Question From an Existing iPhone User

[catfish743]

So. Are we screwed? I mean, I've had my iPhone since my birthday, June 29th of last year.I would really like to upgrade to the 3G mainly because this iPhone has seen a years worth of hard use and the batter isn't exactly where I would want it to be. My question is:

Will we have to pay extra to upgrade? or just the 199? I mean personally I think we early adopters have payed enough. I know I know, capitalism and market economy. But bite me. I can still be angry.

I really look forward to the new release though. Also I encourage any other 1st gen questions or comments.

 

[TheOrioles33]

The only "screwing" we will get is paying $30 instead of the current $20 data plan. The prices are the same no matter who buys one. I will be getting the 16GB and either selling or handing down my current iPhone. So basically my bill will go up $10. I can live with that since I will have 3G and GPS!

 

[aross99]

From what we can tell so far you can expect to get a new iPhone for $199. AT&T will want to readjust your contract to it goes for two years from the time you get your new phone.

AT&T is also moving the iPhone from it's special pricing to the standard Smartphone pricing plan. This means your data plan will move from $20 to $30, and it looks like you will have to add a txt messaging plan as well. You can get 200 txt's per month for $5, 1,500 txts for $15, or unlimited for $20. It is not really clear yet that you will have to choose a new text plan, but it sure sounds like you will.

That means you can expect a $10-$15 increase in your costs per month - plus taxes.

The good news is that there will be a string market for the older iPhones since they can be easily unlocked, and resold. People seem to be selling them for around $500 on eBay, if they are in good condition and unlocked.

 

[aross99]

The only "screwing" we will get is paying $30 instead of the current $20 data plan. The prices are the same no matter who buys one. I will be getting the 16GB and either selling or handing down my current iPhone. So basically my bill will go up $10. I can live with that since I will have 3G and GPS!

Have you verified that 3G is available in your area?

 

[103734]

well according to the email to AT&T the prices for people who are not eligible for a upgrade will have to pay a different/higher price. I think we are screwed.

 

[aross99]

well according to the email to AT&T the prices for people who are not eligible for a upgrade will have to pay a different/higher price. I think we are screwed.

I'm pretty sure that is talking about people who are mid-contract with other subsidized phones (ie anything BUT an iPhone). When you bought your iPhone, you agreed to a 24 month contract, but AT&T didn't subsidize the cost of the phone, so you should be eligible to upgrade at the $199 price.

Of course next year, when the next iPhone comes out, I think we could all be stuck, because the iPhone's we buy now are going to be subsidized, so next year we won't be eligible...

 

[djransom]

well according to the email to AT&T the prices for people who are not eligible for a upgrade will have to pay a different/higher price. I think we are screwed.

Read it again. It states that CURRENT 2G iPhone owners WILL be elgible for upgrade regardless of service tenure.

 

[Telp]

well according to the email to AT&T the prices for people who are not eligible for a upgrade will have to pay a different/higher price. I think we are screwed.

Pretty much what the email said was that if you have been a good customer, and have paid your bills on time, and haven't tried to "screw them over" they will allow you to upgrade without an ETF.

 

[catfish743]

It looks like I shall be selling my old one and getting a new one, AND Making a profit or atleast meeting even. Or giving the phone to my brother or something. I could always keep it and hack it to use as an iPod. Who knows. Thanks for the in put