AT&T iPhone 3G Upgrades and Eligibility

[charlituna]

Relax, all the emails in the world from apple or att, will not convince me that current att subscribers will be barred from purchasing an iphone. You will be sold the iphone for the 199/299 price point. At the very worst, you may receive a small penalty to pay off the cost of the phone they subsidized for you. They will not alienate one of the biggest groups buying the iphone.

in the past (pre iphone) if I wanted to change my phone during my contract I had to pay an upgrade fee. which I assumed was the cost of the phone that was being waived cause I had the contract. basically I paid X amount up front (sometimes nothing) and a chunk of my monthly fee was paying off the phone. so I never really got it for free, I got it on a payment plan.

and the further into my contract I was, the less I had to pay as an upgrade fee because I had paid more on the cost of my phone. with me so far.

now I doubt that ATT is going to diss current non iPhone peeps cause hey, we might say "screw them and the dang iphone" and quit and go off to someone else. but they might still charge the upgrade fee if we haven't gotten far enough into our contracts (usually around 20-21 months from what I can tell) to have paid off our previous 'free' phone.

however this is just my guess and we'll have to see what happens when the phones are released.

 

[Jstick]

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.

its not required with other PDA's. it just means that you wouldnt get the rebate, usually $100 which i felt is how the iphone was going to work. get the $30 data plan to get a 100 off....but its just gonna be a straight 199 0r 299 which i just dont believe completely

 

[radiogod69]

It seems some of these reports have conflicted with others, I am talking specifically about current iPhone users. One report says if your a current iPhone user you can upgrade to the current subsidized price, and another report said if you bought an iphone on or after 5/27 you can upgrade to the new iphone at the discounted price, has anyone else caught this? or is it just me?

 

[Kremner]

Phone Number Roll Over

Can anyone confirm whether you can
1. Keep your old phone number during an upgrade AND
2. Keep the phone number you have in use from another carrier when you create a new ATT account for the new Iphone

Thanks from Jonathan Kremner for any input regarding this basic but important (to me anyway) info!
JK

 

[yg17]

Can anyone confirm whether you can
1. Keep your old phone number during an upgrade AND
2. Keep the phone number you have in use from another carrier when you create a new ATT account for the new Iphone

Thanks from Jonathan Kremner for any input regarding this basic but important (to me anyway) info!
JK

Yes and yes

 

[radiogod69]

Can anyone confirm whether you can
1. Keep your old phone number during an upgrade AND
2. Keep the phone number you have in use from another carrier when you create a new ATT account for the new Iphone

Thanks from Jonathan Kremner for any input regarding this basic but important (to me anyway) info!
JK

It's called "porting" in case you didn't know that, make sure you watch it like a hawk though, I specifically asked to have my number ported from verizon on the ATT website but they messed it up and gave me a new line, its fixed now. So just make sure they do it right and tell them what you want specifically.

 

[GeekyTiki]

I am a longtime ATT customer and unfortunately I am not due an upgrade until January 2009. I purchased my blackjack because I had just moved and needed a local number. I do not mind paying the no-commitment price, because I am not due yet, but they should not be able to then force me into a new contract. They should not be able to have it both ways, I pay extra and have to re-up as if I was paying off the subsidy. I should be allowed to go on with my normal contract, I already have an unlimited data plan, with no extension time added to my current contract.

 

[gkarris]

I am a longtime ATT customer and unfortunately I am not due an upgrade until January 2009. I purchased my blackjack because I had just moved and needed a local number. I do not mind paying the no-commitment price, because I am not due yet, but they should not be able to then force me into a new contract. They should not be able to have it both ways, I pay extra and have to re-up as if I was paying off the subsidy. I should be allowed to go on with my normal contract, I already have an unlimited data plan, with no extension time added to my current contract.

Yes, all the cell phone companies do this. I wanted to replace a very worn phone I had with T-Mobile a year after I got it, with a year left on the contract, but they wanted to charge my the unsubsidized price ($200 extra) AND extend the contract out another 2 years. So the total was $350 and 2 more years on the contract - I said no way.

No matter, iPhones became unlockable and the 4 Gig iPhone was being closed out for $300.

 

[TimothyB]

I am a longtime ATT customer and unfortunately I am not due an upgrade until January 2009. I purchased my blackjack because I had just moved and needed a local number. I do not mind paying the no-commitment price, because I am not due yet, but they should not be able to then force me into a new contract. They should not be able to have it both ways, I pay extra and have to re-up as if I was paying off the subsidy. I should be allowed to go on with my normal contract, I already have an unlimited data plan, with no extension time added to my current contract.

