Here's something that we really haven't touched on with regards to the iPhone. We all know how much it's going to cost when it comes out, but how much are we going to pay each month just to use it?
John Gruber has done some of the math for us, and while it is all speculation at this point, it's something to think about. Lets say you get their basic 450 minute plan, unlimited data, and 200 text messages. That sounds about right, although some people will say 450 minutes is not nearly enough. But that's the bare minimum (you'll have to have unlimited data to take advantage of the iPhone) and you'll be paying $69.97.
I'm hoping that AT&T makes a special plan specifically for the iPhone, because you really have to have unlimited data transfer, otherwise it would be about as much fun as a BlackBerry with no internet. But overall, I don't see price as that big of a deal, anyone with a smartphone these days is likely going to shell out that same $69.97 per month or more.
iPhone: it isn't the price I'm worried about [via tuaw]
Operating cost has been a big issue for me since the announcement of AT&T as service provider. The pre-tax/fee speculated cost is what I currently pay for 2 lines on Sprint (one is fror a Treo with unlimited internet).
I agree that AT&T should make special plans specifically for the iPhone due to its unique features.
I fully expected to be paying around $60 – $70 a month for the iPhone. Any higher than that and I’ll start having second thoughts…
Jesus. I’m currently on Nextel aka Sprint, and I’m on a $59 plan with them. It’s got “Internet” but only in the worst way, and get this… if I use “Instant Message”, it’ll cost me 10 cents a message unless I get one of their plans that includes IM priviledges. This… this type of crap is what I wish to leave behind getting an iPhone. I don’t want a new version of it either, when PDAs aren’t half as lame and cost much less. I just want a new kind of phone paradigm where I’m not bending over and being told to be grateful. I paid $250 for my phone (no deals available, and previous phone went south), and had to pay an extra $5 for a calculator I’d had for free with a previous phone. I’m so done with these games.
all of the carriers charge 10 cents a message regardless. the way to get around this is to use a third party app such as IM+ or Agile Messenger.
the reason the carriers can justify charging for each instant messenger is because they use the same process to send and receive text messages.