Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Only matching the market rate, tbf.

It's annoying because, although carriers probably offer an increased subsidy offered for smart phones compared to dumb phone from years past, they're getting it back in the form of required data plans.
 
Did this have anything to do with carriers know having to reduce etf fees by a vertain amt per month?

I remember when Verizon upped theirs to around the same range but also doubled the deduction (from 5 a month to 10 a month)

Also, where do they come with this number? Are they going to reduce plans? or reduce the price of the phone upfront?

How exactly do they justify this?
 
AT&T, let's see:
1. Most dropped calls.
2. Failure to keep their promise to allow tethering.
3. Additional fees for iPhone (but not for other smart phones).
4. Increased early termination fees.
5. Failure to provide Vasoline to their customers while they're shoving it up.

Higher prices, inferior service. I'd jump ship in a heart beat. The ONLY reason I'm with AT&T is because I like the iPhone too much. I suppose I could unlock, but this would only give me access to T-Mobile. Been there, not a lot better. In a contest between AT&T and Verizon, I'd switch to Verizon. I keep hoping I'll have my wish.
 
Obviously AT&T is planning on a mass exodus at some point. So instead of significantly improving service to retain and keep customers happy, they seek to punish iPhone customers for jumping ship and generate more revenue that way. AT&T is pathetic!!!
 
I guess they need to keep people in ATT now that the iphone will be in Verizon!

Am exited for the 7th!

I have a feeling that day is gonna be a good day...

GMKiko
 
it's just business...now their ETF is on par with Verizon...and no verizon iphone until 2012...how would Apple be able to completely hide a CDMA iPhone while the GSM version leaked?
 
While I never believe the Verizon iPhone rumors, this is making me think that the iPhone will be available somewhere other than AT&T - probably this year and possible in June.

There was also the report that Verizon is working on having their phones access the internet during calls, which is likely a key feature that Apple wants for its iPhone customers.
 
Decisions, decisions

Not surprising and probably fair as the subsidy of a smart phone is a lot higher than a normal phone.

I am in two minds about what to do when the new phone comes out. I see AT&T is now saying I am eligible for an upgrade even though my contract is not up until December. They obviously want me to sign a new agreement in June.

I would like to Jump ship as AT&T is terrible in San Francisco but on the other hand can I wait till December for my new toy?
 
Same as Verizon....

.....at least this termination fee is on a phone that I would want to keep!

No biggie...ATT is fine where I am at. I'd rather have a carrier pay for most of the hardware and risk the termination fee instead of paying full price for the phone.

For all you complainers, don't sign a contract....buy your next iPhone at list price.
 
AT&T, let's see:
1. Most dropped calls.
2. Failure to keep their promise to allow tethering.
3. Additional fees for iPhone (but not for other smart phones).
4. Increased early termination fees.
5. Failure to provide Vasoline to their customers while they're shoving it up.

Higher prices, inferior service. I'd jump ship in a heart beat. The ONLY reason I'm with AT&T is because I like the iPhone too much. I suppose I could unlock, but this would only give me access to T-Mobile. Been there, not a lot better. In a contest between AT&T and Verizon, I'd switch to Verizon. I keep hoping I'll have my wish.

Your points, let's see.

1. Haven't had a dropped call since I have been with them
2. They don't fail to keep the promise until they say "We aren't going to do it." They didn't set a timeline as far as I know.
3. What additional fees?
4. As has been noted, Verizon increased their smart phone ETFs as swell.
5. No one forced you to be their customer or anyone else for that matter. If you felt you needed lube, maybe you should have gone with someone else, no?

But you just had to have that precious iPhone, which outweighs all of the negatives you knew about beforehand. So why whine about it?
 
Pathetic... That's why I'm on Big Red, and thinkin' about getting a Droid.

I'll wait now...

pot kettle black.... Big red has been doing things like this to customers since the beginning of time. Talk about coverage, talk about service quality but when it comes nickel and diming Verizon takes the cake.
 
Fix the network first.

There was also the report that Verizon is working on having their phones access the internet during calls, which is likely a key feature that Apple wants for its iPhone customers.

I would be happy if I just could make a call on AT&T in San Francisco. They should remove the city from its coverage map.
 
Maybe this isn't bad

I may be dreaming but could an increased ETF translate into an increased subsidy? The ETF makes sense if the new iPhones are cheaper than previous versions or the features make keeping the same price seem like a better value.

I think AT&T has every right to charge an ETF when the termination is for my convenience.
By the same token, I think AT&T has no right to charge an ETF is the motivation for termination is bad coverage on their suspect network.
 
So does this mean I'll have to pay even more for the new iPhone than I already do? I have no desire to leave AT&T as their service is excellent for me (shocker I know). Would seem to me that if you're staying with them they shouldn't charge you an arm and a leg in ETF.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.