[iPhone 3G] Apple to Force In-Store Activation [Archive]

bluerockuk1

06-10-2008, 10:56 AM

Taken from iClarified

Just like I said would happen, this will certainly be implemented into the UK and Europe

Apple is trying to put an end to unlocking by requiring that all new handsets be activated at time of purchase, according to AT&T's President of National Distribution Glenn Lurie.

Lurie told Gizmodo that there will be no in-home activation for iPhone 3G—it does require a two-year contract, and it will have to be activated in store (at AT&T or Apple Store), which takes 10-12 minutes, meaning that first day line is going to SUCK. And you will have to camp out, since there won't be any online ordering at launch.

Gizmodo is also now reporting that "AT&T and Apple are working on a form of penalty for users who don't activate their iPhone within 30 days of purchase." Another obvious attempt at hindering unlockers!

me.

06-10-2008, 11:07 AM

Ok, how will you be able to walk out unactivated in the first place to be hit with the "penalty for users who don't activate their iPhone within 30 days of purchase."???

bluerockuk1

06-10-2008, 11:16 AM

I would say for the internet sales that are made

me.

06-10-2008, 11:23 AM

I would say for the internet sales that are made
No online sales anymore... That's whole point!

bluerockuk1

06-10-2008, 12:09 PM

No online sales anymore... That's whole point!

I cant see your point

The phone will be sold online, but not at launch

This is reported in this post and many others on the net

me.

06-10-2008, 12:29 PM

The phone will be sold online, but not at launch
This is reported in this post and many others on the net
Says who? I don't trust speculations, I trust FACTS. Give me at least ONE trusted source like Apple saying "hold on folks, don't rush to camp out on July 11, it'll come online... later.." Gimme a break!

jumphopspin

06-10-2008, 12:36 PM

Can't we just sign up for AT&T and just cancel as soon as we get home anyway and not have to pay a cent for it? thats how i did it with my first iphone.. i got the at&t, learned i could unlock for my T-mobile, cancelled immediately and bam! i was fine..

why cant we just do that here?

and you didn't have to return the handset? i would be shocked if they really let you off easy like that.

thecompkid

06-10-2008, 12:42 PM

I hear that there's going to be a more expensive version for people who are not eligible for updates yet (like, for example, every legit iPhone user). I would assume that their policies would be more flexible if there wasn't a huge subsidy at stake. Its not like apple is just going to stop selling the phone online. Personally, I doubt that this in-store activation thing will last that long, but maybe thats just wishful thinking.

me.

06-10-2008, 12:47 PM

...cancelled immediately and bam! i was fine..
What about your credit score? Is it fine too?

bluerockuk1

06-10-2008, 12:50 PM

Says who? I don't trust speculations, I trust FACTS. Give me at least ONE trusted source like Apple saying "hold on folks, don't rush to camp out on July 11, it'll come online... later.." Gimme a break!

I suggest you give yourself a break and try looking around

taken from the o2 UK site

Switching to O2 is easy and you can keep your existing number

Switching to iPhone is easy and we've a wide range of tariff options for iPhone available to suit all your needs. If you've already finished or nearing the end of your minimum term contract with another network provider, now is the right time to get the new 3G iPhone.

To purchase an iPhone with a Pay Monthly tariff you need to be over 18, pass a credit check and have a bank account for the monthly Direct Debit payments. You'll also need an email address you access regularly because your bills will be sent to you by email.

Keep your number

You can easily transfer your existing number to your new iPhone. Just contact your current network provider for a PAC code. Then let us know your PAC code when you purchase your iPhone in-store, or contact us online once you've received your new handset.

Your existing number will be transferred within two working days of us receiving the PAC code. We'll also give you a temporary number whilst you wait for your existing number to transfer so you can continue to make calls, send texts and surf the internet.

Where to buy?

You'll be able to purchase the iPhone online at o2.co.uk, in one or our high street stores or by calling O2. It will also be available at The Carphone Warehouse.

Register your interest

Just register your interest opposite and we'll drop you a line in early July to tell you what you need to do to be one of the first to get your hands on the new 3G iPhone.

also the link for you to view yourself

http://www.o2.co.uk/iphone/paymonthly

me.

06-10-2008, 12:58 PM

You'll be able to purchase the iPhone online at o2.co.uk, in one or our high street stores or by calling O2. It will also be available at The Carphone Warehouse.
Well, I'm happy for UK buyers, but I was thinking about getting the thing in the US... May end up buying in UK though if an unlock is found... We'll see.. Peace!

tsoscottc

06-10-2008, 01:19 PM

credit score fine..

i walked into an at&t store, bought an iphone, took it home, activated it legit, then the next day i read about unlocking for t-mobile, called at&t, told em i didnt like the service, and cancelled it, and unlocked. no penalities or anything. there is a 14 day grace period, and im sure 3g iphone will have one too. so just chill everyone, i dont believe apple/at&t will win, we ALWAYS win, they really cant truely stop us from unlocking.

me.

