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AT&T announces iPhone 3G plans, 8 a.m. launch time on July 11 - Page 2

post #41 of 263
7/1/08 at 8:29am
Quote:
Originally Posted by rhapsodyinpink69 View Post

god, i hate AT&T. might get one without a contract. how would that work?
AT&T just keeps jacking up the price. NO INCLUDED SMS?!! so stupid. phone companies suck.

$600 for the 8 GB, $700 for the 16 GB. Cheaper than the Nokia N95 8 GB.

If I had money to burn, I would just get the 16 GB - the data plans will cost more over time, and I don't SMS, and would just have the Wifi + phone.
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post #42 of 263
7/1/08 at 8:29am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Keda View Post

I did read the text fully, and think it is horse shit.

Apple's site lists the base price as $199 w/ a 2-yr plan. It says nothing about upgrade eligibility or costs. Both Apple and ATT have publicized the $199 price...again w/no mention of a subsidy. Who are the "we" that has know of the subsidy? I searched Apple and CNN--nada. The only mention of cost that I found was $199 & $299.

If you read it, you did not comprehend it. When there is a contract attached to it you should assume that the device has been subsidized.

As for the upgrade eligibility. Why were you under the impression that you could buy an iPhone for $199 come July 11th, then reenter the store, cancel your plan with no penalty and purchase another iPhone for $199. You didn't state this outright, but your assumption that there is no penalty for re-upping your contract with a new handset means that youand everyone elsecould do just that. The only penalty would be the $18 activation fee for each device and the 2 year contract you'd be in at the end of your shell game; but the millions you could make off selling the iPhones would easily buy you out of your contract.

You have a fee for canceling your plan early. That fee is around $200, though possibly a little lower. The price for an iPhone for those not eligible for an upgrade is $200 more. The price of an unsubsidized iPhone is $200 more than that. This is all standard and available to you on your contract and when you ask an AT&T rep.
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post #43 of 263
7/1/08 at 8:31am
Now I just checked the 3G coverage map and there isn't any coverage withing miles of my house. However when I used to have the AT&T 8525, I was able to use 3G. What does this mean?
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post #44 of 263
7/1/08 at 8:35am
Quote:
Originally Posted by blackbird_1.0 View Post

What, they're going to increase the service price for those of us who bought an iPhone last year?

My grandmother and I had both AT&T, both phones under her name (but hers wsn't an iPhone), she passed away recently, so I had to switch my iPhone to my name (yesterday). The lady on the phone said my bill would still be $60 and my contract ends July 2009.

Where did you ever read that. Current iPhone users will stay at the current rates. Only 3G iPhones get the new rates.
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post #45 of 263
7/1/08 at 8:35am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Keda View Post

From the iPhone site:

"Phone, iPod, and Internet in one fast 3G device. Starting at $199.*"
"* Based on 3G and EDGE testing. Actual speeds vary by site conditions. Based on iPhone 3G (8GB) and first-generation iPhone (8GB) purchases. Requires new 2-year AT&T rate plan, sold separately."

From Apple's press release:

"In the US the new iPhone 3G is priced at a stunning $199 for the 8GB model, and just $299 for the 16GB model.** "
"**Based on iPhone 3G (8GB) and first generation iPhone (8GB) purchases. Requires new two year AT&T rate plan, sold separately. "

So, you did read that it requires a NEW 2 year contract... you have to finish your old one first, or pay the termination fee.

solipsism beat me to it.
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post #46 of 263
7/1/08 at 8:37am
Notice in the video posted on Apple's site he says while on a call "with a 3G or WiFi connection you can access other applications." Seems like they are implying that you will eventually make calls over WiFi.

Nice!
aren't you going to miss being the smarter minority when Apple goes mainstream?
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aren't you going to miss being the smarter minority when Apple goes mainstream?
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post #47 of 263
7/1/08 at 8:39am
My first thought when I read this was "I guess the iPod Touch product is going to remain popular after all."
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post #48 of 263
7/1/08 at 8:39am
What if you're currently on an AT&T family plan with 4 phones and only two of the family members want an iphone?! Am i required to purchase two family plans now? 1 for the iphones and 1 for the other two phones?!
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post #49 of 263
7/1/08 at 8:42am
The rates of the plans don't upset me, after all it's 3G and a hell of an experience. However, what does bother me is the disregard for current loyal customers. I was planning on buying an iphone in july, now have to wait until 12/28. At that point, who knows if the price will still be $299...Aren't we the ones who should be rewarded?
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post #50 of 263
7/1/08 at 8:44am
Does anyone have a copy of the previous AT&T iPhone pricing plan?

