Here we go again folks: this time it's a double-dose of PR announcements from Apple and AT&T that finally answer some of our biggest questions about service plans and activation for the iPhone.
First up: the iPhone will work with any of AT&T's service plans, but they have put together three bundle plans that include unlimited data, Visual Voicemail (apparently
not included if choosing a standard plan), 200 SMS and of course, roll-over minutes and unlimited mobile-to-mobile calling. To quote Mr. Jobs, who clearly must have had some influence on this 'give them a simple package' approach: "
We want to make choosing a service plan simple and easy, so every plan includes unlimited data with direct Internet access, along with Visual Voicemail and a host of other goodies." Yes, Steve Jobs is quoted as saying 'goodies.' These bundle plans - which all include the aforementioned features like unlimited data - work like so:
- $59.99 for 450 minutes
- $79.99 for 900 minutes
- $99.99 for 1,350 minutes
Family plans are also available, though the press release makes no mention of what they are. Also, a $36 activation fee is required for all new plans.
Speaking of activation, the
second press release should offer some relief to those worried about being able to
unbox their own iPhone or waiting for every phone to get activated in the store. Apple and AT&T have announced that iPhones users will be able to "
activate their new iPhones using Apple's popular iTunes(R) software running on a PC or Mac in the comfort and privacy of their own home or office." iTunes will guide users through choosing a service plan, authorizing their credit and activating the iPhone, after which they will of course be able to manage the synching process of all their bookmarks, contacts and iTunes media.
Considering unlimited data is included, these plans sound like pretty good deals. Top it all off with lines that should move pretty quickly in and out of Apple and AT&T stores, and we all might just make it through this weekend yet.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
6-26-2007 @ 8:57AM
Fred said...
SOLD! I love you Steve Jobs.
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6-26-2007 @ 8:59AM
Billy K said...
Holy crap - that's a good deal! I can't believe it!
I use about 20 minutes a month. It's the unlimited data I needed most. Apple delivers!
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6-26-2007 @ 9:03AM
Jersey said...
They came through on this one. I was expecting, and justifying to the gf, $80 a month for 450 minutes and data. She'll be so pleased, I bet this gets me some action ...
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6-26-2007 @ 9:03AM
codeman38 said...
That's not terrible, but I'd *really* be sold if there were a plan with ~100 minutes for $39.99. Some people just don't talk on the phone that much!
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6-26-2007 @ 9:06AM
Adam Jackson said...
I'm so excited about this announcement!
I just hope that I can increase that to unlimited SMS.
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6-26-2007 @ 9:08AM
Ross said...
Yeah, but so this means that you'll be able to walk away with an iPhone and no plan. I so hope that there's a SIM card slot...
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6-26-2007 @ 9:12AM
Eli Hodapp said...
Anyone else notice this in the video- http://i.a-13.net/80gb_iPhone.png ?
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6-26-2007 @ 9:15AM
Rob said...
Anyone know if you are able to transfer over your existing phone number? Or will it be compulsory to take on a new number?
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6-26-2007 @ 9:15AM
Mitesh Gowani said...
I was definitely going to get an iPhone but this one just put the icing on the slightly sweet and sour cake. My current plan is only the 450 minutes without any messages and data and I was going to upgrade to 200 with unlimited data which is exactly what they've offered in a bundle with visual voicemail included.
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6-26-2007 @ 9:17AM
Josh H. said...
wait so that 60 bucks for 450 minutes comes with unlimited data and 200 text messages with visual voicemail all for only 60 bucks?
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6-26-2007 @ 9:19AM
Alex Hillman said...
does that mean that phones will be the same price with or without activation?
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6-26-2007 @ 9:19AM
Kender said...
This is indeed awesome. I will save about $40 a month.
Adam Jackson - Unlimited SMS adds $20 a month according to the video. +1000 SMS is $10 more a month.
Rob - yes. The activation video shows how you transfer a number - iTunes takes care of it all!
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6-26-2007 @ 9:20AM
Dave Chartier said...
#11: Yep.
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6-26-2007 @ 9:21AM
Benjo said...
Did anybody notice on the activation video demo- at the end when the iPhone was done syncing- the bar at the bottom of itunes showed 80 GBs of storage instead of 8? Check it out.
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6-26-2007 @ 9:21AM
Stephen said...
Unlimited texts are an extra $20 a month
You can bring your old number - it's all part of the iTunes activation process
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6-26-2007 @ 9:23AM
Eric B. said...
its not bad, but I was hoping it would be better. I pay 59.99 on T-mobile for my BlackBerry Pearl, and I get 1000 mins, unlimited data, unlimited email, unlimited text. so I wish ATT wouldnt be so expensive with their minutes! I really hope t-mobile will get the iphone eventually. I really like their rate plans!!
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6-26-2007 @ 9:23AM
Alex Crouzen said...
This all sounds better and better. Now just the announcement which European carrier they're going with and I'll be extatic :)
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6-26-2007 @ 9:24AM
Donald MacKenzie said...
Just off the phone with AT&T customer service. As an existing AT&T customer, I'll be able to add the iPhone to my account without adding a new line. I'll just start a new 2-year contract from the date of activation. The rep said that you can also keep you existing phone number if you have an AT&T account, and that activating the account through iTunes "is really simple."
The thought that AT&T would force me into adding a new line as a "new activation" and the possibility of a super-high data plan price were my hurdles to hopping on the iPhone train. I hope Apple and AT&T have the server farms ready for the Friday night onslaught!
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6-26-2007 @ 9:28AM
Jonathan said...
But note that the press release indicates that you are REQUIRED to sign op for a 2 year contract!
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6-26-2007 @ 9:31AM
Kevin E. McKenna said...
I just watched the newly posted Activation video for iPhone on Apple.com. Did anyone else notice that in the sequence showing sync your data ( addresses, music, etc) the capacity size is the same as a 80 gig iPod... am I seeing things????
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