06-10-2008, 01:59 PM

We could win if it were selling for $399... But for $200 AT&T subsidy they'll be sure to make it reaaaal tough for us to win... Let see what July 11 holds for us.. I hope geohot will be one of the day 1 buyers ;)

Dave

06-10-2008, 02:15 PM

Well thats all great for you guys I mean evan if they don't find a way to get the Iphone into our hands there is always a chance of you guys singning up for the contract, because the iPhone will be avalible in 70+ contries but not the one Im in,so I screwed
EDIT:
we all screwed
cheack it out
New Activation Process and BRE:
The iPhone 3G will be activated at point of sale when the device is purchased, in store. The BRE period will change from 14 days to 30 days and will require the device to be returned to place of purchase before service is cancelled.

http://gizmodo.com/5014909/att-memo-to-retail-managers-shows-iphone-3g-policy

UPDATE: All customers will be required to sign a 2-year agreement. There will not be a "no commitment" price for the iPhone 3G.

saralsth

06-10-2008, 02:24 PM

Ok, how will you be able to walk out unactivated in the first place to be hit with the "penalty for users who don't activate their iPhone within 30 days of purchase."???

Lol. Yeah.

kultschar

06-10-2008, 02:26 PM

Well thats all great for you guys I mean evan if they don't find a way to get the Iphone into our hands there is always a chance of you guys singning up for the contract, because the iPhone will be avalible in 70+ contries but not the one Im in,so I screwed
EDIT:
we all screwed
cheack it out
New Activation Process and BRE:
The iPhone 3G will be activated at point of sale when the device is purchased, in store. The BRE period will change from 14 days to 30 days and will require the device to be returned to place of purchase before service is cancelled.

http://gizmodo.com/5014909/att-memo-to-retail-managers-shows-iphone-3g-policy

Im suprised they never did this in the first place however I guess since its a new product/investment they prob wouldnt to just flog as much stock as poss without upsetting AT & T.

For UK users O2 offering Pay As You Go - im sure a lot of other countries will offer pay as you go solutions however surely its going to be double price to deter hackers and make finanical business sense

me.

06-10-2008, 02:30 PM

The iPhone 3G will be activated at point of sale when the device is purchased, in store. The BRE period will change from 14 days to 30 days and will require the device to be returned to place of purchase before service is cancelled
Umm..., can I paint the back of the first gen black and return that one? ;)

bluerockuk1

06-10-2008, 02:33 PM

saralsth

06-10-2008, 02:40 PM

Where is video conferencing?

Dave

06-10-2008, 02:42 PM

Dissopointing isn't ??saralsth??

me.

06-10-2008, 02:42 PM

Apple Stores are not geared up to sign up deals in store
According to the UK o2 site, this will be avaaible online
Not to be devil's advocate here, but they have a MONTH to go.. I guess if Apple UK is planning to gear up its stores to sign-ups, it has plenty of time to do it...

me.

06-10-2008, 02:45 PM

Where is video conferencing?
My guess it'll be there.. Starting July 11, 2009.. ;) Maybe sooner..

thefewtheproud

06-10-2008, 02:46 PM

Alright so my friend is a legit ATT customer with the current iphone. Can he go to the apple store and buy his first one and legitly activate and then get a second one saying he broke the first one to give to me? Wouldnt he not be required to activate the second if he was going to use his paperclip i mean "sim ejector tool" to put his first 3g sim in the new 3g phone?

paultart

06-10-2008, 02:46 PM

o2 UK site states an 18 month contract, not 2 years.

Steve Jobs stated 8Gb iPhone 3G will cost a maximum of $199 in all 70 countries. How can they charge more when god has spoken?

abrasBR

06-10-2008, 02:52 PM

Locked

06-10-2008, 03:00 PM

o2 UK site states an 18 month contract, not 2 years.

Steve Jobs stated 8Gb iPhone 3G will cost a maximum of $199 in all 70 countries. How can they charge more when god has spoken?

I am very interested in this statement. Does this mean that they will charge the equivalent of 199$ world wide, or they will charge for example 199 Euros?

trapper

06-10-2008, 03:02 PM

o2 UK site states an 18 month contract, not 2 years.

