Iphone in store activation workaround

[JC86]

I was just reading online about how now that the new iphone is subsidized, activation has to take place in store etc.

What if say, your friend bought a new iphone 3G with the contract and then conveniently 'lost' his new iphone? IF getting a new one just means resigning a two year contract at the same price, what's the difference of a few days? I'm sure once the new iphone is cracked, the resale value would be way more than what you technically paid for it yea?

 

[aphex]

Since the new iPhone is subsidized, you can only get the subsidized $199 price if you are eligible for an upgrade. If he "lost" his right after buying it, he wouldn't be eligible for the subsidized price. Historically, on a 2 year contract, AT&T allows you to get the subsidized price again 22 months into your 24 month contract.

 

[ric1287]

I really don't understand the "eligible" thing. So the millions of people who bought the gen 1 iphones and signed 2 year agreements....now they can't get a new iphone for another year? Makes no sense the way they are explaining it.

 

[aphex]

Originally posted by: ric1287
I really don't understand the "eligible" thing. So the millions of people who bought the gen 1 iphones and signed 2 year agreements....now they can't get a new iphone for another year? Makes no sense the way they are explaining it.

Actually, people who purchased the original iPhone ARE eligible no matter when it was purchased as the original iPhone was not subsidized.

Its pretty simple,

If you purchased a subsidized phone from AT&T in the last 22 months, your not eligible. Most AT&T phones are subsidized (unless you paid the non-contract price), the original iPhone was not.

 

[JC86]

So if I really lost my new iphone 3g, I can't replace it? unless I pay the ETF and get a new number?

 

[bearxor]

You'd have to pay an unsubsidized cost. Probably $399 for the 8GB model.

 

[nace186]

Would it be possible to sign up and then after 30 day, cancel the services and pay the ETF? It would cost $499 for the 16g.

 

[aphex]

Originally posted by: nace186
Would it be possible to sign up and then after 30 day, cancel the services and pay the ETF? It would cost $499 for the 16g.

Yep, its $175 prorated $5/mo, but with a $36 activation fee your at $211 if you cancel after 30 days, and $5 less each month thereafter.

$299 16gb would be $510


Are you looking to bring the iPhone to another country?

 

[nace186]

Originally posted by: aphex

Originally posted by: nace186
Would it be possible to sign up and then after 30 day, cancel the services and pay the ETF? It would cost $499 for the 16g.

Yep, its $175 prorated $5/mo, but with a $36 activation fee your at $211 if you cancel after 30 days, and $5 less each month thereafter.

$299 16gb would be $510


Are you looking to bring the iPhone to another country?

Yea, I was thinking about it. AT&T would still charge an activation fee even if you are already a customer?

 

[aphex]

Originally posted by: nace186

Originally posted by: aphex

Originally posted by: nace186
Would it be possible to sign up and then after 30 day, cancel the services and pay the ETF? It would cost $499 for the 16g.

Yep, its $175 prorated $5/mo, but with a $36 activation fee your at $211 if you cancel after 30 days, and $5 less each month thereafter.

$299 16gb would be $510


Are you looking to bring the iPhone to another country?

Yea, I was thinking about it. AT&T would still charge an activation fee even if you are already a customer?

Well for current customers, i think its an upgrade fee of $18 ($36 is for new lines).

 

[ric1287]

man if they really screw around with it like that, terrible decision.

 

[abaez]

Screw around with what? The reason its 199$ is because AT&T is eating the cost and getting it back via the monthly payments, that's how it works.

 

[aphex]

Originally posted by: ric1287
man if they really screw around with it like that, terrible decision.

?

 

[JC86]

Didn't they just say they aren't offering an unsubsidized iphone? So i'd be SOTL if I really did lose my new phone. That sucks.

 

[ric1287]

Originally posted by: JC86
Didn't they just say they aren't offering an unsubsidized iphone? So i'd be SOTL if I really did lose my new phone. That sucks.

this is what I am talking about. If they don't let people buy it who are already under contract for 1000 years, that would be goddamn retarded.

 

[bearxor]

They said they're working out the details for AT&T customers that don't qualify for an upgrade.

 

[Pabster]

The real issue is whether it's worth the trouble. AT&T's 3G service is very limited. VERY limited. I was also disappointed to learn that (still) you will not be able to purchase from the iTunes Store over 3G, only WiFi.

I'm not sure the 3G is in my future. There's no 3G around here to speak of and the price hike on the data plan, plus having to purchase text messaging... I think I'll stick with my 2G.

 

[FP]

It is no different than any other AT&T plan.

You get a discounted phone and lose it then you have to buy out of your old contract to get another discounted phone.

 

[aphex]

Originally posted by: Pabster
The real issue is whether it's worth the trouble. AT&T's 3G service is very limited. VERY limited. I was also disappointed to learn that (still) you will not be able to purchase from the iTunes Store over 3G, only WiFi.

I'm not sure the 3G is in my future. There's no 3G around here to speak of and the price hike on the data plan, plus having to purchase text messaging... I think I'll stick with my 2G.

I dunno if I would consider this VERY limited - http://www.wireless.att.com/coverageviewer/popUp_3g.jsp

 

[Pabster]

Originally posted by: aphex
I dunno if I would consider this VERY limited - http://www.wireless.att.com/coverageviewer/popUp_3g.jsp

You might notice that 3/4 of the states only have 2-4 cities covered.

It is VERY limited compared to even EDGE (which isn't everywhere either) and REALLY blows compared to Verizon/Sprint 3G coverage.

 

[bearxor]

Originally posted by: aphex

Originally posted by: Pabster
The real issue is whether it's worth the trouble. AT&T's 3G service is very limited. VERY limited. I was also disappointed to learn that (still) you will not be able to purchase from the iTunes Store over 3G, only WiFi.

I'm not sure the 3G is in my future. There's no 3G around here to speak of and the price hike on the data plan, plus having to purchase text messaging... I think I'll stick with my 2G.

I dunno if I would consider this VERY limited - http://www.wireless.att.com/coverageviewer/popUp_3g.jsp

I hadn't paid attention to AT&T's 3G rollout in a while, then TUAW linked the 3G maps for AT&T. I was, in fact, very surprised. I thought AT&T had committed to a huge 3G rollout and was pretty disappointed with the whole thing. The really bad part is, they're finished. They have to start working on LTE pretty quick or risk being as behind as they are now.

http://www.tuaw.com/photos/ata...g-coverage-map/854641/

 

[aphex]

Originally posted by: Pabster

Originally posted by: aphex
I dunno if I would consider this VERY limited - http://www.wireless.att.com/coverageviewer/popUp_3g.jsp

You might notice that 3/4 of the states only have 2-4 cities covered.

It is VERY limited compared to even EDGE (which isn't everywhere either) and REALLY blows compared to Verizon/Sprint 3G coverage.

True, guess we just got spoiled down here in FL as all the major areas are covered.

 

[abaez]

Well, one workaround is buying the iPhone from Europe unlocked at 499 Euro.

 

[Pabster]

Originally posted by: abaez
Well, one workaround is buying the iPhone from Europe unlocked at 499 Euro.

Or awaiting the iPhone Pro which will come factory unlocked at $399 (US).