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AT&T's iPhone 3G Data Plan and No Longer Revenue Sharing
- Thread starter wakerider017
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You're uhh how do I say this? retarded. You obviously did not read the kids post, he said he COULD afford it and that he doesn't want to because he believes overpaying for the plan is wrong on principal. Try reading thoroughly next time heres a tip: It's called reading! Top to bottom, left to right... a group of words together is called a sentence. Take Tylenol for any headaches... Midol for any cramps.
Hey i'm in utah too. we can start our camping out early. you going to the apple store or an att store?
No. Agency is not created by agreeing to enforce a prerequisite.
No.
They choose to do so as an authorized reseller and an agent of the cellular provider. They make their money from a cut of the money going to O2 or Vodafone. They could easily adopt a hands-off sales model if they wanted to, facilitating nothing and letting customers activate from the web (i.e. the way the iPhone is currently sold and the way most web stores work).
Instead, consider Amazon: they sell phones and service plans, but only act as a conduit--all of your rate plan dealings are directly with the provider.
They are not now, nor will they be trained to, be sales clerks for cellular providers. I'm sure Apple store employees will help customers fill in the mind-numbingly simple information form, but that does not turn them into customer service reps or sales agents for the cellular provider.
No. Pursuing legal action against someone for unlocking their phone was made an unsupportable strategy.
That's just not the way it works. The subsidy has to come from somewhere. If you can't use 3G, then there's no particular point to buying the new iPhone, and snapping up one of the current generation might be a good idea if you want to save a little money.
The same thing happened when EDGE first appeared--it wasn't available everywhere, but its costs were reflected in our GPRS plans. Back when networks starting to switch to digital, customers in places with analog service often had their rates raised as well. Sometimes it just happens that way.
The map is a collage of what is shown on the AT&T coverage viewer. It's as accurate as you can get online, otherwise you have to hear from word of mouth, etc about 3g coverage...
Family Plans and texting
I've very curious to see what this new pricing policy does to the family talk plans. As it sits now I have 4 iPhones that will be upgraded to 3G versions when available. Under the current "special" iPhone data plans, texting is included. There was no was no way to separate the two.
But if they're treating the 3G iPhone like any other 3G handset, then I will be able to add unlimited messaging to my entire family plan for $30 / month (cheaper than the currently $20 / iPhone / month). Even with the $10 increase, if this scenario holds true I'll actually be saving $10 / month on the bottom line of the plan.
I hope that what ATT is saying is actually true, that they are treating the iPhone like any other handset.
I've very curious to see what this new pricing policy does to the family talk plans. As it sits now I have 4 iPhones that will be upgraded to 3G versions when available. Under the current "special" iPhone data plans, texting is included. There was no was no way to separate the two.
But if they're treating the 3G iPhone like any other 3G handset, then I will be able to add unlimited messaging to my entire family plan for $30 / month (cheaper than the currently $20 / iPhone / month). Even with the $10 increase, if this scenario holds true I'll actually be saving $10 / month on the bottom line of the plan.
I hope that what ATT is saying is actually true, that they are treating the iPhone like any other handset.
It's not about the 2 year term...
That's one way of looking at it. If you're ok paying $15 extra per month, that's fine. Factor in tax/fees, you'll see it's actually more for than that. However, like many, I have been a long time Cingular/SBC/ATT customer. We're not short timers who only stays for the length of the plan. I've had my Cingular plan for several years and up until now didn't plan on looking to get out of it. For less than $30/month, I can get broadband DSL with higher speeds. With 3G plan, I get 1.4Mbits/sec. Yes, I guess that is fast, but I can't get over the psychology of how they can justify charging more for an already inflated rate. Call me old school, but I have no intention renewing my plan with ATT. I do love my iPhone! I'm just hoping that iPhone will be free from ATT grasp by the time my contract expires.
So, if ATT wish to turn away long time loyal customers like me, I guess that is fine also. Who needs customers like me when they have people like you that are willing to pay whatever they command? Yes, I could afford throwing an extra $15/month, but it is a matter of principle for me. Enjoy your new phone.
That's one way of looking at it. If you're ok paying $15 extra per month, that's fine. Factor in tax/fees, you'll see it's actually more for than that. However, like many, I have been a long time Cingular/SBC/ATT customer. We're not short timers who only stays for the length of the plan. I've had my Cingular plan for several years and up until now didn't plan on looking to get out of it. For less than $30/month, I can get broadband DSL with higher speeds. With 3G plan, I get 1.4Mbits/sec. Yes, I guess that is fast, but I can't get over the psychology of how they can justify charging more for an already inflated rate. Call me old school, but I have no intention renewing my plan with ATT. I do love my iPhone! I'm just hoping that iPhone will be free from ATT grasp by the time my contract expires.
