iPhone data plans to surface before launch day
By Darren Murph 
posted Jun 21st 2007 4:54PM
posted Jun 21st 2007 4:54PM
Another day, another rash of iPhone rumblings for the fanatics. As we sit just over a week away from the launch, a piece in USA Today gave way to the fact that Apple's forthcoming handset is to thank for "2,000 extra sales people" joining AT&T's force -- some of which will actually remain long-term to assist with the barrage of new customers. Additionally, it was (unsurprisingly) noted that larger markets would get a greater quantity of phones, but those who can't snag one immediately can place "mail orders" that should be shipped out "in three to five days." Most interesting, however, is the conversation surrounding the elusive data plans; initially, it was insinuated that customers would be forced to wait until the 29th in order to learn about the potential option(s), but a followup over at iLounge allowed AT&T spokesman Mark Siegel to clear things up. He stated that folks would know the details "before the 29th," and while we've no idea what kind of price premium you may face, he also claimed that it wouldn't "be anything exotic." Of course, you'll hand over just about anything it asks in order to take one home, right?[Via AppleInsider]
Read - USA Today iPhone details
Read - iLounge followup
Damn, it looks like AT&T is going to make full use of this opportunity to fleece the Apple fanboys as much as they can.
Man you got that RIGHT!
I was ready to plunk down the $600 for an iPhone, but I'm getting nervous. If it's plan is restrictive or too costly, fughedaboutit. I make good money, but not stupid. I'm going to poke around the ATT store next week, but I doubt I'll fall for it. That's quite a change from how I felt two weeks ago. They need to open up NOW and let folks know what it will really cost.
Good phone are like good sex, you have to pay over the odds for it....
or...good phones make calling there first and foremost feature...everything else is dessert
sorry, companies aren't in the business of making "phones" anymore...as we head toward the end of the decade it's all about "mobile devices" that just happen to include a phone, but do everything you can imagine. the best and most popular phones will be the ones that are capable of doing 3 or 4 different things...not 1 or 2
I am SO curious about the data plan prices. C'mon, it's Edge, not 3G (and yes, I admit, the only reason I know there's a difference is because I started following the whole convergence device hype last October as the iPhone/LG Prada rumors started flying). I just can't imagine that MASSES of people are going to pay the $600 up front for the device, and then another $39.99 monthly for the data plan (standard rate for "PDA device" data plans on Cingular/now AT&T) not to mention whatever you're paying for your voice plan. So if they're thinking this is going to be a device that merits hiring 2,000 extra salespeople, I hope they're not thinking they can double dip with an expensive device AND expensive plan. Just saying...
Why does the iphone need SPECIAL data plans. ATT already has unspecial ones. Stinker.
I have the "old" version of the MediaNet Works plan ($19.99 a month for unlimited data of any kind - PDA/Tethered, whatever) and would gladly sink down the $600 for a iPhone because I have been making the trasition to Mac anyway. Problem is, I just got my (piece of junk) 8525 just back in December, and now I have to wait and see how the iPhone is going to evolve for another 12-18 months before I can get one. Maybe that's better though...at least by the time I can get one it should be 3G will all the trimmings (and maybe the 3G network will BE WORKING IN LA BY THEN!?!?!?