It seems that some customer service reps at local AT&T stores are informing customers that the lowest data plan for the iPhone will be the Media Max Unlimited Plan. But will this really be the case?
A quick survey of 5 local AT&T stores in my area were actually split down the middle. Two of them informed me that it will be considered a PDA, thus the $39.99 Media Max Unlimited Plan is the lowest we can get. Two told me that they don’t consider the iPhone a true PDA, it is a smartphone, thus the SmartPhone Connect Unlimited w/Xpress Mail will suffice. The other store told me that they did not currently have any information regarding the data plans for the iPhone and referred me to their customer support line.
I called the support line and they informed me that they have not received any information whatsoever regarding the data plan for the iPhone. He even suggested that they may introduce a new plan, but he really had no idea.
I hate to break this to you folks, but most in-store reps that I’ve talked to know less than we do about the iPhone. It’s very doubtful that they’re going to be trusted with this information before Apple or AT&T announces it.
iPhone Data Plan Rumor: AT&T Media Max Unlimited! [via iphonefreak]
The reps are spoon feed scripts of what to say and how to say it. It’s their job, they’re pretty robotic.
This is sooooo wrong. Why would they require MEdia Max when the phone won’t have MEdia Net capabilities?!?! Duh. I recently saw that they redid the Smartphone connect options to a $10/10MB and a $20/Unlim. I think they are going to say it’s a smartphone. They know the iPhone is underscrutinity and many people want it to flop. The $20 option mirrors T-Mobile (sans texting, but beggers can’t be choosers). I’m hoping for the $20 option.
$40 a month is too much when I already pay $50 a month for my internet at the house.
I do have the $20 media max unlimited which includes 200 text messages, and so really it is $15 for unlimited and $5 for 200 text messages.
There should be NO data charge for the iPhone, if it “requires it” say goodbye to Apple’s stock price and the iPhone in general. EVERYONE already pays a “data” fee through their ISP, (earthlink, comcast, etc)
So if ATT is trying to DOUBLE DIP and charge a double ($40) amount for the same access. NO WAY. The iPhone will fail as a result.
People just want the PHONE with some 800 or whatever minutes. There should be NO CHARGE for data, since that can be accessed for free via 802.11… if there IS a FEE to access “visual voice mail” for some reason, all hell will break loose.
DATA IS FREE, doesn’t ATT understand that yet?
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[quote comment="3884"]$40 a month is too much when I already pay $50 a month for my internet at the house.
I do have the $20 media max unlimited which includes 200 text messages, and so really it is $15 for unlimited and $5 for 200 text messages.[/quote]
Can you believe Verizon is charging $70 for their internet plan? What’s even crazier is that people actually pay for it.
[quote comment="3885"]There should be NO data charge for the iPhone, if it “requires it” say goodbye to Apple’s stock price and the iPhone in general. EVERYONE already pays a “data” fee through their ISP, (earthlink, comcast, etc)
So if ATT is trying to DOUBLE DIP and charge a double ($40) amount for the same access. NO WAY. The iPhone will fail as a result.
People just want the PHONE with some 800 or whatever minutes. There should be NO CHARGE for data, since that can be accessed for free via 802.11… if there IS a FEE to access “visual voice mail” for some reason, all hell will break loose.
DATA IS FREE, doesn’t ATT understand that yet?
-[/quote]
There won’t be any charges if you use the iPhone via WiFi – however connecting through ATT’s network, you’ll have to have a data plan. This is the way of life no matter which carrier you’re using.
I can’t believe people think AT&T / Cingular at this stupid. The iPhone is targeted at ‘CONSUMERS’ not business users. They know what people are willing to pay. I guarantee that AT&T has a pricing scheme similar to T-Mobiles SideKick Plans …. The iPhone is pretty much a luxury sidekick with revolutionary software if you think about it ….. I THINK the iPhones call / data usage will be priced as the following:
- – All Plans include unlimited data usage – –
- 450 MIN = 49.99
- 700 MIN = 59.99
- 900 MIN = 69.99
- 1200 MIN = 79.99
Obviously if the iPhones usage plan isn’t affordable – it will fail. If you are locking a customer down for 2 years, you can afford to charge less for data usage. Plus most of the AT&T phones are 3G now …. I think Apple is dedicating nearly all of its EDGE bandwidth to the iPhone. That is MY opinion on this situation ….
Well 3 of my local att stores told me(and my dad when he called) that you MUST buy the plan with the iphone and that it was 39.99 a month and it came with 1500 text messages. I personally don think this is that bad, i am totally willing to pay it, especially since my parents are actually paying it.
@joey
You’re the perfect example of why this could flop. Only the early adopters with significant disposable income (rich folk, kids with rich parents, etc) will be able to afford this device if the data plan is required and starts at $40.
Because the iPhone is the first smartphone aimed at consumers instead of business users, it has to fit in with the pricing schemes that consumers expect. Business expect and can afford higher prices because they are essential to their businesses; consumers just want the internet, and aren’t going to pay just as much for mobile internet as they’re already paying at home.
I really hope horse is right, and the plans are that affordable. I think it would be a coup for AT&T, and demonstrate they know how to handle their exlusive iPhone deal.
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