Anyone know if we'll be able to use $20/month edge data plan on the new iphone?

[AgaBoogaBoo]

I'm not sure I want to cough up the $10/month extra for the 3G connection because about 90% of the time, I'm going to be far outside of their coverage areas.

Any thoughts? I really hate the thought of paying that extra $10/month and while it might seem cheap, it's really a deal breaker for me.

Edit: I'm not a lawyer, but a product or service has to meet its intended purpose. Is the intended purpose of 3G to be internet usage or would it stretch to internet usage at a faster rate than edge? If it's the second option, then I think they'll offer a $20/month edge option.

 

[bearxor]

Magic Eight Ball:

Don't count on it.

Seriously... I went to http://www.tridelphia.net/, typed in 'Will we be able to use the $20/month edge data plan on the new iphone?' and that's the answer it gave me.

I agree with it in this instance.

 

[aphex]

I doubt it, since there will technically be no more $20/plan (as far as we know right now), the iPhone will likely get the same treatment as all the other smartphones. From what I understand, if you live in a non-3g area but buy a smartphone that is 3g capable but only goes to edge speeds where you live, I'm almost positive you get charged the same as the 3g areas. I think everyone everywhere gets charged the same.

Edit: I'm not a lawyer, but a product or service has to meet its intended purpose. Is the intended purpose of 3G to be internet usage or would it stretch to internet usage at a faster rate than edge? If it's the second option, then I think they'll offer a $20/month edge option.

Well you seem to be touching on the issue of Implied Warranties - specifically the Implied Warranty of Merchantability (goods are "reasonably fit for the general purpose for which they are sold") as well as the Implied Warranty of Fitness for a Particular Purpose ("if a seller knows or has reason to know of a particular purpose for which some item is being purchased by the buyer, the seller is guaranteeing that the item is fit for that particular purpose."). The issue your going to run into is that, as you mentioned, AT&T is requiring the $30/mo data plan to provide you with data service (3g or edge). Unless they are unable to provide you with any data service (3g or Edge), there's not going to be much of a leg to stand on.

Companies have the right to change around their prices as much as they want (much to everyones dismay, including mine). If they have decided to drop the $20/mo plan, its their business, they can do what they want. We as consumers can voice our opinion by not agreeing to such new prices and shopping with other companies, but as for legal ramifications, I don't think you'll have much luck.

My $0.02, but I've been known to be wrong on occasion.

 

[Pabster]

No, you will not. The $30 plan is required and I'm not entirely sure if they'll "throw in" 200 SMS or if you'll need to purchase that package separately.

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

Thanks for the replies to the three of you, especially your reply Aphex. I was a first gen owner and really looked forward to the new iPhone, but this kind of bugs me, maybe I'm just thinking about this too much.

 

[Kmax82]

Well.. I think the issue might lie with AT&T and their network. I'm not sure exactly how the cell networks work, but I'm assuming that AT&T doesn't have a way to differentiate the signal if you have a 3G phone. So maybe their excuse is that you'd get 3G speeds if you were in a 3G area, and they can't have that.

I know that that is probably an excuse that they'll use. Either way, all cell phone companies are crooked. They claim that I have a prorated termination fee with Verizon, but it's been a year since I've signed up and the termination fee has only gone down from $175 to $125. While that might be prorated, it isn't even.. ugh..