So, if ATT wish to turn away long time loyal customers like me, I guess that is fine also. Who needs customers like me when they have people like you that are willing to pay whatever they command? Yes, I could afford throwing an extra $15/month, but it is a matter of principle for me. Enjoy your new phone.
O2 Tariffs
Not sure if it's been noticed yet but O2 (UK) have released their new iPhone tariffs:
http://www.o2.co.uk/iphone/paymonthly
Minimum contract is now £30 and basically data only (a very good move I think) and you only pay £99 for the iPhone (for once we pay the equivalent dollar price!).
Getting a £45 or £75 tariff gets you the iPhone for free.
Also says that 1st gen owners can upgrade as though they were new customers.
The activation info page http://www.o2.co.uk/iphone/activation implies that it'll still be done over iTunes, not in store like AT&T.
Oh and there's also going to be a pay as you go option. I think O2 got a pretty good deal on all of this.
Not sure if it's been noticed yet but O2 (UK) have released their new iPhone tariffs:
http://www.o2.co.uk/iphone/paymonthly
Minimum contract is now £30 and basically data only (a very good move I think) and you only pay £99 for the iPhone (for once we pay the equivalent dollar price!).
Getting a £45 or £75 tariff gets you the iPhone for free.
Also says that 1st gen owners can upgrade as though they were new customers.
The activation info page http://www.o2.co.uk/iphone/activation implies that it'll still be done over iTunes, not in store like AT&T.
Oh and there's also going to be a pay as you go option. I think O2 got a pretty good deal on all of this.
Yep, $35 per month is really too high
I agree. When iPhone 2.0 firmware comes out, we'll get that for free. Thanks Steve!!! This will give us an upgrade for free. Sure, no GPS and no 3G, but you'll be able to access iWork documents and Office. Of course, we'll just have to wait a long time to download the document over a very slow EDGE network...
I agree. When iPhone 2.0 firmware comes out, we'll get that for free. Thanks Steve!!! This will give us an upgrade for free. Sure, no GPS and no 3G, but you'll be able to access iWork documents and Office. Of course, we'll just have to wait a long time to download the document over a very slow EDGE network...
I am just nervous because I've been waiting to switch from Sprint Mogul to Iphone 3G for a while. With Sprint Sero plan and my corporate discount, I am paying $27 a month for 500 min, EVDO-A Very Fast Internet Network, Unlimited SMS to/from any network. I never have to think about number of SMS i am sending. Sometimes I run over 500 min and it costs me up to $40 a month. But with new Iphone 3G, it is going to cost me over $100 a month which is over THREE TIMES MORE EVERY MONTH! I've never paid that much monthly for any phone.
Maybe AT&T adjust their prices because of uproar next month?
Maybe AT&T adjust their prices because of uproar next month?
After having been a Sprint employee (free service, everything included), and then being on an employee friends and family plan, and getting people SERO plans...you'll never find a plan as affordable as that. Even after a year the shock moving to a regular consumer plan still hits me every month.
Yes, me, I'm an idiot. Do I care who the hell gets my money? NO. They told me it was going to be cheaper, please explain how this phone is cheaper.
Family Plan Breakout. This sucks
Just figured it out
2 lines before with with 700 unlimited data and 200 sms - $109.99
http://209.85.173.104/search?q=cach...+iphone+family+plans&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=us
(click family)
Now $139.99 and only one phone gets the sms.
$30 difference, sucks. So much for my Iphone family. Wife is going to get a non-pda phone now.
Just figured it out
2 lines before with with 700 unlimited data and 200 sms - $109.99
http://209.85.173.104/search?q=cach...+iphone+family+plans&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=us
(click family)
Now $139.99 and only one phone gets the sms.
$30 difference, sucks. So much for my Iphone family. Wife is going to get a non-pda phone now.
The AT&T 3G iPhone overall is NOT a bad deal at all compared to Verizon, their primary 3G competitor..
First of all, Most of Verizon's smartphones (like a Treo 700wx, new Blackberry, HTC Touch, etc) are all $300-400. So an iPhone is already $100-200+ cheaper.