Steve Jobs stated 8Gb iPhone 3G will cost a maximum of $199 in all 70 countries. How can they charge more when god has spoken?
Apple doesn’t charge more, they charge US$199 (converted to local currency) in all Apple stores - and on the condition that you sign up to a local carrier contract. No contract = No phone.

The carriers themselves can charge what they want. For contracts this will likely be the same as Apple or less, otherwise people would just buy through the Apple store instead. But for any pay as you go non-contract type deal this will be a whole lot more than the contract subsidised US$199. (Applies online, offline, or otherwise)

Also ‘simlock’ is nothing to do with it. In France or Germany you might get a non-simlocked phone, but you are still going to be signing up to a contract like anywhere else in the world. (or paying a premium for a non-contract pay as you go deal if they offer this)

Make sense?

odysseus

06-10-2008, 03:12 PM

Also ‘simlock’ is nothing to do with it. In France or Germany you might get a non-simlocked phone, but you are still going to be signing up to a contract like anywhere else in the world. (or paying a premium for a non-contract pay as you go deal if they offer this)

I believe that in France the law stipulates that you can't be forced to sign up for a contract in order to purchase a phone. So the iPhone 3G should be available unlocked in France for a HUGE premium (it's currently about 750 euros) and it should work with other carriers if it is pay as you go.

paultart

06-10-2008, 03:20 PM

[QUOTE=trapper;303320]Apple doesn’t charge more, they charge US$199 (converted to local currency) in all Apple stores - and on the condition that you sign up to a local carrier contract. No contract = No phone.

The carriers themselves can charge what they want. For contracts this will likely be the same as Apple or less, otherwise people would just buy through the Apple store instead. But for any pay as you go non-contract type deal this will be a whole lot more than the contract subsidised US$199. (Applies online, offline, or otherwise)

Why are you assuming that $199 is a contract subsidised price? On O2 certain tariffs will give you a free iPhone, they are subsidised.

Watch the keynote speech video on apple.com - SJ clearly states it will be available for $199 everywhere(8Gb iPhone 3G). That translates to £99 to £100 in UK.

SJ wants an iPhone in everybody's pocket. Hence the change of tactics. He even makes a joke about all the unlocked iPhones in other countries. Domination (or a good chunk of the mobile market) is on the Apple 5 year plan. He can't be seen condoning unlocked iPhones because of all the contracts they have in place (ie AT&T, o2, Orange etc), but he is quietly pleased with all the demand worldwide for his baby. Apple make money with every sale - be it on a contract or not.

trapper

06-10-2008, 03:33 PM

Why are you assuming that $199 is a contract subsidised price? On O2 certain tariffs will give you a free iPhone, they are subsidised.
Because ‘iPhone only sold that price with a contract’ = Contract price.

eg… this is what we know so far for the UK.

Apple stores:
With 18 month O2 contract. price = US$199 ~ £100
With no contract. price = no phone!

O2:
With £30/month or £35/month 18 month contract. price = £99
With £45/month or £75/month 18month contract. price = free
With no contract. price not yet known but must be much more than £99

http://www.o2.co.uk/assets/O2HybridNav/1_iPhone/Santana/PayMonthly/PayMonthlyTariffs.html
http://www.o2.co.uk/assets/O2HybridNav/1_iPhone/Santana/PayGo/PGOverview.html

Chevy45

06-10-2008, 03:45 PM

Maybe they will start selling new iphones on contract but I think they will ignore that after they see low sales because not everybody wants a AT & T line, taking the old iphone for example, I found a post that says that over 60% of phones sold were not AT & T customers, and I will not change my phone provider nor my number just to have a new iPhone, I'll wait till everything calms down then after I can buy another one like i did with this one I'll buy one too.

jabdalla

06-10-2008, 03:50 PM

I really want to see how this will work here in Brasil.
Brasil is one of the countrys that will have iPhone 3G, but here is not allowed LOCKED phones by law. All phones here must be unlocked.
So apple will be forced to sell unlocked phones, at least unlocked to all brasilian carriers.
Abras

Abras,
Actually, the carriers can sell locked phones as long as they offer some kind of subsidy. After the subsidy is over, the phone must be unlocked.

chakli

06-10-2008, 03:54 PM

thats cuz apple got the full value for iphone and whether u activate or no doesnot matter. Also att didn't subsidze the iPhone so they aren't losing anything either...but now its just like any regular mobile... I think there will be an option to cancel the contract but return the iphne or att will charge the full price of the phone which will def be huge $$$...