Wanted to have a comparison between the old pricing plan and the 3G one.

Cheers.
2.0 GHz Macbook, 2 GB RAM, 250 GB HD
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2.0 GHz Macbook, 2 GB RAM, 250 GB HD
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post #51 of 263
7/1/08 at 8:48am
Any idea what time Apple Retail Stores will sell the iPhone 3G? I'm surprised AT&T announced the time before Apple did.
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post #52 of 263
7/1/08 at 8:48am
Quote:
Originally Posted by guppy737 View Post

World class fark-job from ATT here. I upgraded my ATT phone in March, not knowing what the story was gonna be with iphone 3G. And now I'm screwed on the price. That's cool, I'd rather wait than give ATT one more dime than I have to.

it is unfortunate that the positives that could surround the introduction of this much awaited serious upgrade has to be attached to a lame grab for additional profit. Yes, Apple has loyal followers to which I am one, but continued testing of those loyalty waters will run thin. It is unfortunate that competitors are asleep at the wheel.
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post #53 of 263
7/1/08 at 8:48am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Keda View Post

Huh?! So, the iPhone isn't actually $199, its $399? Then, I have to pay between $70-$130 a month?

That doesn't make sense, and it feels a lot like bait and switch. I've never had an iPhone, and was thinking of getting one. But this puts a bad taste in my mouth. I think I'll sit it out.

This is very close to plans you get for other smartphones. I have a BlackBerry right now with VZW and I pay a similar monthly payment (~80$) for a bundled voice+data plan. You can't compare it to a voice only plan, here you will pay much less but you will get less. It's your choice.
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post #54 of 263
7/1/08 at 8:48am
I see in their "Get iReady" pdf that you may only purchase 1 iPhone per person in line. This is insane. My wife and I are current Verizon customers that have been waiting for the new iPhone to come out before jumping to AT&T. I need to get two phones (one for me and one for my wife) and there is no way I'm going to get her to stand in line just to buy a phone.

Does anyone know if the Apple Stores will have the same restriction?
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post #55 of 263
7/1/08 at 8:50am
I transfered my wife's Nokia GoPhone to my account Family plan last year. Now when I eligibility it says my iPhone is eligible but my wife's Nokia phone is not! Do they mean that it is not eligible for the $199 price? I doubt it since she did not buy her phone subsidize. I was a $99 GoPhone from Wal-Mart! I will try to call AT&T later today and see if I can get an answer. I am using the 500 min. family plan, I don't know why they don't have it for the 3G iPhone family plan!
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post #56 of 263
7/1/08 at 8:51am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Keda View Post

My old phone died in December, and I was forced to buy a replacement.

How were you "forced" into buying a new phone?

Quote:
I did read the text fully, and think it is horse shit.

Then perhaps you should try to comprehend what you read.

Quote:
Apple's site lists the base price as $199 w/ a 2-yr plan. It says nothing about upgrade eligibility or costs. Both Apple and ATT have publicized the $199 price...again w/no mention of a subsidy. Who are the "we" that has know of the subsidy? I searched Apple and CNN--nada. The only mention of cost that I found was $199 & $299.

You are certainly more than welcome to sign up for a brand new account with a 2 year plan and get the phone for $199/$299.

Quote:
"Phone, iPod, and Internet in one fast 3G device. Starting at $199.*"
"* Based on 3G and EDGE testing. Actual speeds vary by site conditions. Based on iPhone 3G (8GB) and first-generation iPhone (8GB) purchases. Requires new 2-year AT&T rate plan, sold separately."

From Apple's press release:

"In the US the new iPhone 3G is priced at a stunning $199 for the 8GB model, and just $299 for the 16GB model.** "
"**Based on iPhone 3G (8GB) and first generation iPhone (8GB) purchases. Requires new two year AT&T rate plan, sold separately. "

What's stopping you from getting a new 2 year plan as you quoted?
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post #57 of 263
7/1/08 at 8:54am
Quote:
Originally Posted by solipsism View Post

get the iPhone for $199.

