On 5/22/08 I opened an account with AT&T Mobility. As I mentioned at the time of opening the account, I switched to AT&T Mobility after 5 years at Verizon Wireless solely due to the anticipated announcement of the 3G I-Phone (announced June 2008). When opening the account, I made clear to the sales representative that I did not want to forego any subsidy by changing accounts early and he assured me that I would receive all 3G I-Phone subsidies as long as I signed up for an additional 2-year commitment.

Yesterday AT&T disclosed a press release stating the following:

iPhone 3G will be available for $199 for the 8GB model and $299 for the 16GB model. These prices require two-year contracts and are available to the following customers:

iPhone customers who purchased before July 11

Customers activating a new line with AT&T

Current AT&T customers who are eligible, at the time of purchase, for an upgrade discount

Existing AT&T customers who are not currently eligible for an upgrade discount can purchase iPhone 3G for $399 for the 8GB model or $499 for the 16GB model. Both options require a new two-year service agreement. In the future, AT&T will offer a no-contract-required option for $599 (8GB) or $699 (16GB).

Based on the language in the press release, it appears that I am technically not eligible for the $199 price point.

I first inquired with the sales representative about the 3G I-Phone on June 9, 18 days after I opened my account. Had I known at that time that I would be unable to receive the 3G I-Phone at the $199 price point as an existing AT&T customer, I would have simply canceled the account and reopened a new account on July 11th. Now I feel disappointed and punished for transferring to AT&T ahead of the I-Phone launch during periods of lower store traffic.

According to the sales representative, apparently many customers are unhappy about this policy. It seems to punish those who were most anxious to receive the new product.


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1. Written by TOOTOUGH, on 05-07-2008 19:36

HONESTLY, YOU WOULD BE BETTER OFF TO NOT EVEN DEAL WITH THAT COMPANY. THEY WILL CHARGE YOU WHAT EVER THEY WANT TO AND IF YOU DON'T PAY, THEY WILL TERMINATE YOUR CONTRACT, CHARGE YOU FOR THE EARLY TERM FEES, AND SEND YOUR ACCT TO A COLLECTION AGENCY

Comments on AT&T Said I'd Receive Fully Subsidized I-Phone - Now asking for $200 more

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