iPhone 3G: AT&T’s answers to the hard questions

Yesterday’s announcement of the 3G iPhone at WWDC answered a lot of questions, but as with any unreleased product announcement, it plus raised a few. Some of the questions I have seen circulating around, and some I had in my mind. So take in is the reply to some of the questions, courtesy of Brad Mays, AT&T PR.

Will you allow the iPhone 3G to be used on your pre paid service? No, each new iPhone requires a new, two-year contract. There will be no pre-paid or month-to-moth options.

Basically now there is no doubt, that the iPhone will not be able to be used on pre paid plans. that is unlucky, as all the pre pay plans can do is give Apple more sales. It does not fit with Apple’s new plan to stop iPhone unlocking, and alas will not be allowed.

Can customers not eligible to receive a reduction price, or those who are not willing to sign a contract, still get the iPhone 3G? No - see number one.

Well that is pretty straight forward. It does not reply the question though, whether a customer currently on AT&T can get the iPhone 3G at the reduction price. I am certain all that will come up in the future as the July 11th release draws nearer.

For public who are not in 3G areas but want the 3G iPhone for its looks, new features etc, will you still charge the additional $10 for details, or can they use

the standard iPhone plans? We will supply more plan-specific knowledge closer to the moment of availability. But, as of right now, we have said that each new contract requires a voice and input plan. And, the new iPhone info plans are $30 for consumers, $45
for business users.

Well, it seems that AT&T prefers to deliver the typical corporate dance around. In my area, AT&T offers no 3G coverage, at all. There are plenty of areas with the same story, and it is hardly fair for them to pay an additional $10 a month for the same service they were getting with their old iPhone.

How will AT&T be activating the iPhone 3G, and can activation be done at home via iTunes still? All activations will take place in the store. We think that will give customers an opportunity to cover any questions they have before leaving the store.

We all know that that is not the case. Apple and AT&T are severely cracking down on iPhone unlocking, and are requiring all iPhones to go out the door activated. While there could be some truth to what was said here, it is more likely they are just trying to tighten control.

I of course do not speak for everyone. There are tons of questions I did not ask. What are the questions you all have? Please leave a comment, and we will contact AT&T again, and manufacture another post with the answers you all crave.

Original post by Chase Higgins

Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
Related Articles
  • AT&T Q&A answers a few of our lingering questions
  • iPhone 3G survey lets you tell Apple like it is
  • AT&T announces iPhone 3G prices for customers not eligible for an upgrade
  • iPhone sales figures immediate stockpile questions
  • Toshiba laptop Experts Widget: get answers (sponsor)
  • No comments yet. Be the first.

    Leave a reply