No conditions, eh? I think you need to re-watch the keynote.

You couldn't spare us all the trouble, since you seem to know? Or perhaps you're calling our bluff.

Quoting from the WWDC '08 Keynote

Steve Jobs: "5. More affordable" The number one reason people didn't buy the original iPhone was that they couldn't afford it. "56% Too Expensive"

"The iPhone started off at $599 for an 8 gig iPhone that now sells for $399 for an 8 gig iPhone. And we want to make it even more affordable. And I'm really happy to tell you that the iPhone 3G is gonna sell for $199. At just $199, we think the iPhone 3G is going to be affordable to almost everyone. And that's for the 8 gig model. 16 gig model just $299 [...] But of course the big news is $399 to $199. And we think we can check off "more affordable"."

No conditions on those $199/$299 prices.

Quote:
Originally Posted by solipsism View Post

PS: I'm constantly shaking my head why so many people on these forums don't understand how a subsidies or selling items for a profit works.

We know how bait and switch works, too. I'm constantly shaking my head why people who have a vested interest are willing to overlook legalities.

It looks like our best choice will be to avoid the AT&T store altogether and buy the iPhone 3G at an Apple store for $199/$299.
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post #58 of 263
7/1/08 at 8:55am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mclarenf1 View Post

Notice in the video posted on Apple's site he says while on a call "with a 3G or WiFi connection you can access other applications." Seems like they are implying that you will eventually make calls over WiFi.

Nice!

With the current EDGE-based iPhone you can't use Safari, check email, stocks, weather, etc. while on a call... unless you are connected via WiFi. With the 3G iPhone you'll be able to do all of that if you are using a 3G/UTMS/HSDPA connection.
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post #59 of 263
7/1/08 at 8:55am
I currently pay 69.99 a month for my treo 750. That's 450 minutes, unlimited data and 1500 messages. Now I'll be paying the exact same, and lose my 1500 txt. AND I'll lose my ActiveSync unless I pay an extra 15 bucks.

What's more irritating is that I'm only a year into my two year contract so I'll have to pay more for my iphone than a 1Gen iphone user with the same time under his belt.

I'm looking for an AT&T store that has a 1Gen iphone in stock. Then I can trade up.

Although its cheaper to just buy a new iphone on a new plan and cancel it the next day. 299+175 is less than the 499 and i'm not getting a new contract. And it makes AT&T's financials look bad
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post #60 of 263
7/1/08 at 8:57am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Foo2 View Post

Steve Jobs stated publicly that the iPhone 3G would cost $199 (8GB) and $299 (16GB). No conditions. Obviously then, if AT&T charges more, then Apple will subsidize us for the difference.

wishful thinking. if only, if only.
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post #61 of 263
7/1/08 at 8:58am
In summary, no one has to buy the new iPhone.

I, for one, am happy you all won't be clogging the line up. Keep it going.
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post #62 of 263
7/1/08 at 8:59am
Hey Dave - I can't grasp those alternatives...
My small business uses Iphones - ATT. My family (5 people) use Verizon - since their coverage is so much better - and their pricing is better for families. What easier method than sms should i use to send short messages to my kids?

FWIW Each plan we have with ATT on the iphone costs $80 for 1400 minutes with rollover and full data with 200 SMS messages. Looks like the new plans are so much more expensive. Still no tethering either - something I could do in a pinch 4 years ago with 'Q' and treo on Verizon.

Thanks ATT - shame as I like the Iphone so much - but no upgrades for us
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post #63 of 263
7/1/08 at 9:00am
Quote:
Originally Posted by physguy View Post

The current equivalent plans, for one phone, which is what is shown, are $10/month less. I pay $60/month for my phone for the 450/unlimited data. With the upgrade I will pay $75/month (including $5 for 200 SMS). That's it. So I save $200 on the price and pay $360 on the contract. So $160/24 months - < $7/month for 3G speeds. Worth it?

Since I don't use SMS in any case (for reasons stated above) its < $2/month more. Seems reasonable. Certainly not going to scare anyone away that actually looks at it.

