Apple iPhone 5 to launch on regional U.S. carriers on Friday, some offering discounts
One week after the iPhone 5 released on Sept. 21, regional wireless operators in the U.S. will begin selling Apple's latest smartphone, with some carriers offering special incentives like $50 price cuts to lure customers.
Regional carriers regional Cellcom, nTelos, Appalachian Wireless, C Spire, GCI and Cricket Communications will be starting sales of the iPhone 5 after the nation's largest providers launched the device last week, reports PC Mag.
A number of the smaller cellular companies, including Cellcom, nTelos, and Appalachian, will be cutting $50 off the normal retail price, bringing on-contract buys to $149 for the 16GB version, $249 for the 32GB unit and $349 for the largest 64GB model. Cricket will be offering the iPhone 5 without a contract for $499.99 and up. C Spire and GCI have yet to release their prices.
"We've seen the anticipation for iPhone 5 grow and are excited to soon offer our customers this fantastic phone on our network," said Cellcom CEO Pat Riordan.
With the introduction of the new handset, last year's iPhone 4S and the legacy iPhone 4 will each get sizable discounts, and some regional carriers are extending the $50 price cut to these handsets as well. The small operators will also be offering the iPhone 4 for free, using the same business model as the nation's top three carriers.
Regional carriers regional Cellcom, nTelos, Appalachian Wireless, C Spire, GCI and Cricket Communications will be starting sales of the iPhone 5 after the nation's largest providers launched the device last week, reports PC Mag.
A number of the smaller cellular companies, including Cellcom, nTelos, and Appalachian, will be cutting $50 off the normal retail price, bringing on-contract buys to $149 for the 16GB version, $249 for the 32GB unit and $349 for the largest 64GB model. Cricket will be offering the iPhone 5 without a contract for $499.99 and up. C Spire and GCI have yet to release their prices.
"We've seen the anticipation for iPhone 5 grow and are excited to soon offer our customers this fantastic phone on our network," said Cellcom CEO Pat Riordan.
With the introduction of the new handset, last year's iPhone 4S and the legacy iPhone 4 will each get sizable discounts, and some regional carriers are extending the $50 price cut to these handsets as well. The small operators will also be offering the iPhone 4 for free, using the same business model as the nation's top three carriers.
Comments
Remember the days of Xingular (AT&T) exclusivity? It is good to know that Apple no longer puts monopoly requirement on their customers to sign with AT&T just to have an iPhone.
Originally Posted by tylerk36
It is good to know that Apple no longer puts monopoly requirement on their customers to sign with AT&T just to have an iPhone.
Just a locked device requirement…
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tallest Skil
Just a locked device requirement…
The Verizon iPhone5 is GSM unlocked when shipped. I can stick an AT&T SIM in it and use it just fine (though it doesn't have the AT&T LTE frequencies).
Originally Posted by sessamoid
The Verizon iPhone5 is GSM unlocked when shipped. I can stick an AT&T SIM in it and use it just fine (though it doesn't have the AT&T LTE frequencies).
Yeah, but you're still paying for that Verizon contract… And good luck doing the same with an AT&T iPhone, or going to Sprint or Verizon from any carrier from whom you buy one.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tallest Skil
Just a locked device requirement…
There is no such requirement. Apple offers unlocked iPhones. Sure, you have to pay full price, but that is the trade off if you don't want to be subsidized. Further, Verizon's current iPhone 5 is sold unlocked for GSM networks. You still have to pay the contract price, but there is nothing preventing you from using it on T-Mobile or AT&T now or in the future. Moreover, AT&T will now unlock iPhones per request if they are off contract.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tallest Skil
Yeah, but you're still paying for that Verizon contract… And good luck doing the same with an AT&T iPhone, or going to Sprint or Verizon from any carrier from whom you buy one.
Yes, but you suggested Apple was forcing you to buy into a locked iPhone. Apple sells the iPhone 4S unlocked, and will undoubtedly do the same for the iPhone 5 when demand wanes a bit.
I will buy the unlocked iPhone 5 when Apple makes it available and take it to T-Mobile.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tallest Skil
Yeah, but you're still paying for that Verizon contract… And good luck doing the same with an AT&T iPhone, or going to Sprint or Verizon from any carrier from whom you buy one.
Locked devices have NEVER been because of Apple, and you said it yourself; VERIZON is requiring the contract. that's the greed of the carriers and them locking you into their service.. You get the exact same treatment with samsung, motorola, htc, etc..
Exactly why are you implying being locked is exclusive to an iPhone again? Hell, both ATT & Verizon versions can be had unlocked; Verizon even on contract. Verizon GSM side is unlocked by default and ATT just needs a restore to unlock if bought at full price.
Want to rally against locked devices.. Vote with your money and go prepaid service or even T-Mobiles Value Plan and buy your phone outright.. save a ton of cash.. No iPhone at 4G speeds though..
Originally Posted by Adrayven
Exactly why are you implying being locked is exclusive to an iPhone again?
Because I said no such thing.
Hell, both ATT & Verizon versions can be had unlocked…
Good luck using an unlocked AT&T model on Verizon or Sprint. Or an unlocked Verizon model on Sprint. Or an unlocked Sprint model on Verizon.