Pentium

06-10-2008, 04:38 PM

so now we can't just buy this iPhone and wait for the unlock!

cause sure thing I won't switch network...I can't :)

jashsayani

06-10-2008, 04:48 PM

Well, All I can say is, Apple is trying Not to repeat their mistake.
Anyways, I dont mind the contract because I am in India and the iPhone 3G will be here from Japan in some time... Available in Grey Market. So, I'll just Buy and Unlock ! :D

Killian

06-10-2008, 05:11 PM

Abras,

Once you have signed the mobile company contract, dosen´t matter what are you going to do with your iphone, because you have to fallow the contract.

For sure here we'll have very high prices, we can´t even think to compare with US and UK prices..

The other point is, how the only option to buy a 3G iphone on US is buying on ebay, AT&T customers will buy and sell it...

Killian

06-10-2008, 05:13 PM

Abras,
Actually, the carriers can sell locked phones as long as they offer some kind of subsidy. After the subsidy is over, the phone must be unlocked.

you are wrong, dosen´t matter what mobile you are going to use, once you fallow the contract, you can assign and take the iphone and sell it, but you have to finish the contract or pay high fine

kiasunkiasi

06-10-2008, 05:17 PM

Meaning no more "I'm buying a phone for my xxx"?

slimnickyy

06-10-2008, 05:23 PM

No contract no phone no neccessarily true, for example O2's pay and go plan for iPhone 3G. (see their site)

geircito

06-10-2008, 05:29 PM

Oh, my iPhone 3G has crashed, I need to restore it using iTunes.
Then, after restoring I need to go to a store and activate my iPhone 3G again.

Or, can I use iTunes for activation as I do today???
What about iPhone 1.generation, after a restore in iTunes, what do I do for activating if iTunes 7.7 is "removing" the possibility to activate at home?

trapper

06-10-2008, 05:41 PM

iTunes 7.7 doesn't remove activation. If you need to restore you will be fine.

TJ2K7

06-10-2008, 05:53 PM

Because 02 UK are selling iPhone on pay as you go, no instore activation is needed so that allows the option for unlocking right ?

Thats if the dev team can do it, but they will because the dev are the best :)

:D

trapper

06-10-2008, 06:14 PM

Well it’s not only that… I mean people are going to have to restore their phones are various times, this is a given. Stuff gets corrupted, new firmwares come out, etc

There is no point in Apple stopping this from being done at home.

aranmor

06-10-2008, 06:36 PM

It doesn't matter if you can still activate at home or not... the fact here is that you can't walk out the store without a contract tied to your waist, which means... HOW DO WE BUY IT????

jsalva

06-10-2008, 06:44 PM

This thing sucks, i just hope there's some kind of light at the end of the tunnel for us all

odysseus

06-10-2008, 06:47 PM

SJ wants an iPhone in everybody's pocket. Hence the change of tactics. He even makes a joke about all the unlocked iPhones in other countries. Domination (or a good chunk of the mobile market) is on the Apple 5 year plan. He can't be seen condoning unlocked iPhones because of all the contracts they have in place (ie AT&T, o2, Orange etc), but he is quietly pleased with all the demand worldwide for his baby. Apple make money with every sale - be it on a contract or not.

I'm not sure that Apple would make much money on an iPhone sold at $199 without a contract that provides the needed kickback. Hence the change of tactics. And if he thinks that "everybody" can afford to spend $70+/month for a phone plan, he's really delusional.

spaceman81

06-10-2008, 06:50 PM

i suspect that the first time they "activate" the phone, they are merely associating the IMEI of the phone with the SIM card. Subsequent activation will then be allowed for the matching SIM and IMEI combination. So if a user restores the iPhone, he/she would not have to go down to the AT&T or Apple store to get it "reactivated".

spaceman81

06-10-2008, 06:55 PM

or perhaps, they won't even bother with the SIM card details as it is still unclear as to whether the iPhone will be carrier locked outside the US (in countries that have multiple carriers for the iPhone).

bluerockuk1

06-10-2008, 07:02 PM

I'm not sure that Apple would make much money on an iPhone sold at $199 without a contract that provides the needed kickback. Hence the change of tactics. And if he thinks that "everybody" can afford to spend $70+/month for a phone plan, he's really delusional.

AT&T have just signed a new deal that removes this kick back element, Apple dont make anything from the monthy revenue

Jim Danner

06-10-2008, 07:12 PM

AT&T have just signed a new deal that removes this kick back element, Apple dont make anything from the monthy revenueIt's not a monthly kickback, it is a one-time subsidy -- which we could also call a kickback. Anyway, AT&T pays Apple money (more than $199 per phone) and tries to recover that money from its customer.

bluerockuk1

06-10-2008, 07:20 PM

It's not a monthly kickback, it is a one-time subsidy -- which we could also call a kickback. Anyway, AT&T pays Apple money (more than $199 per phone) and tries to recover that money from its customer.

