http://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/ Engadget Mobile Comments for AT&T announces iPhone 3G pricing plans http://mobile.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://mobile.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/http://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/Jul 1st 2008 11:46AMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/http://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/Jul 1st 2008 11:52AMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/http://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/
I feel your pain. I bought a Q back in April because I could not justify the 399 or 499 for the iPhone - which I really wanted. Now this new iPhone - I'd love with some of the new stuff it does, and I could justify 199 or 299, but I'm not eligible for upgrade. I'm actually considering cancelling the line, paying the ETF and then buying the iPhone! I'd actually save about 25-50 bucks to do that!

I understand your complaint, but this is how it works already. AT&T is being nice to even offer any discount for those not eligible.]]>Jul 1st 2008 12:50PMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/http://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/Jul 1st 2008 12:04PMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/http://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/
I distinctly remember the last time I checked that although foundation account numbers do help, since AT&T jacks up data usage pricing for corporate users all it basically lets you do is break even (with a comparative individual plan). ATT Premier used to be sweet when they basically had the "unlimited upgrading" on handsets (as long as you just renewed for 2 more years from the date of getting a new phone).

Honestly, I hope people don't buy a lot of these (especially initially) because it will make ATT and Apple rethink their pricing on this mediocre device. The fact that the introductory truly "unlimited plan" starts at $90 and doesn't even include text messaging is ridiculous.

The text messaging part of this may be the largest scam of it all, since ATT charges $15 for 1500 messages of ALL TYPES (including MMS) for all other phones, and has a "corporate only" texting plan (I think it's called B2B texting) which gives 1500 (text only, no MMS) messages for $10 a month. If you get this phone and sign up for this plan, you are truly getting scammed.]]>Jul 1st 2008 2:30PMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/http://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/
As to pricing on "Mediocre" device... First of all, it's not all that "mediocre." Yes, it has shortcomings. But they obviously are working on those - look at the strides already made.

But more importantly, this all about supply and demand. It's obviously a more expensive phone to build than others, given the technology - so that will drive the price up a bit. But the demand is huge. Apple has played this well. Strong marketing, strong features and benefits (touchscreen iPod marketing. If you have an iPod and a phone - why not have both with touchscreen) and Apple has a huge following.

Supply and Demand has driven the price of this up.]]>Jul 1st 2008 3:06PMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/http://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/
That people are more prudent about what they blow their money on. This might seem like a rant but when the average US consumer savings rate is NEGATIVE, I don't see why so many people should be flocking over this phone. ]]>Jul 1st 2008 5:25PMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/http://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/
I currently have a regular individual AT&T individual plan (with an old phone and expired contract, so I would certainly qualify for the upgrade) and a GoPhone (for myself and my wife). I was planning on switching to cell-phone-only and dropping my landline, with the family plan and one iPhone. It looks like if I want to get the family plan though I'd need to buy two iPhones, which we have absolutely no need for.

Seems a bit absurd. Wouldn't other people want to do the same thing?]]>Jul 1st 2008 12:07PMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/http://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/Jul 1st 2008 12:12PMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/http://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/
From this info on AT&T's web site, it looks like to get a Family Plan with one iPhone and one regular phone that I'll have to get two individual plans (one iPhone @ $69.99 and one regular at $39.99) which is $10/month extra for no reason.]]>Jul 1st 2008 3:22PMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/http://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/Jul 1st 2008 12:36PMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/http://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/Jul 1st 2008 12:39PMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/http://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/Jul 1st 2008 2:16PMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/http://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/Jul 1st 2008 11:22PMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/http://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/
The new iPhone plans are not any different than current PDA plans. You have to stop thinking of it that way. The only difference is they are requiring you to take data. That's it.

A regular PDA (BlackBerry) is going to be voice plus data. If that's a 750 plan and a personal data - that would be $69.99. iPhone will be $69.99 for 750 minutes and personal data. Same thing! This is not any different.

