AT&T revises 3G S iPhone upgrade policy
It's no secret that I didn't mind AT&T's pricing of their 3G S upgrades. However, 3G owners were upset that they were not offered the same discounts as new customers or those who had not fulfilled their two-year contracts. Well, good news for those 3G owners who are wanting to upgrade to the 3G S. AT&T listened to your complaints and published an open letter and YouTube video explaining that current 3G customers may be given much better upgrade pricing when the 3G S launches. From the open letter:
"Beginning June 19, iPhone 3G customers [who are] eligible for an upgrade in July, August, or September will get our best upgrade price of $199 (16 GB) and $299 (32 GB)." This is definitely great news for some 3G owners, as it bumps up the date when they can upgrade for less -- however, if your discount date is past September 30, you will still have to wait to get the best pricing. Your upgrade-eligible date is based on both your contract age and your service plan; the more money you spend with AT&T every month, the sooner they will replace your phone.
There is also good news for those of you who have already pre-ordered the new iPhone: if the new eligibility window affects you, AT&T will issue you a credit for the difference.
Although I don't think that AT&T had to make this change in their policy, it's encouraging to know they're listening to their customers and making changes. Now that you're listening, AT&T, how about getting on the ball with MMS and tethering?
Share
Categories
It's no secret that I didn't mind AT&T's pricing of their 3G S upgrades. However, 3G owners were upset that they were not offered the...
Add a Comment
What number did you call to complain, I want to do the same.
June 25 2009 at 6:48 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyJust got off the phone with at&t, the second criteria criteria after last upgrade is monthly bill. It has to be at least $99 a month. Thus, if you're on a single line with the 39.99 rate plan plus data you're out of luck...same would go with family plans I imagine. It's definitely a bit of a tease but at the same time, most telcoms don't give a full subsidy until after 2 years anyway.
June 23 2009 at 3:28 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyAT&T won't upgrade me from a cheap $30 go phone to an iphone:
http://tinyurl.com/mgcrmn
They are being a pain with business customers also (see bottom)
I purchased an HTC Tilt for $399 on December 11, 2007. I am not eligible for an iPhone upgrade until 8/11. However, AT&T just waived the upgrade premium for people who bought a 3G for $299 seven months AFTER I bought my Tilt for $399. This doesn't seem right / fair to me at all.
June 18 2009 at 8:48 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyOnline upgrade eligibility tracker updated w/new eligibility requirements (http://bit.ly/9PkDg). AT&T customers dial *639# 2 check.
June 18 2009 at 10:51 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyI waited in line for 6 hours last year to buy the new iPhone 3G and I have been with AT&T sense 2004. I have been on and off the phone with them the last few days and they tell me something different every time I call. In short, they tell me it is not about the money you spend every month on them that has to do with wether or not you can upgrade in a 12 or a 18 month after contract, but wither or not you bought a family plan. They tell me I have to wait until 12/09 before I can upgrade again and I told them to go F@ck themselves. I'll wait until my contract is up and switch to another cell phone company next summer when the next iPhone comes out. I really hate AT&T and if you are feeling the same way, the only thing we came do besides calling them and complaining about the upgrade cost, is stop giving them money when your contract expires.
June 18 2009 at 9:26 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyLooks like the policy upgrade went into effect a day early!
As of this past Sunday, my price for a new iPhone 3GS 16GB was $599 and eligibility date set to 8/19/09. As of 2AM Pacific, the price had dropped to $199! Needless to say, I didn't bother to check the eligibility date.
Sorry if some of you all are still stuck in limbo, but to those inside the amnesty window: check with apple ASAP!
I bought my iPhone 3G on launch day, upgrading from the RAZR Black that I had for many years. Had to drive 3 hours round trip to find one on launch day no less!
I spend over $190 per month for my iPhone, two other lines, family unlimited text plan, and iPhone data plan, and STILL my upgrade date reflects March 2010!
What the heck is up with THAT?
What Bout if I am a first time iPhone customer and have only had the 3G since mothers day of THIS year?
June 18 2009 at 12:37 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyAny help to my earlier question, please?
June 17 2009 at 9:49 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyHot Apps on TUAW
Deals of the Day
more deals- Refurb Apple MacBook Air Laptops: 12" 64GB SSD for $699 + free shipping
- JVC Motion Sensing Clock Radio with Dual iPod Docks for $55 + free shipping
- Apple iPhone Headset with Mic for $4 + $2 s&h
- miFrame Picture Frame Dock for iPad for $64 + $8 s&h
- Refurb Apple iPod nano 8GB MP3 Player for $99 + free shipping, 16GB for $119
- Hannspree Apple-Shaped 28" 1080p LCD HDTV for $270 + free shipping
Software Updates
more updates- EFI Firmware Update brings Lion Internet Recovery to 2010-model Macs
- OS X Lion 10.7.3 released with Safari 5.1.3, Wi-Fi bug fix
- Aperture updated to 3.2.2, addresses Photo Stream issue
- Apple updates Keynote to address Lion issues
- Google Search app gets new look on iPad
- Apple releases Apple TV Software Update 4.4.3



62 Comments