I personal beleive they sell it for more or less that price.

Apple make there money from itunes and when launched the App Store

Its common practice, you send something into the market that has a way of generating revenue.

I have worked in the mobile industry and seen the prices that phones are bought at

blankmac01

06-10-2008, 07:25 PM

It doesn't matter if you can still activate at home or not... the fact here is that you can't walk out the store without a contract tied to your waist, which means... HOW DO WE BUY IT????

Buy it with the contract and then go back and cancel. Tell them you went boating and dropped it in a river. There's a boating accident clause in the contract so all you have to do is pay an additional fee instead of getting out your scuba gear to look for the phone. :D

Jim Danner

06-10-2008, 07:26 PM

I personal beleive they sell it for more or less that price.

Apple make there money from itunes and when launched the App Store

Its common practice, you send something into the market that has a way of generating revenue.

I have worked in the mobile industry and seen the prices that phones are bought atIf you have worked in the industry, you must have heard of subsidized phones. That is, the operator sells the phone in combination with a contract, at a much lower price than what it costs them to buy the phone from the manufacturer (sometimes even for free). It's highly likely that this is what Jobs means when he says "a more traditional business model".

bluerockuk1

06-10-2008, 07:32 PM

If you have worked in the industry, you must have heard of subsidized phones. That is, the operator sells the phone in combination with a contract, at a much lower price than what it costs them to buy the phone from the manufacturer (sometimes even for free). It's highly likely that this is what Jobs means when he says "a more traditional business model".

I have heard of that practice and yes that does happen, but please dont for a 2nd be fooled that the networks pay several hundreds for an handset.

Yes they do buy phones at a loss, but not many and if it is a loss then its a small loss, we are not talking more than £100 in the worst case

aranmor

06-10-2008, 07:45 PM

The activation thing is what should worry you least, I've read at TUAW that they interviewed some ATT guy who told them that they don't know how apple is going to manage the in store activation, but that he knew that you could buy an iphone and activate it latter at home with iTunes, but you can't leave the store without signing the dotted line... this means that you can do whatever the hell you want with it after that but you gotta pay the monthly minimum for 2 years... regarding the boat accident, can someone point me at the contract so i can read it?

mcman

06-10-2008, 07:58 PM

Maybe we should flood Apple with paper that says "contract" on one side and "sign this!!" on the other. Or we can use good old nuts.. :o

Indiglo

06-10-2008, 08:36 PM

Jim Danner

06-10-2008, 11:49 PM

:rolleyes::rolleyes:Gys , Apple and any carrier can do what they want, but the marked is buyer oriented.. if we do not buy the Iphone 3G for a while and sell show that they are loosing ground in the market (mainly againts Blackberry) I can guarantee you that they will rethink their strategy.

In other words, boicot them and see how Apple opens their legs. Carriers will send the Iphone back to Apple because of overstock, remember we have the power, we are the ones that pay for the phone, no sales of Iphone 3G means lower prices and no contrat at all.

We have the power in our hands and in our pockets. Apple can tell Steve to buy all the production if he wants and lower his salary or even better fire him.Are you saying that Blackberry's conditions are more customer-friendly? I'm not so sure. The $199 is pretty close to what you'll pay for a Blackberry or any other smartphone. And we have yet to see how expensive the mandatory two-year contracts will be.

To me it seems Apple is bringing its pricing and conditions in line with Blackberry's -- leaving just a difference in ease of use and coolness.

Dave

06-11-2008, 12:13 AM

Cheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeck it out!!!!
http://www.o2.co.uk/iphone/paygo

romenator

06-11-2008, 12:13 AM

Are you saying that Blackberry's conditions are more customer-friendly? I'm not so sure. The $199 is pretty close to what you'll pay for a Blackberry or any other smartphone. And we have yet to see how expensive the mandatory two-year contracts will be.

To me it seems Apple is bringing its pricing and conditions in line with Blackberry's -- leaving just a difference in ease of use and coolness.
in the UK, we get most phones free on £35 a month contracts (18months), some even on 12month contracts, depending on how persuasive you are. Last year, i managed to persuade vodafone into giving me a nokia n95 on a £30 line rental (12month contract), and £50 cashback in 3 months.

bluerockuk1

06-11-2008, 12:15 AM

Are you saying that Blackberry's conditions are more customer-friendly? I'm not so sure. The $199 is pretty close to what you'll pay for a Blackberry or any other smartphone. And we have yet to see how expensive the mandatory two-year contracts will be.

To me it seems Apple is bringing its pricing and conditions in line with Blackberry's -- leaving just a difference in ease of use and coolness.