Therefore, your Family Plan can be a 2100 minute plan for $100 and that will include your iPhone. Your wife's RAZR will be another $9.99. Your iPhone will be $30 for data, your wife's RAZR - $15 for data. Unlimited Text for the Family - $30.

And yes, FAN discounts DO apply. (At least that's what I've been told.)

It all narrows down to the iPhone is basically being considered a PDA - so it's getting the same pricing. Only they are requiring it be activated with both voice and data. Everything else is the same. There is no "iPhone" specific plan.]]>Jul 1st 2008 12:50PMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/http://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/
I mean, I can get two Iphones, one for my wife, and one for me, at $69.x2 and the 1500 text message each at $15x2. Thats only $168+tax.

Where as the cheapest family plan with 2 iphones and text messages is gonna cost you $199.98 + tax????? Am I right?]]>Jul 1st 2008 1:30PMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/http://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/
Yes, you can do that. But that's two 450 minute plans - just 900 minutes. If you do a Family Talk Plan, you can share 1400 minutes (key word here is share. You do not both have 700, you SHARE 1400.) and have unlimited Data for 150. Plus, you can add unlimited Family Talk Texting for 30 - Bringing the total to 180.

So let's break it down.

Your way:
Each phone has 450 minutes, 5000 n&w, unlimited data, 1500 messages - for $170 plus tax and fees.

Family Talk:
Together you both have 1400 minutes to share (500 more than your way), unlimited n&w, unlimited data, and unlimited texting - for $180 plus tax and fees.

With Family Plan - for just an extra 10 dollars, you now have an additional 500 minutes, Unlimited Nights and Weekends, and Unlimited Texting.

See how this works? (Can you tell I do this for a living? LOL)]]>Jul 1st 2008 2:11PMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/http://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/Jul 1st 2008 11:26PMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/http://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/
I don't come up with the same #'s as you do when I add up the family plans vs. individual plans.

You say the 1400 minute unlimited data, unlimited texting for 2 Iphones will only cost $180 + tax.



Well when I add it up, it goes like this.

$149.99 for the family plan.

Then it says, "Up to 3 additional iPhone lines can be purchased for $39.99 apiece"

so that for the second lines $30 data and $9.99 for the addition line on the account.

This doesn't include any SMS text messages yet, and my total is already at:
$189.99

Now we have to add unlimited texting for the family plan, because really that is the only option they give you for family plan texting.
$30

Grand total of:
$219.99 + taxes.


OUCH. $219 vs. $180 and all I get is 500 more minutes for $40?

Not sure where you where getting your totals from????]]>Jul 2nd 2008 11:43AMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/http://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/
My appologies. I just read where the FamilyTalk include the First "TWO" lines.

Man, how confusing all of this is!!!

:-)]]>Jul 2nd 2008 12:25PMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/http://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/Jul 1st 2008 3:42PMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/http://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/
For EXISTING iPhone users with active ATT accounts, as long as the phone was purchased before 7/11/08, you will receive subsidized pricing on the iPhone 3G.

For EXISTING ATT customers that are NOT iPhone users, you will have to pay the inflated 399/499 pricing to upgrade if you are not eligible to upgrade yet.

So thats what I take from it, again if my "Poor Me" post appears, please disregard as I skimmed the article too fast...I suck.]]>Jul 1st 2008 1:24PMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/http://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/Jul 1st 2008 2:11PMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/http://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/
I understand subsidies and don't want to come across as a whiner, but a lot of us bought iPhones WITHOUT A SUBSIDY from AT&T and now are still forced to wait for a subsidy on an iPhone 3G as if we're trying to double dip, when really a lot of us are waiting for our first subsidy from AT&T.]]>Jul 1st 2008 2:11PMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/http://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/
"MY NAME, 123-456-7890
This line is eligible for equipment discount pricing when you sign up for a 2-year service agreement. You can take advantage of our no-commitment pricing option, with the exception of iPhone which requires a 2-year commitment. "

So maybe AT&T is being really nice about this to current iPhone customers.]]>Jul 1st 2008 2:35PMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/http://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/Jul 1st 2008 1:56PMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/http://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/Jul 1st 2008 2:12PMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/http://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/Jul 1st 2008 2:12PMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/http://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/
An AT&T Family Talk plan with 700 minutes costs $69.99 for 2 phones. Personal Data for the iPhone is $30 per phone. That comes to the $129.99 for 2 iPhones on the Family Talk Plan.

