AT&T iPhone 3G Upgrades and Eligibility

[SlyMac]

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....

ALL iphone owners that are under contract with AT&T can upgrade to the new phone at the 199/299 price as long as they sign a new 2 year agreement to replace their current one (regardless of tenure). No wait needed.

 

[VDA]

individuality

Ok...that settles it.

The hype has reached epic proportions...AGAIN!!

Entirely too many people will be scurrying about with iPhones after July 11.

So a Nuvifone for me it will be!! Yessir. Surely will be.

At least with it I won't hafta worry about having the same phone as every 12 year old in Mrs. Crabapple's remedial PE class (yeah I said it n you heard right --- they actually failed PE once before)!!!

Just goes to demonstrate the calibur of people that will now have the once discriminating iPhone within easy reach

 

[AboveTheChaos]

Wow, there is still so much confusion and guessing going on, even by employees. I'm a little concerned that ATT hasn't released more specific information. If it were good news, then they'd come out with the price plans and eligibility policies already. I'm guessing that they'll wait until the last minute because they don't want to anger everyone and have a lot of negative press/word of mouth for such a long time before the release date.

 

[dt2283]

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 in the same situation and I spoke with ATT and they said I could use the elegibility of any line on my family plan to get the iphone and then activate it under my phone number.

 

[supmango]

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.

Wait and see what happens. My guess is that this all is probably just speculation, although it does make sense to those of us who have had to deal with AT&T before on this kind of issue. I am holding out hope that Apple has worked out this scenario already and will not allow AT&T to screw over its customers, that would just be a really stupid move for them and likely cause a rather serious stump in their growth margin for years to come. As a recent Apple convert, I assure you it cannot be any worse than what Microsoft does.

 

[kmerenda]

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.

I believe (though I have not tried to find it), that there is written documentation showing that AT&T is subsidizing the price of the iPhone. What I do NOT believe is that they are going to charge customers that are not upgrade eligible the cost that they are subsidizing. There is no note anywhere on the AT&T site, on the Apple site, or on any press release stating that customers must be new service or upgrade eligible to get the $199 / $299 price point.

What I think is that AT&T is making up the amount the subsidized in the increased monthly cost and in-store activation requirement. That is the direction that all the documentation points to, and there are only "leaked internal memos" to say otherwise.

 

[gkarris]

Wait and see what happens. My guess is that this all is probably just speculation, although it does make sense to those of us who have had to deal with AT&T before on this kind of issue. I am holding out hope that Apple has worked out this scenario already and will not allow AT&T to screw over its customers, that would just be a really stupid move for them and likely cause a rather serious stump in their growth margin for years to come. As a recent Apple convert, I assure you it cannot be any worse than what Microsoft does.

That's what I'm thinking.

It sort of looks bad for Steve Jobs to say up there "MAXIMUM $199" and you, an AT&T customer, walk in to find out AT&T wants to charge you $299 instead.

Maybe e-mail Steve Jobs and create an online petition? I would if I was in this situation...

 

[djransom]

That's what I'm thinking.

It sort of looks bad for Steve Jobs to say up there "MAXIMUM $199" and you, an AT&T customer, walk in to find out AT&T wants to charge you $299 instead.

Maybe e-mail Steve Jobs and create an online petition? I would if I was in this situation...

If you're going to petitition anyone then it should be AT&T not Apple. This is no longer in the hands of Apple. Apple gets paid for the phones and that's it now. AT&T doesn't have to give any and everyone subsidizing pricing. Those saying we it would stupid for them not to are wishfully thinking. Whether or not AT&T gives you subsidized pricing you are locked in to a 2 year deal that you pay them monthly so they're going to get their money one way or another like it or not.

 

[djd24]

I accidentally clicked on something while i was looking at the att phone shop. It was a chat to help with my order or something.. I talked to a lady on the chat and she said that ANYONE can get it for 199/299. She said that she was given info about the phone yesterday by her supervisor due to all of the questions on the phone..I'm going to believe this so i don't stress out about it until launch date.

I want to go on the chat and ask more reps to see what they have to say, but I dont know how to get to the chat anymore!!! It's driving me crazy can someone please tell me how to get to the chat on att.com?!

