Cingular scheduled to rebrand as AT&T by iPhone launch
By Ryan Block 
posted Jan 10th 2007 3:51PM
posted Jan 10th 2007 3:51PM
At a press conference at CES today we learned that Cingular has intends to initiate its rebranding to AT&T (not AT&T Wireless) by mid-year -- in time for the iPhone launch. While they weren't entirely certain of an exact date, they definitely seemed determined to make sure the AT&T branding was firmly in hold by the time the industry-changing device. Cingular couldn't officially confirm whether Apple could or couldn't make an identical device without a cell radio (i.e. the "true" video / widescreen / WiFi iPod), but they stated "Apple can build [their] devices." Other interesting Cingular / Apple bits:- It was again confirmed that customers must agree to a two year contract, even if that requires customers to renew their current service.
- There is no iTunes revenue sharing.
- There will be no physical branding on the iPhone but Apple branding. The only AT&T / Cingular branding will be on-screen where the carrier readout is shown.
- Although nothing was confirmed, Cingular made it sound as though users might be able to expect a specially bundled data plan for the iPhone.
YAY!
That Means cheaper DATA for the iPhone!
Can anyone say Unlimited for $19.99?
-Baldwin
http://www.thinkshoppingonline.com/
I'm not happy about the requirement of a 2 year contract when buying the phone, especially since I already have a 2 year contract with Cingular. When being forced to pay $600 for the damn thing I should at least have some options.
Your options (as of now):
Media Max 1000 ($30) - Unlimited Data and 1000 Messages (3cents overage) and access to Cingular Video
Media Max 200 ($20) - Unlimited Data and 200 Messages (5cents overage) and access to Cingular Video
Media Works ($15) - 5MB Data (1cent per KB overage) and 1000 messages (5cents overage)
Media Basic ($10) - 1MB Data (1cent per KB overage) and 400 messages (10cents overage)
Every MMS counts as one text message. How ever big (in KBytes) the multimedia is, that much is charged (or deducted from plan)
Cingular Video only works on 3G/3.5G phones
Unlimited PDA Data Plan ($40) - Unlimited Data with an assigned external IP for use with VPN
If you don't need VPN, don't get the PDA plan. I have a PDA and don't use VPN, and have the Media Max 1000. Use it for surfing on my phone and... tethering... because Cingular doesn't know what data's tethered and what's not. SHHHH!!!
OMG Im so getting this, this is an amazing piece of equipment and it will def go down in history.
Now the next question is will there be an Active Sync like application on windows or will it be included in iTunes (already rumors are floating)
No way cingular is gonna let a $20 unlimited data plan fly for the iphone. On the blackjack, the official pricing is 40 a month but you can sneak by on the mediamax200. The reason behind the blackjack cant run a mediamax200 pricing is the ease that the keyboard provides for browsing and i would think that the iphone has a better interface for internet, therefore same or more expensive data plan.
Anybody really believe this will be launced by June? Cingular is famous for the on and on delay of new phone introduction. But maybe this phone was actually built to be "pre-branded" with Cingular in mind which could make a difference
Wow...you Cingular customers get screwed royally on data...and this thing isn't even 3G...I think I'll just keep my EV-DO, thank ya!
@rob
the megabytes you download have nothing to do with the pricing of the plan. the $20 plan uses wap.cingular.com which is a proxy for internet. the $40 plan uses isp.cingular.com which gives you an IP address.
it has nothing to do with bandwidth. most 3G phones will suck up more data on Cingular Video in 3 days than an EDGE PDA will in a month
I am currently on Cingular's SmartPhone Connect Unlimited w/Xpress Mail unlimited data plan. $19.99 monthly.
BTW, Cingular network settings are "forward compatable". I am using a HTC Tytn on it and enjoying full 3G UMTS speed. Take that EV-DO. ;)
I like the Iphone
But only rich people or spoiled kids are going to get it ....I mean $499/ $599 US Dollars. I could buy a PS3/ 2 iPods,Zunes/ or be well on my way to a new PC or....Macbook...that right Apple,maybe if the thing didn't cost so much ,I could buy a Mac too.
WHOAAA!!! Back the truck up here folks...
In another article here it said that as part of the deal to carry the phone, Cingular had to agree to NOT DISCOUNT the phone. Since the reason why we supposedly get locked into rediculous contracts with carriers is because we "paying for the subsidy" on the phone we've purchased, but the iPhone is subsidised, THEN WHY DO I HAVE TO GET A CONTRACT! Even worse, a TWO YEAR contract!
Thanks, but no thanks. If unlocked iPhones don't show up from non-carrier sources, then I sure as heck am not going to get one...
iPhone is available with Cingular ONLY!? And what if I am stuck under contract with a carrier OTHER than Cingular but still want a iPhone?
Well, the only solution I could fine was http://www.Cellswapper.com - they get you out of any cell phone contract!