06.08.09 - 3:15 p.m.
Just got an email from Rick Fox, spokesperson for AT&T, who explained the iPhone pricing structure to me.
"iPhone 3G S is a great value. The 16 GB model is $199 and the 32 GB model will go for $299. Individual plans start as low as $69.99 per month and include unlimited data (Web access and email). Families and small businesses can add iPhone lines for $39.99 per month. Upgrade eligibility varies with each customer, but in general you will become
upgrade-eligible the further you are into your service agreement. Customers can find out at att.com or in one of our stores if they are upgrade-eligible. If you are not currently eligible for an upgrade but still want iPhone 3G S, we can offer you an early upgrade price of $399 (16 GB) and $499 (32 GB). You have a number of choices here. You can wait until you are eligible, you can pay the early-upgrade price for iPhone 3G S, or you can simply continue to use your current iPhone 3G, which is eligible for the free upgrade to the new iPhone 3.0 software."
And as far as tethering goes, which was announced at WWDC but there was no mention of AT&T, Fox says: "We plan to offer one but we don't have an announcement to make at this time."
So that's the details. You still have to pay more if you aren't eligible but there is something built in for current customers.
I'm responding to this information on Twitter, so please follow me there if you don't already. I have two accounts that I hope you will follow: @iptib and @scottkleinberg
Thanks for calling.
5 Comments
Bryan said:
Guess I won't be getting a new phone until next June; not eligible for the "cheap" upgrade until 3/13/10. valued costumer my a**.
For those of you who argue that the subsidy AT&T pays to Apple on each phone is justification for this tier pricing, that is BS. Considering that not only does AT&T want to fleece me on the hardware, I also get to promise to pay AT&T for two more years, and pay a significantly higher monthly rate for data and text.
I can only hope that the iPhone is available on a different network next year.
SCOTT'S REPLY: I think AT&T easing the rules was the right way to go - however, I agree with you 100 percent, Bryan. The best thing that can possibly happen for consumers is for the iPhone to be available on more than one network. Competition is key.
Mr. Harold said:
Ok so I just purchased the iPhone 3g on June 8 and I was wondering if I could return it for a refund or wait untill the iPhone 3g s comes out so I could swap/trade it in.
Will I be able to get it?????
Will I have to pay extra????(besides the 10% fee)
Can someone help me out please!!!
I'm stressing
SCOTT'S REPLY: If you just bought it on June 8, I believe you qualify however you need to call AT&T because every single account is different.
elemental said:
Not cool AT&T. Last year I was allowed to upgrade from the original iphone to the 3G for the same promotional cost as new at&t customers (even though i was mid contract). so now that at&t has you guys hooked on the iphone they change the game.
SCOTT'S REPLY: True but not true. The first iPhone wasn't subsidized. You paid full price. And when you do, the rules of when you can upgrade don't apply. Contract or not.
because there is a new iphone every year (historically) i will always be paying a premium for this phone unless i wait 2 years for my contract to run out. verizon offers its customers the same promotional rates as new customers for customers who are 1 year into their contact. and if you keep your phone 2 year they give you an addional 100 bucks off on top of the promotional price. so they reward their customers for staying. i think its time i go to an the ipod and more comfortable text friendly cell from verizon. monopolies = greed!
SCOTT's REPLY: Some is greed, but the comparison between the first gen and 3G just doesn't fly because of the pricing structure.
Carolyn said:
When I buy the new 3Gs can my boyfriend sign up with ATT and use my old 3G ?
SCOTT'S REPLY: Absolutely, Carolyn.
juegos said:
wow! $399 for non eligible upgrade att customer is a lot of money, I dont want to be a att customer ever with that price and this economy
SCOTT's REPLY: Granted, Juegos - it's expensive.
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