 

[djd24]

I accidentally clicked on something while i was looking at the att phone shop. It was a chat to help with my order or something.. I talked to a lady on the chat and she said that ANYONE can get it for 199/299. She said that she was given info about the phone yesterday by her supervisor due to all of the questions on the phone..I'm going to believe this so i don't stress out about it until launch date.

I want to go on the chat and ask more reps to see what they have to say, but I dont know how to get to the chat anymore!!! It's driving me crazy can someone please tell me how to get to the chat on att.com?!

nevermind i found it..

 

[djd24]

I am pretty confident that anyone will be able to buy it. I think we should ignore all of this upgrade stuff because we can't do anything about it now. My local apple and att stores told me that its the same for anyone and so have to the two people i spoke with online. They all seemed completely sure.

Here is one of them: Tonda Lynn: Welcome to the AT&T Live Support Chat. My name is Tonda Lynn. I will be more than happy to assist you today.

J: Hello, is this where i can find out about a phone?

Tonda Lynn: I will be glad to help you with your phone.

J: This is about a phone that isn't out yet.

J: The iPhone 3g

J: I'm sure you have received many questions about it.

Tonda Lynn: Yes, how can I help you?

J: Okay, well I have heard that I have to be eligible for an upgrade in order to buy the phone for $199/$299. Is this true?

Tonda Lynn: No.

J: So regardless of whether or not I'm eligible for an upgrade, I can still buy it when it comes out for the 299$

Tonda Lynn: Yes, I will send you a link.

Tonda Lynn: http://www.att.com/iphone

J: Ok that would be great because there is a lot of confusion

Tonda Lynn: Hope this helps.

Tonda Lynn: No problem

J: The asterisk says qualified customers only?

Tonda Lynn: All long as you have a valid credit card, and acceptable credit. and you sign a 2 year agreement.

J: Thats good news.

J: So is this phone subsidized by att?

Tonda Lynn: Yes

J: Thats why all of confusion is happening.. people think its going to be like any other subsidized phone

J: so its an exception..because of the fact that we have to sign a $30 data plan?

Tonda Lynn: All of the iPhones were the same,

Tonda Lynn: In that all you needed was a credit card, good credit and sign a new 2 year contract.

J: Ok so its different from other phones.

Tonda Lynn: Yes

 

[memberako]

I am pretty confident that anyone will be able to buy it. I think we should ignore all of this upgrade stuff because we can't do anything about it now. My local apple and att stores told me that its the same for anyone and so have to the two people i spoke with online. They all seemed completely sure.

Here is one of them: Tonda Lynn: Welcome to the AT&T Live Support Chat. My name is Tonda Lynn. I will be more than happy to assist you today.

J: Hello, is this where i can find out about a phone?

Tonda Lynn: I will be glad to help you with your phone.

J: This is about a phone that isn't out yet.

J: The iPhone 3g

J: I'm sure you have received many questions about it.

Tonda Lynn: Yes, how can I help you?

J: Okay, well I have heard that I have to be eligible for an upgrade in order to buy the phone for $199/$299. Is this true?

Tonda Lynn: No.

J: So regardless of whether or not I'm eligible for an upgrade, I can still buy it when it comes out for the 299$

Tonda Lynn: Yes, I will send you a link.

Tonda Lynn: http://www.att.com/iphone

J: Ok that would be great because there is a lot of confusion

Tonda Lynn: Hope this helps.

Tonda Lynn: No problem

J: The asterisk says qualified customers only?

Tonda Lynn: All long as you have a valid credit card, and acceptable credit. and you sign a 2 year agreement.

J: Thats good news.

J: So is this phone subsidized by att?

Tonda Lynn: Yes

J: Thats why all of confusion is happening.. people think its going to be like any other subsidized phone

J: so its an exception..because of the fact that we have to sign a $30 data plan?

Tonda Lynn: All of the iPhones were the same,

Tonda Lynn: In that all you needed was a credit card, good credit and sign a new 2 year contract.

J: Ok so its different from other phones.

Tonda Lynn: Yes

now that answers all the questions!

 

[natejohnstone@g]

djd24, you just made my week! Seriously, I hope that info is true because that would be so awesome. I've been bummed out all day about not being able to get an iPhone Now my hope is renewed.

