why is iphone 3G more expensive for current att costumers?

Question

Level 1

0 points

why is iphone 3G more expensive for current att costumers?

I Don't understand why its more expensive for current att costumers who want to upgrade to the new iphone. I was just checking the att website and found out that if we are not eligible for upgrade we have to pay $499 for 8G and $599 for a 16G and if you are a new costumer they get the cheap price!!! That is ridiculous also to purchase the iphone you have to pay with credit card what if we don't want to charge it what if we want to pay cash.

iMac, Mac OS X (10.4.10)

Posted on Jul 10, 2008 12:06 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Randy Fast

Level 4

1,432 points

Jul 10, 2008 12:07 PM in response to unhappyeli

For current iphone owners who got it before July 11, 2008 (tomorrow) the iphone price is $200 or $300. We can upgrade at the discounted prices, if you check your account it should say your eligible, mine does.

Reply

Answer 2

DaVBMan

Level 6

9,292 points

Jul 10, 2008 12:07 PM in response to unhappyeli

You are not eligible because you already bought a phone subsidized when you started your last contract. Thus they sold it to you at a loss. Thus they have not made back their money yet. So they charge more if you opt to upgrade early (just as they would with ANY phone).

Reply

Answer 3

roaminggnome

Level 10

106,401 points

Jul 10, 2008 12:09 PM in response to unhappyeli

The iphone is subsidized like any other phone you buy at AT&T.

You can't buy any phone at the subsidized price from AT&T if you are not eligible for an upgrade.

Reply

Answer 4

DaVBMan

Level 6

9,292 points

Jul 10, 2008 12:10 PM in response to unhappyeli

As as far as credit card, use your Visa Check Card (debit card).

Reply

Answer 5

Odie1289

Level 1

0 points

Jul 10, 2008 12:10 PM in response to DaVBMan

Actually...ATT did not subsidize the first phone. You are completely wrong. That is why the first phone was 400 or 500 dollars. They are, however, subsidizing the new phone. If you already have a iphone, you can get the new one at the subsidized price and a new contract. If you have a phone other than the iphone with ATT and your contract is not up, you cant get the new iphone at the cheaper price.

Reply

Answer 6

unhappyeli Author

Level 1

0 points

Jul 10, 2008 12:12 PM in response to Randy Fast

Thanks it does say that I'm eligible for a equipment discount but i still dont understand why we have to pay with a credit card and have to activate it in the store with all that paperwork when we could easy dot it ourselves

Reply

Answer 7

DaVBMan

Level 6

9,292 points

Jul 10, 2008 12:13 PM in response to Odie1289

I was referring to the original poster. He compained about not being eligible so I assumed he doesn't own an iPhone. Yes I know the first iPhone was not subsidized and that is why iPhone users CAN upgrade.

Reply

Answer 8

AndyO

Level 6

17,064 points

Jul 10, 2008 12:13 PM in response to Odie1289

Actually...ATT did not subsidize the first phone. You are completely wrong.

No they didn't that's right. But the OP here does not appear to have an original iPhone, but some other AT&T cellphone. Hence it was subsidized, because the original iPhone was the only device that wasn't.

Reply