Question about getting iPhone 3G

[Luigitendo]

I have a question, i searched the forum, and cannot find any real answers on this question. Is there going to be a way i can purchase an iPhone 3G without an ATT contract? For instance, can i buy the phone at apple store and (Choose NOT to activate it)?

Here's the thing, i live in a rural area where ATT has yet to expand. they say they will sometime this year/early next year. I want to have the iPhone for a few reasons
Mainly, i want it now because my current iPod has run out of room, and i (along with the other fanatics) want to get one as soon as possible. I will then add it as a line to ATT whenever they decide to expand here.

but my question is, will apple store allow me to walk out with an un-activated iPhone 3G? I have the cash to buy it, just waiting for the launch. :(

Sorry if there was a post about this already, i didnt find it.

LT

[Surf Monkey]

Sorry if there was a post about this already, i didnt find it.

LT

I'm surprised you weren't able to find the info since it's easily the most talked about aspect of the 3G. Answer: No. Apple and ATT won't let you buy the 3G without activating it. That's why in-home activations were eliminated. You have to activate it at the store or they won't let you take it home.

[pete1014]

This might not be true in the UK
Just had an email from Carphone Warehouse and in the Ts and Cs it says
"Full terms and conditions apply. Please ask in store or go to carphonewarehouse.com/iPhone. Subject to availability and network coverage. Connection subject to status minimum of 18 years of age, 18 month minimum contract from £30 per month, credit check required. Requires a valid credit or debit card with chip and pin. The price of the device is dependent on the tariff chosen (free from £45 a month, applies to 8GB model). Activation of the device requires the latest version of iTunes, a broadband connection and a minimum level of PC or Mac software. Only one 3G iPhone per customer. Unused inclusive minutes and messages cannot be carried forward one month to the next on any iPhone tariffs. Existing customers transferring to an iPhone tariff will lose any accrued allowances. iPhone is restricted to use on the O2 network. The Apple logo, iPod, iTunes and Mac are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the US and other countries. iPhone and Multi-Touch are trademarks of Apple Inc. Copyright © 2008 Apple Inc. All rights reserved.
"

What do you think?

[Surf Monkey]

Looks to me like left over verbiage from iPhone 1.0, but who knows. Maybe in-home is available outside of the US. Doubtful though.

[dcuk7]

I'm sure here in the UK the activation is a two-step process. You have to do an activation in store to start your contract, then when you get home you do the normal activation a la iPhone original.

They are being sold SIM-Free over here anyway, although the prices are rumored to be £300 for the 8GB and £360 for the 16GB.

[deftdrummer1]

In the US AT&T has announced on their home page (http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-phone-service/specials/iphone-info.jsp) that "coming soon" there will be a no commitment pricing of $599 and $699. Yikes! - that's more than a mac mini!

[Dim]

Yes, it's pricey. You can see how much value they put into their 2-year contracts.

[Surf Monkey]

Yes, it's pricey. You can see how much value they put into their 2-year contracts.


And you can see how those of us who paid $599 for the 1.0 iPhone felt.

[Andyb7777]

Hmmm another question that's kind of related to this.

My internet is down at home, I'm fairly certain I can activate my phone using my work PC then use it normally with my PC at home right?

I've a copy of iTunes on here but I only use it for looking, not for buying stuff. This won't cause any problems should it?

[Skrat]

Hmmm another question that's kind of related to this.

My internet is down at home, I'm fairly certain I can activate my phone using my work PC then use it normally with my PC at home right?

I've a copy of iTunes on here but I only use it for looking, not for buying stuff. This won't cause any problems should it?

Most activations will be done in-store at the time of purchase although, in some circumstances, you might be allowed to activate it at home. Since the new itunes will also include the ability to activate then you should be able to do so from your office as long as it has the new itunes installed (to be released on July 11th). You will still be able to use you computer at home with the iPhone but may have to upgrade your iTunes there as well.

[Surf Monkey]

That's pure speculation. At the moment all the official information from ATT and Apple indicates that NO in home activations will be allowed in the US. ALL iPhones will have to be activated at an Apple or ATT store before the customer walks out with the device.

[deftdrummer1]

Most activations will be done in-store at the time of purchase although, in some circumstances, you might be allowed to activate it at home. Since the new itunes will also include the ability to activate then you should be able to do so from your office as long as it has the new itunes installed (to be released on July 11th). You will still be able to use you computer at home with the iPhone but may have to upgrade your iTunes there as well.

ya seriously, if you're going to spout stuff at least source it.

[Luigitendo]

I'd normally not ask this question, and just pay the fees to ATT so i could buy an iPhone, but I do feel its somewhat unfair that those thousands possibly even millions of us who live in an area WITHOUT ATT, absolutely CANNOT use the iPhone 3G. Hence why i asked this, ATT has been "Expanding coverage" for years, but i still am without it. I guess what im trying to say in some clumsy way, is i wish there would be more than one network dominating the iPhone 3G in the US. :shake:

Ok, new question...I am not too aware of ATT and apple's dealings, but is it possible within the next few years, that other networks will start carrying iPhone3g? or will ATT dominate and control it Forever...:shake: :confused:

[deftdrummer1]

att will retain sole marketing and distribution of the iPhone 3G for years to come. Officially, iPhone 3G will not be offered on any other networks. Technically, iPhone 3G will only work on T-mobile here in the US, and realistically, the 3G will be found unlocked online for big bucks.

[tonepod]

Wouldn't it be possible to just buy the phone at the contract price ($199/$299), then shortly/immediately afterward just pay the ETF (I think you have to wait a minimum number of days before being allowed to go the ETF route since if you cancel during the return period you'll have to return the phone as well)? You'd no longer be in a 2-year contract, and you'd still wind up paying less for the phone than if you were to purchase one at the no-contract price ($599/$699). The caveat to going this route is that the phone will still be locked to AT&T's network, and that supposedly you would not be allowed to subsequently sign up for a new contract w/ AT&T for a certain number of days (don't remember the exact number but think it is for at least 30 days).

Now I'm not saying that any of the above is fact and/or absolutely doable...just speculation on my part.