Smart post. Thanks.
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post #64 of 263
7/1/08 at 9:00am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Foo2 View Post

It looks like our best choice will be to avoid the AT&T store altogether and buy the iPhone 3G at an Apple store for $199/$299.

Because you want to sign up with the ATT plan at the Apple store instead?
You simply don't like interacting with ATT folks?
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post #65 of 263
7/1/08 at 9:02am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Keda View Post

My old phone died in December, and I was forced to buy a replacement. There was no mention of this action adding $200 to my future iPhone purchase. I bought the most basic model, so that I could minimize my financial hit. I also specifically told the ATT rep of my plan to replace the phone, and was told it wouldn't be a problem.

I did the same thing, and was told the same thing. No one low-level knew that the pricing structure would change, so you weren't defrauded. And yes, it sucks that the cheap phones we bought now cost us $200, but in a world where things change (yes people, things change, stop bitching about it they didn't change the structure just to screw you, they changed it to be profitable) we got the shot end of the stick this time. You want to protest? Fine. Don't by an iphone. No need to whine about it.
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post #66 of 263
7/1/08 at 9:03am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Foo2 View Post

No conditions on those $199/$299 prices.
We know how bait and switch works, too. I'm constantly shaking my head why people who have a vested interest are willing to overlook legalities.

What exactly do you find illegal about a presentation presented in Keynote? It's a general overview, not a legal document. The initial price has been cut in half. Apple never stated that the price would be unsubsidized. Apple never stated that the price wouldn't be tied to a 2-year contract.

It was quite obvious to most that the lower price meant there was a subsidy tied to the device. Not stating conditions on a Keynote at a developer's conference is not the same as not stating conditions at the time of purchase. The slides are pretty simple, they are not meant for excessive lines of lilliputian text along the bottom to be deciphered at a later time. Apple stated there would be Exchange support but I don't recall them stating that you would have to have access to an Exchange server to use the service.

Quote:
It looks like our best choice will be to avoid the AT&T store altogether and buy the iPhone 3G at an Apple store for $199/$299.

You aren't going to get it any cheaper at an Apple Store.
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post #67 of 263
7/1/08 at 9:13am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris_CA View Post

How were you "forced" into buying a new phone?


Then perhaps you should try to comprehend what you read.


You are certainly more than welcome to sign up for a brand new account with a 2 year plan and get the phone for $199/$299.


What's stopping you from getting a new 2 year plan as you quoted?

are you serious? I mean, really... you propose he can be successful in this world without a phone, and then tell him he should spend more money than he has to (new 2 year plan involves keeping the old plan, or canceling)? Seems like you're being argumentative for the sake of it. Trolling = annoying. Don't do it.
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post #68 of 263
7/1/08 at 9:13am
Any idea what time Apple Retail Stores will sell the iPhone 3G on the 11th?
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post #69 of 263
7/1/08 at 9:15am
Quote:
Originally Posted by solipsism View Post

What exactly do you find illegal about a presentation presented in Keynote? It's a general overview, not a legal document.

Seconded. It cant even be called false advertising because they are selling phones for that price. he said "it will be selling for $199" or something of the sort, he didn't say it would also be selling for different prices. Bait and switch implies there was a contract of sorts and then they switched the prices on you. No such things happened people. Either get a law degree or stop declaring that corporations that make profits must have done some illegal...
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post #70 of 263
7/1/08 at 9:16am
Quote:
Originally Posted by federmoose View Post

are you serious? I mean, really... you propose he can be successful in this world without a phone, and then tell him he should spend more money than he has to (new 2 year plan involves keeping the old plan, or canceling)? Seems like you're being argumentative for the sake of it.

Uh, no. He wrote he couldn't get an iPhone for $199/$299, then proceeds to post quotes on how he can do it!

How is that argumentative/trolling?

His "argument" (or lack thereof) is kind of like saying that I can buy a new car for $199 a month but wait! I already have a car payment for $199 a month so I have to pay twice as much for a new car?!?! That is a rip-off!
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post #71 of 263
7/1/08 at 9:17am
Quote:
Originally Posted by kasperian View Post

I see in their "Get iReady" pdf that you may only purchase 1 iPhone per person in line. This is insane. My wife and I are current Verizon customers that have been waiting for the new iPhone to come out before jumping to AT&T. I need to get two phones (one for me and one for my wife) and there is no way I'm going to get her to stand in line just to buy a phone.

