AT&T is also going to tether IPhone in store..

[FSUSem1noles]

an excerpt from the internal memo states:

Activation Process
The new 3G device will be activated in store in both AT&T and Apple stores. Customers must accept AT&T and Apple Ts & Cs, sign a 2-year agreement, and select the data plan for the iPhone 3G before leaving the store. The current iTunes activation process will no longer be required for iPhone 3Gs, however a short tether process to unbrick the 3G device will be performed in all AT&T stores (tether cords will be provided). Apple stores will also perform this tether process, however in the event that a customer's device is not tethered in the Apple store, their device will be inoperable until they get home and tether through iTunes. Prepaid and Pick Your Plan will not be allowed on the 3G device.

How long are these waits going to be...

 

[Tallest Skil]

...their device will be inoperable until they get home and tether through iTunes.

So... allowed to take it home before it's activated?

 

[aethelbert]

So... allowed to take it home before it's activated?

No, they'll activate it. It just won't be operable until it's tethered. From the article, it's clear that the tethering process is separate from activation as it is there to "unbrick" the phone.

 

[FSUSem1noles]

So... allowed to take it home before it's activated?

yeah, I saw that... not exactly sure what that means.. the info is contradicting..

Unless they mean, you have to sign up instore, but can take it home to tether????

At this point it's anyones guess as to what the "real" deal is...