I really wish AT&T had not broken the plans down like this. It's too confusing. It's easier to understand it if you picture it as "business as usual" with the exception of Data being required. It really is.]]>Jul 1st 2008 2:21PMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/http://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/Jul 1st 2008 2:27PMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/http://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/Jul 1st 2008 2:27PMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/http://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/
This is new. So everyone's learning as we go along.]]>Jul 1st 2008 2:35PMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/http://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/Jul 1st 2008 2:28PMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/http://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/Jul 1st 2008 3:14PMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/http://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/
They are no different than my current Motorola Q. They are no different than if you buy a BlackBerry, Tilt, Treo, or any phone that's considered a PDA.

My Q is $69.99 per month. It's $39.99 for my 450 minutes and $30 for my PDA Personal Plan. That's the way that all plans are currently set up for AT&T.

It only sucks because on my RAZR I had - I only paid $15 for data. It was a regular phone using regular data. I moved to a PDA and now I pay $30 for essentially the same usage.]]>Jul 1st 2008 4:04PMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/http://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/
I pay 34.99 for unlim data which *includes tethering* my n95, includes unlim texting and mms, and all that mobile to mobile stuff. I got onto that plan when they were still deciding what to do with PDAs.

My plan is sort of special in that sense, but for 30.00 a month, what are you getting that you wouldn't get with a regular 19.99 unlim mediaNet plan

I guess an iPhone, and if it works for you then okay, but I'd demand tethering or at least including substantial texts.]]>Jul 1st 2008 9:42PMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/http://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/

]]>Jul 2nd 2008 4:35AMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/http://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/
The iPhone is different, AT&T just wants you to believe it's not so that you're not mad about the subsidy issue.

I think this is crap. I'm an AT&T customer, not eligible for an upgrade (though it's been over a year), and if I want an iPhone not only do I have to pay the extra $200, but I STILL have to pay the $720 data fees over two years.

No one can tell me that an additional $720 in data fees and a 2-year commitment from me--an existing customer--isn't every bit as valuable as it is from a new customer. I'll gladly pay any remaining "stipend" that I received on my piece of crap phone from last year, I can guarantee it's well below $200.

As it is, Apple and AT&T have lost a sale from me. This is just too expensive. I can buy a brand new computer at these prices!]]>Jul 2nd 2008 5:38PMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/http://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/Jul 1st 2008 3:14PMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/http://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/Jul 2nd 2008 11:17PMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/http://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/
I go further into this in my blog:
http://thewastedyouth.blogspot.com/2008/07/this-is-bull-shit.html]]>Jul 1st 2008 3:22PMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/http://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/Jul 1st 2008 3:49PMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/http://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/Jul 1st 2008 4:11PMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/http://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/
please leave a comment ! :)]]>Jul 1st 2008 4:15PMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/http://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/Jul 1st 2008 6:05PMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/http://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/
I BELIEVE that your discount will apply to the Data as well. So it will apply to the $30 for data on the second iPhone (or $45 if you go with enterprise) but not the $9.99 portion of that $39.99. I will have to check, because prior to iPhone3G, discounts did not apply to iPhones at all. Only the voice portion.

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i thought data was included for both phones on any family plan. what is the $39.99 and $9.99 charges you're talking about? thanks in advance.

]]>Jul 2nd 2008 3:23AMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/http://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/Jul 2nd 2008 10:48AMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/http://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/Jul 1st 2008 5:14PMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/http://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/Jul 1st 2008 11:08PMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/http://mobile.engadget.com/2008/07/01/atandt-announces-iphone-3g-pricing-plans/Jul 1st 2008 11:24PM