AT&T to offer unsubsidized iPhone 3G with no commitment required?

For existing AT&T subscribers looking to get a new handset for a few months before they make that inevitable Pre / iPhone 3.0 / Gizmondo decision this summer -- or folks who just despise contracts in general -- it looks like AT&T will be offering unsubsidized iPhone 3Gs at last. According to some training slides obtained by The Boy Genius, the "no-commit" price will only be available to existing customers, and will run them $599 for the 8GB model and $699 for the 16GB. Sounds like somebody's looking to flush a bit of stock, or perhaps they've finally decided to almost treat the phone like pretty much every single other device on the market -- wild times we're living in, folks. The no-commit option should be available as of March 26th.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 18th 2009 4:56PM]

Unless "no commitment" means "SIM-unlocked", what's the point? You can only use the device on AT&T anyway, so why not sign up for the 2-year contract? Even if it were SIM-unlocked, it won't work in HSPA mode on T-Mobile anyway, so why would anyone even bother?

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 18th 2009 5:34PM]

After what Apple unveiled yesterday, I actually want an iPhone now. But $399, forget that. I'll just add a line and not use my current phone.

Problem Solved!!!

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 18th 2009 5:48PM]

It's so fun to remember that I really did pay $499 for my iPhone right when it came out. Still using it, too.

Actually, it's not that fun. Early adopting bites. Learned my lesson.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 19th 2009 12:04AM]

"or perhaps they've finally decided to almost treat the phone like pretty much every single other device on the market"


No, they still haven't allowed the local indirect channel carry it; until that day it will still be the black sheep in my eyes.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 19th 2009 12:17AM]

Why would someone do that if the early termination fee is only $175 (and less after each month that goes by)?

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 19th 2009 12:51AM]

This is BS. It's not even printed on the current color of AT&T internal marketing decks!

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 19th 2009 2:13AM]

yeah a fad 21 million sold in 21 months. a fad that sent cell manufactures to clone city n made them followers, a fad that is killing nokia,a fad highest cust sat rate on a cell of all time,a fad now bb world,symbian app store,android app store ala clone,a fad visual vmail,buttonless,ambient lite sensors,accelorometer,a fad first real true html wifi browser period, a fad 68% of all mobile internet in usa is on iphones.what a fad.n now they got us looking forward to another fad version 3.0.dang fads sound multibillionaire like.
let me start off by saying i hate apple. I have no loyalty to any cell carrier or manufacturer. I do have loyalty to most innovative cell out at the present time. i will buy pre on release date n return within 30 day rule if it does not clearly kill iphone.ive returned 8 cells within 30 day return policy in last 3 years.since 2003 ive only owned smartphones,ive been with every major cell provider in california since 1995,lacelular,airtouch,pacificbell wireless,cing,sprint,vzw,tmobil etc.,i base all my facts on personal knowledge usage.
if anything i could be called sony fanboy,due to i own sony 52 inch 120 hz,ps3,psp,sony surround sound hdmi,sony t700,sony 30gb hdd hidef cam,another surruond sound,another 60 inch sony,17' sony vaio laptop w/8 gb ram builtin blu ray player,thats my baby no one fcuks with it.ill stop there.
I would never buy apple laptop,when u can get way better 1080p bluray laptop for way less.my next big purchase is sony 11" inch laptop w/built in bluray.now that is sick.
We have here another decision by att/apple that will only benefit their partnership ,iphone sales. Proof once again revolution occurring as we speak now here in usa. We also need to remember iphone is only recession proof device. 2007, 2008 was one of att/apple strongest years in history. Highest customer satisfaction rate of any smartphone of all times. Iphone handles 68% of mobill internet traffic in usa.,we talking population of 320 million. Thats insane
!this will only cause iphone to pull away from vzw,sprint n tmobil, and driving them closer to bankruptcy. I see some of u also pointed out iphone lack of tehering,video,removable battery. Welcome to the revolution. We all need to remember success is measured by sales here in the usa,ask any ceo. Iphone a true underdog defied all odds n has gained the coveted title by engadgeters of best smartphone of 2008,over some very good competition.Pre will tank hard guaranteed,2 yr contract $350 plus mandatory $99 plan for 2 years..it will turn into another instinct or glide. Being feature rich does not guarantee success,ask every single failed iphonekiller.,I have spoken n silenced all, now bring on the hate mail.,.,.,

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 19th 2009 10:33AM]

I totally agree

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 19th 2009 4:45PM]

Here is what you do..... Buy a sim only (and have a friends unlocked phone, or att phone) and then the next day buy the iPhone.... (you are already a customer... they can't legally tell you no)....

Gotta love legalities