If you’ve been searching for signs of what data plan you will be using on the iPhone, you’ve probably heard plenty of rumors, however, according to AT&T senior VP of sales Larry Carter, they haven’t released any information on new plans until June 29th.
I am happy to hear that there will be custom plans specifically for the iPhone, it seems only right that there would be. However, I’m a little concerned that he mentions we will need to pay extra for features like unlimited web browsing. Everything about the iPhone screams “I need the internet,” so why wouldn’t they just plan for everyone needing unlimited access? Yes, they need to make sure that they can hit various price points, but it’s just going to cause people to go over their monthly “data units” on a regular basis.
On a much lighter note, he mentioned that they have added over 2,000 people to their staff, most of which are there simply to handle the crowds looking for an iPhone. As expected, not all stores will receive equal stock of the iPhone, but if they run out in a location, they will be able to complete the order and have the phone mailed to the customer within 5 days.
We’re counting down the hours until the 6PM launch next Friday. How many of you are going to be lining up outside a store for one?
AT&T exec: iPhone data plans to be announced June 29th [via appleinsider]
If the phone has WiFi, built in, how is ATT going to lock you out of using it to hit the net. Is the WiFi connection locked to the carrier signal? I thought the iPhone could connect to any open WiFi hot spot even if you are in a ATT/Cingular dead zone with no cell phone signal at all. If that is the case, why would you need to pay for unlimited internet access, unless this is an attempt to gouge us for even more money.
You will be able to connect to any open WiFi hotspot, but unless you’re in a major metropolitan area, most of the time you won’t be near a hotspot. Where I live there are only a three hotspots in the city, I’ll be running off of the EDGE network most of the time I’m outside my house.
I smell a rat! It’s a shame that AT&T has to extort money from it’s customers in this way. But of course it’s typical…a new device (that’s not cheap) and they think that they need to a) create new data plans and/or b) oblige customers to sign up for a PDA plan.
I have had both the Nokia E61 and now the N95 during my 2-year stay with Cingular using the MediaNet Unlimited plan of $19.99. That is all that is required…period. I suspect they are adding this restriction because there are no unlocked versions of the iPhone yet available…or…there’s a mole in upper management of AT&T that wants to sabotage Apple and it’s corresponding market share.
Isn’t it enough that they are the sole resellers of a new product with extraordinary buzz and sales potential and have customers locked into 2 years of service (without offering any subsidy on the list price)?
[quote comment="4117"]I smell a rat! It’s a shame that AT&T has to extort money from it’s customers in this way. But of course it’s typical…a new device (that’s not cheap) and they think that they need to a) create new data plans and/or b) oblige customers to sign up for a PDA plan.
I have had both the Nokia E61 and now the N95 during my 2-year stay with Cingular using the MediaNet Unlimited plan of $19.99. That is all that is required…period. I suspect they are adding this restriction because there are no unlocked versions of the iPhone yet available…or…there’s a mole in upper management of AT&T that wants to sabotage Apple and it’s corresponding market share.
Isn’t it enough that they are the sole resellers of a new product with extraordinary buzz and sales potential and have customers locked into 2 years of service (without offering any subsidy on the list price)?[/quote]
Don’t forget the 5-year exclusivity in the US market.