AT&T Reveals iPhone Pricing Plans
AT&T has officially revealed pricing plans for the new iPhone 3G. As has already been reported, new wireless AT&T customers can purchase the iPhone 3G 8 GB model for $199, and the 16 GB model for $299. Existing wireless AT&T customers who are ‘upgrade’ eligible on their current cell phone contracts will pay the same prices for the phones.
Courtesy of Apple
Existing customers who are not eligible for the upgrade pricing can take advantage of an ‘early upgrade’ option that includes a $100 premium for moving from an existing wireless AT&T contract to a new two-year contract with an iPhone, bringing the price of the iPhones to $399 and $499, respectively.
The minimum contract is for two years of service. The least expensive single user monthly charge is $69.99 for the AT&T Nation plan, with 450 Anytime Minutes (voice) and unlimited data. An unlimited voice and data plan is $129.99 per month. AT&T FamilyTalk plans are also available, ranging from $129.99 to $359.99 per month.
The iPhone monthly plans don’t include text messaging, which is available as a separate add-on service. Plans range from $5 per month for 200 messages to $30 per month for unlimited messages.
The AT&T web site also includes an interesting statement: “Coming soon, AT&T will offer a no-commitment option of $599 for 8GB and $699 for 16GB.” These are most likely the prices for an unlocked phone.
Comments
AT&T’s iPhone plans are competitive with other providers’ plans, but I just can’t see spending $70 or more a month on cell phone service. Too bad — the iPhone 3G is really cool.
I travel often, so for me, the monthly cost is a reasonable tradeoff for the ability to keep in touch with my family and my job, but I don’t like AT&T, and I don’t like being forced to do business with a specific company. It’s bad enough that we’re stuck with a single cable provider.
As far as paying $400 extra for an unlocked phone — in your dreams, Apple & AT&T.
The iPhone rocks!
Can’t wait for new stuff in the App Store.
The pricing plan is OK, particularly since it includes unlimited data.
I was looking forward to the new iphone, as I am a MAC devotee and an ATT subscriber. However I do not want to be forced into a higher commitment of a $70.00 cell phone bill. The technology costs are already too high for the average American and at what benefit really? Are our lives any richer? Convenience and toys are fun but my life would not be any better off with this additional expense. I will have to find another phone to upgrade to. TFL
The rates are WAYYYYYYYYYYYYY to expensive. over 100.00 a month for unlimited. How much could it possibly cost AT&T to provide that?