I feel the same. Now that the iPhone is a treated like a normal phone, well, almost, where you expect the subsidized price is the reward for signing up for 2 years. But the catch is, they are still doing what they did with the first iPhone, 2 year contract no matter what, being exclusive, they could do what they want. They new this was a special phone.

All this time before people were paying full price and having to sign a 2 year contract to use it. This is not totally shocking then, but confusing now that there's subsidizing mixed in. Making people angry they get no special deal for 2 year commitment.

Though, the people that buy subsidized now will have to wait the near full 2 years before they can upgrade again. While those that pay full price, they're upgrade eligibility still will count down from where it was at. Thus, by the time the next iphone is out, with say hopefully stereo bluetooth , more memory, and other features, you'd get the subsidized price that round, while the others may will have to pay full price or wait like 10-16 months.

Again, this is a special phone, and anyone should be allowed to get the $199.$299 price with two years. I mean, even ATT proves that point by changing their rules for this phone because they know how special it is. Like 2 year contract even with no subsidizing. Or now you hear you have to buy the data plan for $30, no voice only, what other phone forces you to do that. That's slap in the face when it has wifi and you might not be in a 3G area. So I say screw the whole concept of upgrade eligibility and that some how it's only fair for ATT since they already gave you a discount. That's BS since how is it fair that ATT is changing everything for this one phone to take more money from you? If it was like any other phone, and you paid full price with no contract extension, hurray.

 

[hijofrizbe]

I have been wanting to give my old iPhone to my wife and upgrade to a 3G. Now I'm practically dreading 7/11 for the complexity of it all.

Oh, and I HATE the idea of being stuck with only 16GB of memory through 2010. That's going to be the equivalent of running around with a 256MB thumb drive today.

Hey, I still use my 256mb thumb drive...heh.! I can survive the 256 thumb drive, but I can't survive using this BlackcrackJackII anymore, and I'll be kind of peeved to find out that I switched to 5 months too early. I have faith so far in SJ and ATT... hopefully I won't get rammed in the *bum* for it.

 

[jplan2008]

It seems some of these reports have conflicted with others, I am talking specifically about current iPhone users. One report says if your a current iPhone user you can upgrade to the current subsidized price, and another report said if you bought an iphone on or after 5/27 you can upgrade to the new iphone at the discounted price, has anyone else caught this? or is it just me?

According to these reports, if you bought a 1st gen. AFTER MAy 27, you can upgrade to 3G and RECEIVE the difference between what you paid and the $199/$299 price (turning your phone in, I assume? I'm not sure). Other iPhone owners would receive the discounted $199/$299 price (and keep their iPhone). You had two weeks to return the iPhone -- May 28 was 2 weeks before announcement of 3G.

 

[HDJulie]

According to these reports, if you bought a 1st gen. AFTER MAy 27, you can upgrade to 3G and RECEIVE the difference between what you paid and the $199/$299 price (turning your phone in, I assume? I'm not sure). Other iPhone owners would receive the discounted $199/$299 price (and keep their iPhone). You had two weeks to return the iPhone -- May 28 was 2 weeks before announcement of 3G.

Yes, the May 27th one requires you to turn in the old phone & the difference is less a 10% restocking fee. I am in that group but I want to keep my phone & just get a new one at the subsidized price.

 

[The Sweet Love]

If AT&T sells the phone at a higher rate to customers who are not eligible for an upgrade..it seems like a HORRIBLE deal for Apple. AT&T could break even by selling their customers who are not eligible for an upgrade the iPhone 3G at the price they bought it from Apple..AND make $30 a month of that person..with Apple seeing none of that money. Or AT&T could even make the price higher than what they paid for it..which would make them a profit from the phone and the monthly data plan. Why wouldn't Apple enter into an agreement saying "you can only sell it for $199/$299 and we won't receive monthly revenue from you anymore." I just don't see why Apple would allow AT&T to break even or even make a profit off of the iPhone like that.

That all being said..I am not eligible for an upgrade until 2009...and I don't believe AT&T will allow me receive the phone for $199/$299. I am deeply disappointed though that every where the price is listed all it says is "requires 2 year contract" and no mention of upgrade eligibility.

