Amid the excitation ofApple Worldwide Developers Conference keynoteand rumors regardingAT&T ’s status as the iPhone ’s sole U.S. carrier , the wireless company give some current iPhone customers even more adept news : earlier - than - expected rising slope pricing .
This includes customers near the end of their contract ( which AT&T label “ Upgrade Eligible ” ) in addition to client who have at this tip only fill out a yr and a half of their contract ( labelled eligible for an “ Early Upgrade”—this also let in most other - adopter 3GS owner ) . This allow most of us who pick up a 3GS in its first few months to grease one’s palms the iPhone 4 on launch 24-hour interval at its advertised price .
While it may seem like the move is a last - ditch effort to keep customers mesh in for another two years in the face of possible iPhone carrier competition , AT&T CEO Ralph de la Vega says all about pleasing customer .
“ We know that people are eager to get iPhone 4 , which is why we incite up the upgrade eligibility escort for current iPhone customers by up to six months , ” the AT&T CEO saidin a press releaseposted shortly after the keynote .
The closet freeing goes on to detail AT&T ’s availability and pricing structure for the 3GS and the newly announced iPhone 4 . client can pre - order Apple ’s newest telephone from their local AT&T stores or on-line starting June 15 , with it useable in - stores June 24 . Customers who order from AT&T in cash advance have the pick of shipping their pre - orders straightaway to their door ( a welcome change from the 3GS ’s foresighted in - store hold times ) .
Apple also put in an 8 GB iPhone 3GS modeling on Monday , which will be trade for $ 99 . AT&T ’s remaining 16 GB and 32 GB 3GS example will be $ 149 and $ 199 ( with a two year contract bridge ) , severally , while supplies last .
Combined voice and data point architectural plan will now start at just $ 55 ( AT&T ’s $ 40 Nation 400 voice plan plus $ 15 DataPlus ) for all fresh iPhone 4 and 3GS client . Current iPhone client , as we make out , can keep their $ 30 unlimited datum plans when buying new hardware ( although they will have to sign on up for unexampled two - year contract bridge ) . In either pillowcase , it seem like the mean solar day of an iPhone - specific plan are officially over — at least with AT&T.
Additional entropy , including inside information on AT&T ’s plans for Small business concern , can be find in AT&T ’s press loss .
