Back in July when Apple and AT&T released the iPhone 3G, they also promised everyone a “no-contract” – “no-strings-attached” iPhone. While the no-contract iPhone hasn’t been released yet, some confirmed “go phone” plans have been unveiled.
The plans are aimed at being less confusing to customers. However, they end up being more complex, with more overages and deductions than before.
AT&T is rolling out trial runs of these plans in Texas and the Northeast first. If they go over well, they’ll be adopted quickly across the country where AT&T thinks GoPhones are in high demand. Since a prepaid iPhone is not yet available from AT&T, they have not officially declared these plans in regards to the iPhone. However, our sources at AT&T are able to confirm the legitimacy of this information, along with some of what we can expect from the prepaid iPhone plans.
When asking specifically about AT&T’s plans with targeting the prepaid iPhone market, we were assured that those interested in saving money should not turn to these plans. We specifically got excited about a cheap prepaid iPhone plan with a possibly less expensive tethering plan. Say, something that totaled around $70/month. However, the chances are that after activation fees and data usage, you’ll end up spending more money. Plus with the unsubsidized iPhone costing at least $599, this isn’t AT&T’s first choice for new customers. Those without the necessary credit to sign up for a contract with AT&T, will inevitably be forced into cell phone bills that are harder to manage.
• Data rates will be extremely expensive. There may be NO data package available for prepaid iPhone plans. Instead, AT&T will enforce a strict 1¢ per kb access rate.
• Of note, there used to be five prepaid plans, there are now four. This may be cut down even less for iPhone customers giving them only two or three options.
• Don’t be surprised if every single plan in the above image is increased by $10-$15 specifically for iPhone users. $50+ for an introductory plan is more fitting with top tier plans peaking over $100.
• It hasn’t been confirmed if tethering options even will be available with prepaid plans.
• $25 activation fee for mid-level to high-level plans.
We expect AT&T to offer a no-contract iPhone once things settle down within the first quarter of 2009. The specifics about Apple and AT&T’s iPhone revenue sharing plan has remained a secret, but with AT&T subsidizing the phones after purchasing them from Apple, and Apple spreading revenue over an iPhone user’s two year contract, prepaid customers are not high on both company’s priority list.
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18 Comments to “AT&T’s No Contract iPhone, Possible Prepaid Plan Details”
I hope this happens soon.I know it’s expensive, but I need a few of these options. One, no contract. Two, tethering. Three, the ability to travel for Costa Rica for three months and only use what I need. But I still need and deperately want 3G and cell connections, so those of you going to tell me to get an iPod touch, it won’t do. The ONLY wi-fi part of it kills me.
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It’s known that prepaid plans and gophones are foor the less affluent people. AT&T thinks those people care less and will pay more without double checking. I’ve seen it first hand.
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Is anybody actually waiting for this?
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hey wat up
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@mark: just cause you’re not, doesn’t mean a whole bunch of people aren’t.
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Thanks… http://tinyurl.com/4rdhmc
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I follow you Labeli !!! YOU ARE A TROLL !!!
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When AT&T promised a no-contract iPhone, they did not promise a prepaid plan to go along with it. I think AT&T was promising that they would offer a no-contract price point for people who are, say, 18 months into a contract and don’t want to sign a new 2-year agreement just to buy an iPhone.
The no-contract price-point is standard on other AT&T phones, and while those phones are supported on prepaid, there’s no guarantee AT&T will roll out a needed large/unlimited data plan to match it on prepaid.
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@Christopher: We actually are able to confirm AT&T’s prepaid iPhone intentions in the future. We don’t have a firm launch date, but it’s expected at this point. What also is expected is for the prices to be at an extreme premium. Data as it stands, will also be gouging.
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thing is that folks don’t want ‘no contract’ at $600 as much as they want to sign that contract with whom they want. and I will give you solid odds that you still have to sign with ATT even at the full price.
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Who needs it! This is just a waste of money and at&t is a ripoff company they never do what they say. It has been two years and they still have not reimbursed me my $200 bones. i hope at&t goes under! they can kiss my arse!!!
Donny
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Please! I have been anxiously awaiting a prepaid iphone but haven’t been able to get it yet. It seems like the rumors continue but never seem to have any official announcements around it. This is the most promising lead I’ve seen yet.
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yes please
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Count me in, too! But not if I have to pay $500+ for the iPhone!
I don’t need to access the net via 3g or the cell system… wi-fi is enough for me. But I’d like the camera, speaker phone, and not having to carry around two items (my iPod Touch and GoPhone cell phone).
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I think this is awesome, and a lot of people are really looking foreword to it, only because it will make purchasing and unlocking a new iphone soo much easier. now, you have to deal with contracts, cancelation fees, et cetera. this would be dope. just pay for the phone, then 30 bucks for the first go phone thing, then switch out the sim cards and never worry about it again. I’m really excited and hope it happens soon
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If you want an iphone with a prepaid plan and you have good credit just do like I have seen on some blogs and when it asks for your SSN when activating it put in something like 999-99-9999 (an invalid SSN) and it will fail the credit check. It will then give you the option of a prepaid plan.
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im waiting for it
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im using prepaid iphone without hacks simply activate iphone on itunes with no service at&t sim card then buy prepaid sim and put it in the iphone and it works
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