Maybe in the US, but in the UK you can get nearly every blackberry for free

Remember the UK market is different completely to the US market

Hence the reason the iphone is not getting video calling and MMS

romenator

06-11-2008, 12:18 AM

:rolleyes::rolleyes:Gys , Apple and any carrier can do what they want, but the marked is buyer oriented.. if we do not buy the Iphone 3G for a while and sell show that they are loosing ground in the market (mainly againts Blackberry) I can guarantee you that they will rethink their strategy.

In other words, boicot them and see how Apple opens their legs. Carriers will send the Iphone back to Apple because of overstock, remember we have the power, we are the ones that pay for the phone, no sales of Iphone 3G means lower prices and no contrat at all.

We have the power in our hands and in our pockets. Apple can tell Steve to buy all the production if he wants and lower his salary or even better fire him.
Do you work for microsoft? or Blackberry? lol.

This will never happen. There will be someone queuing for weeks outside a shop to get an iphone2. But, i do understand the point, if we say no, then apple will have to rethink their strategy.

KiWo

06-11-2008, 12:18 AM

Talked to a guy from a swedish newspaper. He told me that apple will be selling the iPhone 3G online again after July 11. Hopefully he's right. At least he said his source was apple.

Dave

06-11-2008, 12:29 AM

Do you work for microsoft? or Blackberry? lol.

This will never happen. There will be someone queuing for weeks outside a shop to get an iphone2. But, i do understand the point, if we say no, then apple will have to rethink their strategy.

You should read the latest artical on wired about apple evil/guines .
Its shows how apple is not like every another company and it will always stay locked

romenator

06-11-2008, 02:04 AM

You should read the latest artical on wired about apple evil/guines .
Its shows how apple is not like every another company and it will always stay locked
But, if everyone, i mean literally every customer makes a stand by not buying an iphone 3g, not buying songs through itunes, not buy items through app store and make a stand, they will have to alter their strategy, or they will not be able to make any money. But this will never happen, there will always be a gimp who cannot resist it.

jumphopspin

06-11-2008, 02:06 AM

But, if everyone, i mean literally every customer makes a stand by not buying an iphone 3g, not buying songs through itunes, not buy items through app store and make a stand, they will have to alter their strategy, or they will not be able to make any money. But this will never happen, there will always be a gimp who cannot resist it.

who buys songs off itunes? :D

appleguru

06-11-2008, 03:23 AM

We have the power in our hands and in our pockets. Apple can tell Steve to buy all the production if he wants and lower his salary or even better fire him.

ahahahaha... You do realize steve's salary is currently $1, right? And you also realize that without him coming back to apple there very likely would not even be an apple today, right? :rolleyes:

kinhung

06-11-2008, 03:31 AM

no matter what is the law.
it may be unlocked for all countries. But if it requires you to sign a long plan before taking the iphone 3g out of store, it is the same as the locked function.

(sorry for my poor english)

thecompkid

06-11-2008, 03:41 AM

Sorry, but the boycott idea is pretty funny. :rolleyes:

There are over 60,000 members on this forum. If every single one of us was planning to buy an iPhone but didn't because of the business model, we wouldn't even make a dent in iPhone 3G sales, let alone enough of an impact to get Jobs fired :rolleyes:.

Also consider the fact that practically no one outside of this community gives a crap about these changes as most of them are legit subscribers.

MikeMiranda

06-11-2008, 03:42 AM

Blah I'll just wait 30days an cancel on the 30th day....

jumphopspin

06-11-2008, 04:07 AM

Blah I'll just wait 30days an cancel on the 30th day....

this was my plan.. but i was wondering if it's worth it to have to also pay for the first month's service + activation + taxes + other nickel and dime fees which would make the phone cost around $475-500.

i'm waiting to see what "secret" price at&t sets for an unsubsidized phone (they're not supposed to offer one publicly). they have to set this price because my second option is to activate and then cancel under 30 days and not return the phone to at&t. then they will have to charge me this unsubsidized price, but i won't have to pay the ETF or activation fee.

jumphopspin

06-11-2008, 04:08 AM

if all else fails, get one from overseas.. but it won't come cheap.

aranmor

06-11-2008, 04:19 AM

well, let's see what O2 has to say about their iphone to go price, maybe that way it will be cheaper than whatever fees att will stab on the back of hit and running people

cousha

06-11-2008, 04:23 AM

Hey. I have been at 2 apple stores in past 2 days and ask store manager and couple of employees and they told me that the will not be doing the activation. the procedure will be same as now.

uPhone

06-11-2008, 04:41 AM

who buys songs off itunes? :D

I "buy" my songs off of LimeTunes

NO DRM!!!

aranmor

06-11-2008, 05:09 AM

Hey. I have been at 2 apple stores in past 2 days and ask store manager and couple of employees and they told me that the will not be doing the activation. the procedure will be same as now.