 

[pcorrado]

I am pretty confident that anyone will be able to buy it. I think we should ignore all of this upgrade stuff because we can't do anything about it now. My local apple and att stores told me that its the same for anyone and so have to the two people i spoke with online. They all seemed completely sure.

Here is one of them: Tonda Lynn: Welcome to the AT&T Live Support Chat. My name is Tonda Lynn. I will be more than happy to assist you today.

J: Hello, is this where i can find out about a phone?

Tonda Lynn: I will be glad to help you with your phone.

J: This is about a phone that isn't out yet.

J: The iPhone 3g

J: I'm sure you have received many questions about it.

Tonda Lynn: Yes, how can I help you?

J: Okay, well I have heard that I have to be eligible for an upgrade in order to buy the phone for $199/$299. Is this true?

Tonda Lynn: No.

J: So regardless of whether or not I'm eligible for an upgrade, I can still buy it when it comes out for the 299$

Tonda Lynn: Yes, I will send you a link.

Tonda Lynn: http://www.att.com/iphone

J: Ok that would be great because there is a lot of confusion

Tonda Lynn: Hope this helps.

Tonda Lynn: No problem

J: The asterisk says qualified customers only?

Tonda Lynn: All long as you have a valid credit card, and acceptable credit. and you sign a 2 year agreement.

J: Thats good news.

J: So is this phone subsidized by att?

Tonda Lynn: Yes

J: Thats why all of confusion is happening.. people think its going to be like any other subsidized phone

J: so its an exception..because of the fact that we have to sign a $30 data plan?

Tonda Lynn: All of the iPhones were the same,

Tonda Lynn: In that all you needed was a credit card, good credit and sign a new 2 year contract.

J: Ok so its different from other phones.

Tonda Lynn: Yes

finally something that sounds about right...

 

[BigSky20]

My online conversation with AT&T confirms the same thing...

Thank you for your patience! An AT&T sales representative will be with you shortly.
You are now chatting with Cristina R, an AT&T sales representative.

B : Hi
Cristina R: Welcome to AT&T online Sales support. How may I assist you with placing your order today?
Cristina R: Hello B
B : I have a question about the 3G iPhone.
Cristina R: About the calling plans?
B : I purchase the original iPhone on Sept 15, 2007. My company switched to a blackberry system and I had to get rid of my iPhone and get a Blackberry in December. Will I be able to now buy a 16gb phone for $299?
Cristina R: Yes you will.
B : I will even though I purchased the Blackberry in December 2007 with a 2-yr contract and reduced pricing?
Cristina R: The price for the iPhone will be the same to non AT&T customers and existing customers
B : Great....thank you for your help!
Cristina R: Thank you for choosing AT&T. Have a great day.
B : One more question.....will I have to replace my current 2 year contract or will I extend my current contract 2 years from the day I buy the 3G iPhone.
Cristina R: It will not extend your contract.
B: Ok...great

 

[whosyourtator]

I Call for an Update to the Original Story

This rumor has no substance. Numerous ATT support people have told many people on this thread that EVERYONE can get the iphone for $199/$299.

That leaves two possibilities.

1. ) Gizmodo is on crack and just wanted to get a lot of Diggs when they broke this story.
2. ) ATT Reps are confused.

I pick item 1. Gizmodo based this story on links to policies on Wirefly and Bestbuy.com describing upgrade eligibility. The iPhone is different, it always has been and will continue to be based on what many people have reported after speaking with ATT reps. Just review this thread and the thread at Gizmodo.

I think Macrumors and Gizmodo need to both post an update saying this is all unsubstantiated and based on updates to policies on Wirefly and Bestbuy.com eligibility. I understand this site is MacRUMORs, but I think Macrumors has been responsible in the past with its Rumor Report Cards. I would think Macrumors would be willing to update the hogwash on the article for this story to mention how many people have contacted ATT and discredited the original story.

 

[yangtw76]

Voice only plan possible?

is it possible to get new iphone without internet service?
or is it mandatory to get the $30 data plan?

 

[radiogod69]

is it possible to get new iphone without internet service?
or is it mandatory to get the $30 data plan?

yes it is required as it is with any other PDA (non iPhones do have the option to remove data plans when you call a service rep) however because this is the iPhone you cannot remove the data plan at this time. ATT might change the rules on this.