 

[charlituna]

just to see what I'd find out, I popped into my local apple store and played dumb with a ton of questions about the iphone.

here's what I was told

1. they have not received final word on the pricing plans so they can not confirm or deny rumors of a $30 data plan with no SMS included. they also haven't been told when to expect the information except that they would have it on the 11th when the phones go on sale. but possibly not before then.

2. the price is $199/$299. that is what they were told. that is what they were told to tell customers. there was nothing about alternate pricing for anyone.

3. they have not been told anything about upgrade fines, eligibility etc. based on what they know at this point, anyone can buy it. such issues are up to ATT, more info later

4. about the whole activation thing, they don't have exact details but there will be two parts. one in store and one that you will have a time limit to complete at home. if you don't complete it, you will be considered in violation of your agreement and be fined the termination fee. that much they do know. the exact nature of what they will have to do is unknown but would be something to link you, the unit and a form of payment for the fine. so no, we won't be stuck waiting 20 minutes while the jerk ahead of us debates rate plans with his wife.

so, not a lot of info but there it is from Apple. subject to massive change of course when they get their information

 

[jacamo]

From what i have been told it would seem that people are confusing "discounted price" with "actual price". Att is not offering a discounted to price to anyone, the price of the phone is 199/299 and thats it. I am currently an att customer who would not qualify for a discounted iphone price IF att were offering one...but they are not. Didnt everyone pay the same price on the 1st gen iphone whether they were an att customer or not? The more everyone talks about this the more it seems like it will become a self-fullfilling prophecy.

 

[NewMackie]

I am having a hard time following

I just purchased two 16 gig iphones 3/20/08! I assume these are 2G so they are saying that people that have 1G phones are eligible to upgrade and get a refund!! and someone that just purchased within 6 months is not. They knew they were coming out with a new phone they should have an option for anyone that purchased within 6 months as they did with all that uproar about the first iphone! I hate being swindled! Why May 27th as a cut off date? what relevance does that have??

On another note:
can someone tell me the difference between the 2G and 3G other than GPS? I may not care if the difference is not that great

 

[MacToddB]

I just purchased two 16 gig iphones 3/20/08! I assume these are 2G so they are saying that people that have 1G phones are eligible to upgrade and get a refund!! and someone that just purchased within 6 months is not. They knew they were coming out with a new phone they should have an option for anyone that purchased within 6 months as they did with all that uproar about the first iphone! I hate being swindled! Why May 27th as a cut off date? what relevance does that have??

On another note:
can someone tell me the difference between the 2G and 3G other than GPS? I may not care if the difference is not that great

Relax. First, "3G" is a specific technology, independent of Apple, and has been around longer than the iPhone. There are 3G phones from Samsung, BlackBerry, etc.

When people refer to "1G" or "2G" they are referring to the current style of iPhone. 1G was what the original buyers (like myself) got, and 2G was when they refreshed the product with 16GB of storage. People also call the EDGE network "2.5G" because it's not quite 3G speeds.

People who bought on or after May 27th could have returned their iPhone when the new one was announced (within 14 day return) so as a goodwill, they can upgrade. If you had the phone as long as you (or I) did, then you've gotten your money's worth. I bought it at full price, so I'm still eligible to upgrade...not sure what your situation is. And AT&T could be clearer about the $199/$299 pricing...

But I don't think you have much to complain about. A lot of us think the 1G/2G phone at the old pricing ($20/month inc 200 SMS) is better, so enjoy and when the 32GB models come out, upgrade then.

 

[akazmucha]

We all think its subsidized because AT&T says its subsidized:

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=25791


also, AT&T's chief executive also said it was subsidized
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121305706681259335.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

This is what the AT&T site says:

*Qualified customers only. 2 year contract required. Based on 3G and EDGE testing. Actual speeds vary by site conditions. Based on iPhone 3G (8GB) and first-generation iPhone (8GB) purchases. Requires new 2-year AT&T rate plan, sold separately.

It says nothing about it being subsidized. Just says qualified customers only, which could mean anything from credit check, to not owing them tons of money from a previous account, etc...No one will know for sure until they say. I'm hoping current customers who aren't upgrade eligible can get that price. I'm going to get one either way, but it would be much easier to swallow if I can still get the 16GB 3G version for 299 come July 11th.

 

[lnferno]

On the leaked memo, it really doesn't address what the options are for current AT&T customers who do not qualify for an upgrade.