Yes that might be right, but you would not be able to walk out the door without signing a contract first, then you can do whatever you want with the phone :iphone:

bobbylight

06-11-2008, 05:40 AM

This is straight from ATT's website:

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=25791

The thing I find interesting is the bullet point where they say:

With a two-year contract, the price of an 8GB iPhone 3G will be $199; the 16GB model will be priced at $299.

That really sounds like there will be an option for buying the phone without the contract. It's all speculation now, but it seems like they would word it differently, who would care about how much it would be with/without the contract if there was only one option.

I also read on macrumors.com that they are in the process of finding some type of penalty for users who do not activate their phones within 30 days or something like that. I could see them selling the phones at full price and giving you the instant subsidy if you activate in store, but reducing it if you buy it and go home and don't legitimately activate it within a certain amount of time. They could easily keep track of the purchase date by serial number or other information.

I hate all this specualtion though, I feel like when the exact details are released it either wont be that bad, or we will all find a way around it pretty fast.

MikeMiranda

06-11-2008, 05:57 AM

this was my plan.. but i was wondering if it's worth it to have to also pay for the first month's service + activation + taxes + other nickel and dime fees which would make the phone cost around $475-500.

i'm waiting to see what "secret" price at&t sets for an unsubsidized phone (they're not supposed to offer one publicly). they have to set this price because my second option is to activate and then cancel under 30 days and not return the phone to at&t. then they will have to charge me this unsubsidized price, but i won't have to pay the ETF or activation fee.

I wonder what price that is..

uPhone

06-11-2008, 06:11 AM

I think Apple/AT&T are making a HUGE mistake by doing this.

They should just keep it like it is now.

If someone buys and does NOT activate AT&T doesn't loose anything, Apple Gains some profit (I think)

By forcing people to switch contracts and pay the ridiculous $30 fee is going to be hard to convince people.

One reason I switched to AT&T was because it was only $20 for unlimited data for iPhone. Everyother smartphone was $30 a month.

But then again If you think about it.

I sold my iPhone for roughly $500.. + I used it for a good 4 months.

$500-$200 = $300 - ($10X20 months remaining in contract) = $100 so in the end its not THAT bad.

aranmor

06-11-2008, 06:11 AM

libertybenz2

06-11-2008, 07:11 AM

Holy sh!t... u know what im noticing????

With the price of iphones now being 200, and the public being forced to return iphones before they cancel.... EVERYONE WILL BE USING AT&T (or at least those are the intentions of Steve/Apple), and in the end t-mobile and all others will all be caused to merge, thus resulting in one cell phone provider...

AT&T. They are attempting to take over all the others, and we'll have to wait and see what happens. But with this offer, a lot of people will probably switch over to at&t because they are forced to... if ya want the iphone, YOU HAVE NO OTHER CHOICE!

BUT who knows... maybe someone will find an unlock for the new 3g model, and I can stay happily on t-mobile. Time, as well as hackers, will decide.

Benz

Edit: there...i felt like an a$$ lol :P

xcesivemastub8ah

06-11-2008, 08:50 AM

Holy sh!t... u know what im noticing????

With the price of iphones now being 200, and the public being forced to return iphones before they cancel.... EVERYONE WILL BE USING AT&T (or at least those are the intentions of Steve/Apple), and in the end t-mobile/verizon/cingular will all be caused to merge, thus resulting in one cell phone provider...

AT&T... Apple and at&t are working together, and they have already taken over or "merged" with nextel. They are attempting to take over all the others, and we'll have to wait and see what happens. But with this offer, a lot of people will probably switch over to at&t because they are forced to... if ya want the iphone, YOU HAVE NO OTHER CHOICE!

BUT who knows... maybe someone will find an unlock for the new 3g model, and I can stay happily on t-mobile. Time, as well as hackers, will decide.

Benz

They have multiple realities in jersey now, or are you really just [b]THAT[\b] high? Check your carriers and "mergers" again....

jumphopspin

06-11-2008, 09:51 AM

Holy sh!t... u know what im noticing????

With the price of iphones now being 200, and the public being forced to return iphones before they cancel.... EVERYONE WILL BE USING AT&T (or at least those are the intentions of Steve/Apple), and in the end t-mobile/verizon/cingular will all be caused to merge, thus resulting in one cell phone provider...

