It seems to be a computer automated response, just happens. In the computer's system, apparently, the only eligibility criteria is length of time since your contract start date. Somehow, on my account, when my phone was stolen, the rep made it so that the computer stated that I was upgrade eligible. Then, when I activated a new phone, it automatically cancelled that out. The reps told me yesterday that noone can do that in the computer, so who knows?? But, they did make notes that I am upgrade eligible, so hopefully I am OK.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Not eligible for an AT&T handset upgrade? Here's how to avoid being overcharged
- Thread starter reub
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
It seems to be a computer automated response, just happens. In the computer's system, apparently, the only eligibility criteria is length of time since your contract start date. Somehow, on my account, when my phone was stolen, the rep made it so that the computer stated that I was upgrade eligible. Then, when I activated a new phone, it automatically cancelled that out. The reps told me yesterday that noone can do that in the computer, so who knows?? But, they did make notes that I am upgrade eligible, so hopefully I am OK.
I have a feeling we will get a new announcement from AT&T sometime next week. They will clear this up and I have a feeling that they will let everyone upgrade regardless of the status. Perhaps its just my wishful thinking but...
Ask your local AT&T store to see if your upgrade eligible... if you are then there will be no problem in upgrading... everything is still panning out... its gonna be a couple of weeks before we get more definite answers.
Right now it is really speculation but its looking like the $30 is a must if you want to be able to use the Internet. The new Internet plan is not b/c the phone is 3G. It's because the original agreement btwn Apple and at&t is up and we are subzidizing the phone... PDA plans are $30 each regardless of speed or generaton.
Eligibility is one of the things that might change closer to launch. Keep coming back to this thread to find out more or PM me.
I think its still to early to finalize the eligibility debate... its possible that at&t will change their minds... so keep watching the bigger news sites to get info..
My manager says that you should wait a little while especially because the IMEI was already registered. I would go into your local at&t store anyway considering you need to create your account. They will probably be able to tell you some information and note your account.
I couldn't have said it better.
Thank you guys for valuing my information and opinion. Although I am able to share information with you about the launch I will never post any document that has been labeled for internal use only. The higher ups are looking into the source of the last leak and I really value my job. So this means I am only allowed to give you the facts and try not to speculate... Thanks for asking questions and I will continue to try to answer them to the best of my knowledge.
I dunno... I mean that right now I don't have all the answers and my manager didn't right now... so what I would do is ask your at&t if they could help you out... If you want my opinion... I think that activating right now will be okay... I'm just not sure how everything will be taken care of once you decide to get iPhone 3G.
LeanneStewart
I bought my iPhone around the same same time as you (I was an existing Cingular/AT&T customer) and agreed to a new two year contract. My online account says I'm eligible for an upgrade. I'm surprised that yours says you're not. From what I've read if you bought an un-subsidized phone you're eligible for an upgrade.
Alan
That is what the memo claimed. What I want to know is if I can get the 3G plan but keep my 2G iPhone. With FAN my bill would be far cheaper than it is now.
You would think so, but no. Seems AT&T is getting a bit greedy by mandating a 2 year contract with a non-subsidized iPhone. As far as I know, they don't require a contract for any other full priced phone.
Hopefully they will fix this issue - I think this was an oversight rather than purposely screwing over their long term customers.
Right now I pay 129USD for the family plan (two iphones both with 1500SMS).
If I convert just my line to 3G and my FAN IRU discount was active I would pay 119USD. If I convert both lines to 3G my bill would be 134USD.
So for me the price increase become a discount/wash.
No, no, no. So I can buy a subsidized AT&T Tilt on July 08, flip it on eBay, and then purchase a subsidized iPhone 3G on July 11?
No, no, no. AT&T is not going to let everybody buy a cut-rate 3G iPhone.
Thanks, so the upgrade eligible status applies. I found a way to determine when your line is eligible to upgrade using the website. Mine says that the line is eligible July 10, 2008. Score!
Now hopefully AT&T will stop being so cryptic and release information on how this in-store upgrade process is going to work, ASAP. There is too much information unknown to customers, and its causing a lot of confusion. I really hope there are still ways for a customer to activate at home. In store activation can take a while
Steve
Yes IRU discounts will be availible if your FAN has a rate plan discount. Talk to an at&t rep in a store to find out more.
The $30 plan is not b/c of 3G. I wish everyone would stop thinking that. ANY PDA phone that has EDGE or 3G has to have that same $30 plan (or $45 for enterprise). There is no getting around it for PDAs or the new iPhone if you want data.
diamond.g: Yes you can change your data plan to what you see fit. Just realize if you are going to put more than one iPhone on your family plan each iPhone needs to have its own data pkg. BTW if you are paying for 1500msg on two different phones, I recommend just getting the Family Unlimited msg for $30. Thats what you are paying already for both combined and that makes it so anyone on the family plan would be able to txt unlimited.
Yes, just ask them to relocate you when you are upgrading and they will be more than happy to do it.
They are being cryptic to their own employees... we have the same amount of information as you do and we are customer facing... lol Anyway, ur eligibility status is hilarious...Thanks, so the upgrade eligible status applies. I found a way to determine when your line is eligible to upgrade using the website. Mine says that the line is eligible July 10, 2008. Score!
Now hopefully AT&T will stop being so cryptic and release information on how this in-store upgrade process is going to work, ASAP. There is too much information unknown to customers, and its causing a lot of confusion. I really hope there are still ways for a customer to activate at home. In store activation can take a while
Steve
Cheers to all!
Will the unlimited family text work on a 2G iPhone? I was under the impression that it wouldn't.
I whole heartdly recommend everyone that is going to get a 3G iPhone to look into availability of the service discount. Once you take that into account, in most cases your bill will be cheaper than it currently is (or will be).
It works on any AT&T plan/phone. I've used it on my iPhone for the past 6 months, give or take.
Personally I have called customer service if it wasn't provisioned right and made it work... so yes it will work b/c I've seen it done.
I never bought an iPhone (too expensive) and was quite happy when they announced a lower price, but my happiness disappeared when I found out the reason for the lower price was that AT&T would now be subsidizing the cost.
Booooooooooo.
Here's the thing... I actually have an AT&T account (Cingular before they became AT&T) and upgraded my phone a couple months ago now. I really want to get the iPhone now, but simply cannot afford more than $300... what am I looking at here? $500 for a new phone or do I have to wait until I'm eligible again for upgrade (Nov. 2009 according to my account page)?
I never bought an iPhone (too expensive) and was quite happy when they announced a lower price, but my happiness disappeared when I found out the reason for the lower price was that AT&T would now be subsidizing the cost.
Booooooooooo.
Here's the thing... I actually have an AT&T account (Cingular before they became AT&T) and upgraded my phone a couple months ago now. I really want to get the iPhone now, but simply cannot afford more than $300... what am I looking at here? $500 for a new phone or do I have to wait until I'm eligible again for upgrade (Nov. 2009 according to my account page)?
I'm not sure what to say right now because I think that the upgrade eligibility thing is going to change as we get closer to the launch... I'm intensely hoping that everyone will be eligible for the iPhone 3G just like the 1st gen iPhone. I can't really speculate cause i work for the company and they said only state the facts... I'm sorry, I just can't give people a false hope...