Still confused

 

[lnferno]

Current AT&T Subscriber, but not "eligible for upgrade"

Ok -- FWIW, the CSR that I spoke with a few minutes ago documented it in my account that even though I'm not eligible for an upgrade, I can get the new iPhone for the standard $199/$299 fees as long as I sign a new 2 year deal. She also hinted that there will likely be an upgrade fee. I asked her "How much of an upgrade fee? $25-40?" She said "Yes, somewhere around those numbers, but nothing official has been released on that, yet."

It sounds like to me that's going to be the main difference -- paying an upgrade fee vs. already being eligible. If that's the case, then I'm okay with that.

 

[cryo]

Ok -- FWIW, the CSR that I spoke with a few minutes ago documented it in my account that even though I'm not eligible for an upgrade, I can get the new iPhone for the standard $199/$299 fees as long as I sign a new 2 year deal. She also hinted that there will likely be an upgrade fee. I asked her "How much of an upgrade fee? $25-40?" She said "Yes, somewhere around those numbers, but nothing official has been released on that, yet."

It sounds like to me that's going to be the main difference -- paying an upgrade fee vs. already being eligible. If that's the case, then I'm okay with that.

If it's that low, that's not too bad.

 

[NewMackie]

Relax!!

Relax. First, "3G" is a specific technology, independent of Apple, and has been around longer than the iPhone. There are 3G phones from Samsung, BlackBerry, etc.

When people refer to "1G" or "2G" they are referring to the current style of iPhone. 1G was what the original buyers (like myself) got, and 2G was when they refreshed the product with 16GB of storage. People also call the EDGE network "2.5G" because it's not quite 3G speeds.

People who bought on or after May 27th could have returned their iPhone when the new one was announced (within 14 day return) so as a goodwill, they can upgrade. If you had the phone as long as you (or I) did, then you've gotten your money's worth. I bought it at full price, so I'm still eligible to upgrade...not sure what your situation is. And AT&T could be clearer about the $199/$299 pricing...

But I don't think you have much to complain about. A lot of us think the 1G/2G phone at the old pricing ($20/month inc 200 SMS) is better, so enjoy and when the 32GB models come out, upgrade then.

I am stating that I have ONLY had this phone for THREE month!! not nearly as long as you. What a YEAR or so?? And you think i got my monies worth?? Do you just post without reading?? I have only had TWO bills! and by what I am hearing I am not eligible for an upgrade but someone that has had the phone much longer can upgrade and get a refund?? I paid $499 plus tax twice! And if I buy this new phone at $299 what do I do with the $499 one I just bought. If you were trying to be helpful. YOU WERE NOT.

 

[TimothyB]

Questions here.

1: Any iPhone owner is guaranteed the $199/$299 price, correct? This based off of having an account for an iPhone?

2: I thought I read at launch that your current upgrade eligibility status after buying the first iPhone stayed the same from your last purchase, you were not given a clean slate. So why are iPhone owners being given a clean slate for the new 3G? What if someone bought a subsidized Blackberry a few months ago, then bought the first iPhone, they get to have the subsidized iPhone 3G price right away despite being well over a year away from an upgrade?

3, A BIG ONE: What if I borrowed a friends iPhone and put my sim card in and activated it over itunes today, then immediately gave the iPhone back to the friend, but I'd technically now have an active iPhone plan on my account. Would this mean when I walk into ATT I'd be considered an iPhone owner and get the subsidized price no matter where my eligibility was at? Or is there a time period for the iPhone account to be eligible for the next iPhone lower price?

 

[Sethry]

Does Mark Siegel really know what he's talking about?

On June 9th (the same day as the 3g iphone announcement) AT&T Mobile Spokesperson Mark Siegel was quoted saying:

"...current iPhone customers and any other AT&T customer that is currently under a contract will be able to upgrade to the new iPhone 3G simply by agreeing to a new 2-year agreement and pay the $199 or $299 price for the device."

You can read the whole article here

I would love for this to be true, though new information from Mark Siegel indicates that current AT&T non-iphone owners will not qualify for the "subsidized" pricing. If the story is changing from the lips of AT&T's own spokesperson, then there's no certainty of any hard facts about the iphone 3g, other than what is currently released on their website which is vague at best.

 

[lnferno]

Ok, this may be a dumb question, but I'm asking because I don't know. Why couldn't I just go into my Apple store on 7/11, but the new iPhone, and go home and activate it with iTunes? Is there not an option for existing customers to do that?

It's just not registering with me why AT&T would TURN AWAY existing customers wanting to buy the iPhone and extend their contract another 2 years???