AT&T... Apple and at&t are working together, and they have already taken over or "merged" with nextel. They are attempting to take over all the others, and we'll have to wait and see what happens. But with this offer, a lot of people will probably switch over to at&t because they are forced to... if ya want the iphone, YOU HAVE NO OTHER CHOICE!

BUT who knows... maybe someone will find an unlock for the new 3g model, and I can stay happily on t-mobile. Time, as well as hackers, will decide.

Benz

sprint took over nextel.. lol.

xcesivemastub8ah

06-11-2008, 01:19 PM

sprint took over nextel.. lol.

..... And Cingular IS "the new AT&T".....

bluerockuk1

06-11-2008, 02:06 PM

this is very interesting reading

o2 have the activation process on their website
When you connect your iPhone to your Mac or PC using the USB cable provided, iTunes will activate your device and start connection to the O2 network. To complete the activation process, you'll need to provide:

Your name and address
Your email address (it is important to use a valid email address as we'll send you your mobile bill by email)
Your previous address, if you've lived at your present address for less than three years
Bank account details for your tariff bill
Credit or debit card details for your iTunes Music Store account
If you're an existing O2 customer and you wish to retain your existing number, you'll need to provide your current mobile telephone number.
Please ensure you have your existing mobile with you and switched on, as we'll send you a text message containing a 4-digit security PIN code. You'll need to type this PIN code into iTunes to confirm the migration
If you wish to migrate your mobile number from another network provider, or if you're an O2 customer billed by Carphone Warehouse, you'll need to provide a "PAC code". You'll need to get this from your existing service provider.

During the activation process you'll be provided with an O2 username and password, we strongly suggest that you write these details down, as you'll need them in the future to be able to access your mobile phone bill via the online functionality.

http://www.o2.co.uk/iphone/activation

libertybenz2

06-11-2008, 04:35 PM

Yes, I am... EXTREMELY! Thanks for asking ! lolol

lol then my post makes no sense?!! hahaha ... although the nextel remark is incorrect, they as a provider in whole ARE TRYING TO TAKE OVER THE WORLD !!!!

lol jk, carry on...

benz :P

)law(

06-11-2008, 06:21 PM

those mother f*ckers

http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/11/iphone-3g-details-firmware-2-0-on-june-27th-no-ota-music-downl/

Fgreenwe

06-11-2008, 06:48 PM

I was reading that to cancel the contract was a $210 penalty. If thats the case I was still willing to pay 4-$500 anyway but this is way too much work. What ever happened to getting customers because of great service? I have never had this much problems giving someone $400 dollars lol . What about those sim card unlocking methods? Blackberry's anyone?

ldhilljr

06-11-2008, 07:48 PM

One thing to consider for 3G iPhones in the US is that I do not believe the 3G frequency bands of the iPhone will work with all of the 3G bands that T-Mobile is rolling out, so unlocking such a phone will be of limited value in the US. I would still prefer an unlocked iPhone so that I can use it with my Orange UK and Vodafone NZ SIM cards, but I may be forced to switch to AT&T service to make full use of the iPhone's 3G capabilities here in the US.

BTW, I have no problem buying the phone, canceling my contract after 30 days and then paying the early termination fee to own an "unsubsidized" iPhone. But I will scratch my head if a lot of people rush to unlock their iPhone in the US to only have limited 3G functionality on T-Mobile. Now it's possible that all the other enhancements besides 3G may be tempting enough, but getting faster data service would seem like one of the biggest pluses to me.

aranmor

06-11-2008, 09:12 PM

that's totally right if you already have an iphone, but what about those people that want one and can't find an old one because it does not exists anymore? or those people like me that won't switch to att even if they offered 83G with light speeds and in bed breakfast? there has always been market for unlocked phones all around the world, even more for a carrier exclusive device.

creepinshadow24/7

06-12-2008, 05:25 AM

Read this, its a internal ATT memo leak

http://www.boygeniusreport.com/2008/06/09/iphone-3g-the-details-you-never-wanted-to-know/#more-3885

".... however in the event that a customer’s device is not tethered in the Apple store, their device will be inoperable until they get home and tether through iTunes. "

***------------------------------*****

"Activation Process
The new 3G device will be activated in store in both AT&T and Apple stores. Customers must accept AT&T and Apple Ts & Cs, sign a 2-year agreement, and select the data plan for the iPhone 3G before leaving the store. The current iTunes activation process will no longer be required for iPhone 3Gs, however a short tether process to unbrick the 3G device will be performed in all AT&T stores (tether cords will be provided). Apple stores will also perform this tether process, however in the event that a customer’s device is not tethered in the Apple store, their device will be inoperable until they get home and tether through iTunes. Prepaid and Pick Your Plan will not be allowed on the 3G device."