Does anyone know if the Apple Stores will have the same restriction?

This may be a general rule for the launch, but AT&T has also stated that 3 units per person is the max in an early memo. Since you and your wife are on the same Family Plan, and are not new customers, I would think you could purchase two handsets. Though I'd call your local AT&T store first to speak with the manager to verify and to potentially solidify the option verbally.
Purchase Limit
The device purchase limit will remain three (3) per customer for iPhone 3G in AT&T stores.
http://www.mobilewhack.com/att-inter...e-memo-leaked/

Quote:
Originally Posted by NasserAE View Post

I transfered my wife's Nokia GoPhone to my account Family plan last year. Now when I eligibility it says my iPhone is eligible but my wife's Nokia phone is not! Do they mean that it is not eligible for the $199 price?

That is what it means. If you are near the end date they can pull you in a little early from what I hear, but I think this depends on the CSR assisting you.
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post #72 of 263
7/1/08 at 9:28am
Stop using text messages and start using email if your sending over 200 a month.
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post #73 of 263
7/1/08 at 9:28am
Quote:
Originally Posted by solipsism View Post

The outrageous price bump on text messages seems highly unwarranted. I see a potential for a class action here.

Either way, I'll just abuse the data more with IMs and emails that use excessively more data just for header info.

Totally agree, except for 1 thing: class action. I can't see how having outrageous prices can qualify as grounds for a class action suit.
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post #74 of 263
7/1/08 at 9:29am
This just solidifies my decision. My wife and I will stick with our first gen iPhones and family plans thank you.

When an iPhone comes out with a video chat and/or more desirable features other then speed and gps I will reconsider...
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post #75 of 263
7/1/08 at 9:29am
The new family plan rates make no sense for families with 2 phones. You'd be better off getting two individual accounts. On the low-end plans, it would cost you $10 more per month ($5 more per phone), but you'd be getting 200 additional minutes for that, AND, you could chose the $5 SMS package (200 messages), instead of being forced into an expensive SMS package on the family plans.

For some people, the new pricing won't be that much different from the old. But for others, it will be much more costly.

I was holding out to buy 2 iPhones this month, but now I will skip it. The monthly rates are just too much for too little.
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post #76 of 263
7/1/08 at 9:31am
Why is it that AT&T has the highest prices IN THE WORLD for the iPhone plans? We keep reading about the prices in France, Germany, U.K., Switzerland, etc., etc. -- and there are always options for lower-cost plans, or plans that cost the same but offer more minutes/SMS.

I love Apple products. I am an investor in AAPL. But they made a huge mistake when they gave AT&T exclusive U.S. rights.
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post #77 of 263
7/1/08 at 9:33am
Quote:
Originally Posted by slicedbread View Post

I love Apple products. I am an investor in AAPL. But they made a huge mistake when they gave AT&T exclusive U.S. rights.

A huge mistake for who?
The consumer maybe but certainly not for Apple or ATT.
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post #78 of 263
7/1/08 at 9:34am
Note that the cost of additional minutes on all these plans is under half a cent:

.45c
.40c
etc.

I hope that someone holds them to this. They should also fire the manager that approved this, or send them back to 7th grade and learn how to use decimals.
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post #79 of 263
7/1/08 at 9:34am
Quote:
Originally Posted by freeny View Post

This just solidifies my decision. My wife and I will stick with our first gen iPhones and family plans thank you.

When an iPhone comes out with a video chat and/or more desirable features other then speed and gps I will reconsider...

For someone who already has Family Talk, the difference is only $10. As it says on the AT&T 3G iPhone page: "Add a Consumer Data Plan for iPhone 3G to a qualified voice plan for $30 per month."

This compares to the $20 dollars to add an iPhone Data Plan to Family Talk last year.
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post #80 of 263
7/1/08 at 9:34am
I don't know who got bamboozled: Apple, iPhone customer, or both. Typical AT&T, sucker-punch you when you are not looking. Apple needs to become their own cellular provider.
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