 

[zephead]

is it possible to get new iphone without internet service?
or is it mandatory to get the $30 data plan?

Pardon my bluntness, but if you're not going to use the data services on the iPhone (which a lot of its apps do), then perhaps the iPhone isn't the right phone for you. It doesn't make sense to spend extra money to buy something like the iPhone if you're only going to use it for calls.

 

[yangtw76]

well...

i will use iphone for scheduling with ical sync, address book sync, ipod, video ipod, wi-fi internet service(i'm almost always connected to the internet), plus tons of apps.. why not?
The only sacrifice that i have to make is using internet on the road that i don't do much.

Still doesn't make sense?

 

[h2z81]

I work in an Apple Retail store, and I can confirm that we know *nothing*. Anything an Apple employee tells you is speculation.

Nothing official has come down on our end.

 

[LoganT]

Didn't Gizmodo also report on the day of the iPhone 3G annoucement that they had talked to an AT&T representative and they said that everyone would get the phone for $199/$299? Why does everyone believe the bad news over the good news?

 

[MacToddB]

Get a free (non-iPhone) phone with upgrade to 3G?

I am actually eligible to upgrade, but this could apply to a new AT&T customer as well... I'm wondering if it makes sense to do the following:

1) Go to an AT&T store and upgrade my iPhone 1.0 to a free, non- phone. I would have to commit to a new 2 year contract, through July 2010.

2) Some time later (August?), "upgrade" to an iPhone 3G, with a 2 year contract, ending August 2010.

I'd end up with an extra phone. I could keep it as a spare, or eBay it, along with my iPhone 1.0. I'd probably have two separate activation fees though, but only one is "extra" if I was going to get the 3G anyway.

Any flaws in the plan? I think I'd wait til July 11th at least to make sure they haven't grandfathered iPhone 1.0 data plans, and that AT&T doesn't "disallow" this, ie. might I have to have my 'old' new phone/contract for more than 30 days?

 

[Roller]

Thank you for your patience! An AT&T sales representative will be with you shortly.
You are now chatting with Cristina R, an AT&T sales representative.

B : Hi
Cristina R: Welcome to AT&T online Sales support. How may I assist you with placing your order today?
Cristina R: Hello B
B : I have a question about the 3G iPhone.
Cristina R: About the calling plans?
B : I purchase the original iPhone on Sept 15, 2007. My company switched to a blackberry system and I had to get rid of my iPhone and get a Blackberry in December. Will I be able to now buy a 16gb phone for $299?
Cristina R: Yes you will.
B : I will even though I purchased the Blackberry in December 2007 with a 2-yr contract and reduced pricing?
Cristina R: The price for the iPhone will be the same to non AT&T customers and existing customers
B : Great....thank you for your help!
Cristina R: Thank you for choosing AT&T. Have a great day.
B : One more question.....will I have to replace my current 2 year contract or will I extend my current contract 2 years from the day I buy the 3G iPhone.
Cristina R: It will not extend your contract.
B: Ok...great

I don't doubt that the AT&T people in these transcripts said what they believed to be true. But I also doubt some of what they say, since it contradicts information from other sources in AT&T. I especially wonder about Cristina R's contention that current contracts won't be extended if you upgrade, since that's so different from SOP for wireless carriers in the U.S.

I don't think we'll know for sure until people actually begin to upgrade on July 11.

 

[Harley05]

I am actually eligible to upgrade, but this could apply to a new AT&T customer as well... I'm wondering if it makes sense to do the following:

1) Go to an AT&T store and upgrade my iPhone 1.0 to a free, non- phone. I would have to commit to a new 2 year contract, through July 2010.

2) Some time later (August?), "upgrade" to an iPhone 3G, with a 2 year contract, ending August 2010.

I'd end up with an extra phone. I could keep it as a spare, or eBay it, along with my iPhone 1.0. I'd probably have two separate activation fees though, but only one is "extra" if I was going to get the 3G anyway.

Any flaws in the plan? I think I'd wait til July 11th at least to make sure they haven't grandfathered iPhone 1.0 data plans, and that AT&T doesn't "disallow" this, ie. might I have to have my 'old' new phone/contract for more than 30 days?

If you already have an iphone, your fine, no need to do anything but wait until July 11th. Then upgrade to the iphone 3G and sign a new 2 year deal. Done.