The AT&T base iPhone 3G Plan even at $70 month is still $20 cheaper compared to the same verizon Plan. Check it out
Verizon Wireless "Smartphone/PDA" base plan
- 450 voice minutes
- "unlimited data" (5GB)
- ZERO included text/mms messages (pay per txt)
========================================
$79.95/month
Add 500 text/mms messages
+10.00/month
GRAND TOTAL: $89.95/month
*data obtained from verizonwireless.com 10 mins ago
First of all, Most of Verizon's smartphones (like a Treo 700wx, new Blackberry, HTC Touch, etc) are all $300-400. So an iPhone is already $100-200+ cheaper.
The AT&T base iPhone 3G Plan even at $70 month is still $20 cheaper compared to the same verizon Plan. Check it out
Verizon Wireless "Smartphone/PDA" base plan
- 450 voice minutes
- "unlimited data" (5GB)
- ZERO included text/mms messages (pay per txt)
========================================
$79.95/month
Add 500 text/mms messages
+10.00/month
GRAND TOTAL: $89.95/month
*data obtained from verizonwireless.com 10 mins ago
Just checked this out - sounds like a good deal both on price and the fact there will be pay as you go (though as far as I can see the price of £99 they quote is shown for the £30 and £35 monthly tariffs - I hope this applies to pay as you go as well).
What we are dealing with here is a microcosm of the US economy. Average Americans, finally realizing that they can't have the newest and greatest. I am excited to see so many people not pledging their soul to the newest and greatest! It is just funny that the addition of the $10-$15 (plus tax) is the "line in the sand" for people who have been upgrading faithfully and dutifully for years. Did you know the average bank account in the US is in the negative? People! Save you friggin' dollar if you are happy with what you have! If you live outside the 3g area get a cheap gps and call it good! Who cares if it takes a little longer, essentially, you are still getting the same internet! It doesn't matter if you are in college, graduated, starting a family, own a business, retired, etc. What it comes down to is this: If you are going to benefit from this purchase, and it is not going to affect the way you live in a way that could jeopardize you by putting you close/ into debt then buy it! Otherwise, if you have to have an iphone, get a used 1G and pay for edge. I understand both sides to this cat fight in this forum, it is already a lot of money to pay, conversely, if $10 more is too much then you are already living really close to putting yourself in a position to put yourself in a world of pain in debt (if you are not already).
Myself personally, I am a recent graduate, and I am paying my loans myself. I am buying the new phone because I live in an area that supports it and I invest online. The faster speeds will allow faster realtime analysis through thinkorswim's thinkpod program, and online trading platform. It will pay for itself (the old one did ok, but charts took forever, and when you trade, that is not what you want. Also, my put options against aapl today paid for my first year of payments so I am set
Steve did say the dollar equivalent of $199 everywhere.. OTOH PayG would be expected to cost more normally on a newly released phone.
It may be the same though - they get the money on PayG back by nickel and diming the user to death - they pay extra for call time, data won't be free, etc.
It sounds like us UK guys have got a much better deal than the US, which makes a change
I think that the new O2 deal is a really good one. We get exactly the same monthly prices and minutes, with the addition of a new lowest rate as an additional plan (£30/month instead of £35), while the phone subsidies are pretty good. Pay $45/month ($90) to get the 8GB free or the 16GB for £59 ($120) and still get 40 minutes a day plus 500 texts plus unlimited data. iPhones are really going to fly off the shelves now because that's pretty much as good as the rest of the competition.
Pity AT&T hasn't shown the same gratitude!
I'm so glad I didn't crack and spend £169 on the old 8GB model last month!!!!!!!! (now you can get the 16GB 3G on the same plan for £59!!).
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A point about phone subsidies though. The carrier is not paying anything towards your subsidised phone. Instead, think of the monthly rental (in the minimum contract period, hence the reason why there is one) as an interest-free credit on the price of the phone, just like when you buy a car or a washing machine. The 'free minutes' are there to entice you from you going elsewhere. After your minimum contract time is up, you then own the phone, at which point you should cancel your contract, switch to a lower rate or upgrade and start paying for the next one. Service providers are not always forthcoming about this (they'd rather you kept on paying) so you need to watch out for that. However, they do like monthly subscriptions in general because it's a way of holding onto the customer.
On Pay As You Go, there is no minimum contract or free package. You simply buy the phone outright, as you would a new iPod, and then pay for anything you use on a, er, pay-as-you-go basis. No subsidy. Simple!
If you decide you don't want the new TV you bought then you are entitled to take it back for a full refund before a certain period. Doesn't mean you get to keep the TV!
You would have to return the phone because you don't own it until the end of the minimum contract period (18 months in the UK).