we are, and they are just making educated guesses bases on how they handle other phones, so they don't have to say "I don't know, sir" - since they know we would give 'em hell if they did tell us that.
Anyways, I'm really hoping that the price is exactly what the AT&T page and the WWDC Keynotes speach stated - $199/$299 for everyone. done.
THIS F***ING SUCKS!!
I switched to AT&T last June in the anticipation of buying an iPhone at some point. At that time, they told me that I could upgrade to an iPhone at any time and simply get a 2-year contract starting at that point (i.e. restart my 2-year contract).
Not you're telling me that They aren't even going to let me get an iPhone, even if I sign up for a 2-year contract? A contract is a contract, what does it matter whether I'm an existing subscriber or not if I agree to 2 more years?
I'm so pissed right now. I waited a long time for an iPhone, and was finally going to get one about a month ago, but decided to wait because the 3G version seemed imminent. Now I'm getting penalized BECAUSE I'm an AT&T customer?
No joke, this makes me seriously rethink getting any Apple or AT&T products ever again. This is just horrible customer's service. I'm so pissed off!!!!!!! Guess I'll never get an iPhone.
They told you that when you signed because that's what the process was for iPhone 1.0. With iPhone 2.0 comes new rules and restrictions. They will STILL sell you an iphone even if your only 6months into your current contract (like I am) and arent eligible for the upgrade price, you will just have a higher price that the subsidized price (like ALL phones sold by ALL cell phone companies when you aren't eligible for an upgrade). Such is life.
Guys I kinda have to agree here. Correct me if I am wrong, but didn't Steve-O say in his address that no one would have to pay more than 199$ for the phone (8GB model). And ATT still has not given the whole update yet either.
I really have to wonder here if the 199$/299$ is actually an UNSUBSIDIZED price. Who knows for sure. Steve never said, and neither has ATT directly said that this is the "subsidized" price point. We are all just assuming that it is.
Now a word on "up-gradability." I have been a long time user myself of another cell phone company (not ATT). It has always been the rule with any other cell phone that comes out that unless you are upgrade eligible (ie had a contract for x-months without recieving a new discounted phone from the company), that you could not get that said new phone for the subsidized price. This is nothing new here. I do not know why people who were early adopters of the first gen iphone are expecting that they would be upgrade eligible at all. Just wait until you are and then get the new phone. It is not that big of a deal. It will only be another few months that you may have to wait. Who cares....