Data Plan

[skythefly13]

So I know it's likely there will be data plans made specifically for the iPhone, but does this mean you HAVE to get one to use all of the internet features? I can just use wifi only....right?

 

[neven]

No one knows.

Scenario 1: iPhone plans are very much a la carte, and you can add only the services you need.

Scenario 2: there are very few iPhone plans (perhaps only one or two) and they include everything under the sun.

I can think of reasons why it could go either way, so I'm not predicting anything.

 

[earnjam]

So I know it's likely there will be data plans made specifically for the iPhone, but does this mean you HAVE to get one to use all of the internet features? I can just use wifi only....right?

From my understanding, you will be able to use WiFi when in range as your internet connection. Although, I think it is somewhat of a waste to have all of the features of the iphone and not have some sort of data plan.

 

[appledrummer]

Is it going to be REQUIRED to sign up for service at the apple store and/or an AT&T store right when you buy it there? Or can you do it at a later time?

 

[JNB]

Is it going to be REQUIRED to sign up for service at the apple store and/or an AT&T store right when you buy it there? Or can you do it at a later time?

Well, IF the iPhone is available through store.apple.com, then you could expect that activation could be done over the phone or a walk-in at a AT&T store (or even an Store?).

The idea of online activation appeals to me, though, regardless of the portal (attws.com or apple.com or even ITMS). I hate dealing with the lame process at the cell phone stores.

 

[neven]

Apple store employees have allegedly been informed that the setup process would be extremely simple. That and the fact that they haven't even begun training them on setting up a cellphone plan tells me that there will be very little in-store setup. Really impatient customers and those who for whatever reason can't set up their iPhone online from home will be given the option of doing it on an in-store computer, much like they do now with Juniper Visa applications.

Just a guess, of course...

 

[Eric1285]

I think there were rumors going around that mentioned a data plan being required. That would make the iPhone and its monthly plan *really* expensive.

 

[marksman]

The impression I get is a data contract will be required. Some people have even speculated the phone won't even properly work for the most part without access to the AT&T Data network.

 

[Rooskibar03]

Really impatient customers and those who for whatever reason can't set up their iPhone online from home will be given the option of doing it on an in-store computer, much like they do now with Juniper Visa applications.

Yeah thats an easy process. I took a co-worker to the Apple Store who decided to get an Apple account. An hour and a half and 3 tries later, he was still answering questions about his 3rd grade teachers first husbands middle name.


I sure hope this is an easier process.

BTW, add a hint of sarcasm to this post....

 

[neven]

Yeah thats an easy process. I took a co-worker to the Apple Store who decided to get an Apple account. An hour and a half and 3 tries later, he was still answering questions about his 3rd grade teachers first husbands middle name. I sure hope this is an easier process.

I never said the iPhone activation process would be similar to the Juniper application in its ease. I said it would be similar in that you would be offered an in-store computer to do it on.

Apple doesn't control your credit application, and they probably won't control your credit check for a new plan either. They just give you the convenience of filling it out yourself rather than dictating it to a sloppy sales person who's going to take forever and screw up your info.

You'll be filling out a credit application either way - just because it's Apple, that doesn't mean you get to walk in and say, hey, hook me up with a two-year plan, I'm a very trustworthy person.