AfterDawn: News

Apple gives details on iPhone rate plans

With the much hyped iPhone launch just a few days away many people are hoping to snatch up the 400,000 units on launch day from the thousands of Apple and AT&T stores around the US.

There had been minimum information leaked about the phone until last week when Apple told us about YouTube integration, a glass screen update, as well as a higher-capacity battery upgrade.



Today, more information was released with AT&T and Apple jointly announcing the rate plans that will be available for the phone.

"We want to make choosing a service plan simple and easy, so every plan includes unlimited data with direct Internet access, along with Visual Voicemail and a host of other goodies," said Apple CEO Steve Jobs. "We think these three plans give customers the flexibility to experience all of iPhone’s revolutionary features at affordable and competitive prices."

The base plan will be $59.99 USD and will get you 450 anytime minutes along with 5000 nights and weekend. The $79.99 plan bumps you up to 900 anytime minutes and unlimited nights and weekends. The $100 rate plan will get you 1350 anytime minutes alongside unlimited nights and weekends.

As Steve Jobs said, each plan allows for unlimited data (emails and web surfing), 200 text messages, as well as rollover minutes and free mobile-to-mobile for anyone on AT&T.

There will also be a one-time $36 activation charge for the phone although that should not deter anyone willing to pay $600 for a phone.

To make the activation easier however, you can activate your phone directly through iTunes.

"Users will be able to activate their new iPhone in the comfort and privacy of their own home or office, without having to wait in a store while their phone is activated," said Jobs. "There are tens of millions of people in the US who already know how to sync their iPods with iTunes, and syncing their new iPhone with iTunes works the same way."

"iPhone’s user-driven activation is another example of how AT&T and Apple have partnered to bring innovative new features to our customers," said AT&T chairman and CEO Randall Stephenson. "iPhone’s innovative activation and sync is just one example of how this is going to be a real industry game-changer."

The 4GB unit will cost $500 and the 8GB will cost $600 and both require a two-year service.



Source:
Dailytech

Written by: Andre Yoskowitz @ 26 Jun 2007 15:18

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• 13 comments

• jinggoy

  I'm assuming the internet is free?

  26.6.2007 20:12 #1

• lxfactor

  it does say unlimited data.

  26.6.2007 22:47 #2

• borhan9

  This sounds good. Although i am waiting to hear what Australia's prices are going to be.

  27.6.2007 01:23 #3

• heybilly

  I know flash memory is all the rage right now but come on with a device with so many features and that price tag i would think 4-8gigs wouldnt be enough seeing how 30-60gig ipods r the norm.

  27.6.2007 06:43 #4

• DOUGHBOY6

  hmmmm. i wonder i can put an iphone on my family plan?

  27.6.2007 08:48 #5

• georgeluv

  from the gizmoto article titled "what the iphone DOESNT have":
  
  • Songs as Ringtones
  • Games
  • Any flash support
  • Instant Messaging
  • Picture messages (MMS)
  • Video recording
  • Voice recognition or voice dialing
  • Wireless Bluetooth Stereo Streaming (A2DP)
  • One-size-fits-all headset jack (May have to buy an adapter for certain headphones)
  • 3G (EV-DO/HSDPA)
  • GPS
  • A real keyboard
  • Removable battery
  • Expandable Storage
  • Direct iTunes Music Store Access (Over Wi-Fi or EDGE)
  
  with every article i read about the iphones fetures i like it less and less. of course i always though the normal ipods were overpriced peices of crap too

  27.6.2007 14:52 #6

• Luke95

  If you say the phone does not come with all those standard options I would be surprised. However this is the only article I have read about so far. I would be concerned about the durability of the device since I have always on the go and work in unusual environments. By looking at it I don’t think it would hold up with the torture I have put mine through.
  
  I do like the unlimited internet option, and that alone will more then likely sell a few models. 4-8 Gig’s not enough this day in age. Since this is Ipod compatible that will have to change.
  
  I would really like to have this fancy internet option on my current phone but since there are wireless lap top card available for the same cost as the 3 plans that this article mentioned I would be more apt to purchase the sprint or version net work card.
  
  This phone is a step in the right direction but it definitely needs more memory if it is to remain from becoming obsolete.
  
  That’s jut my opinion

  27.6.2007 20:28 #7

• andersg

  Looks coo but, how big is this thing exactly?

  28.6.2007 06:15 #8

• champ088

  you need a new plan for the iphone if you have a family plan you have to get an new plan

  28.6.2007 20:10 #9

• mdhimes

  Well, I'm not really into Iphones (yet), but couldn't pass this up. Our local paper (Colorado Springs) mentioned a couple of stores planning to sell these new releases, ALREADY have some people camped in line since Monday !!!!

  28.6.2007 20:21 #10

• Jlhfit

  I would wait a while before buying the Iphone.. Everyone is going to go out buy one, then a year later there will be something even better for the same price.. Being this is a first generation type phone, it will get better with time... look at every phone and cell available...

  29.6.2007 03:04 #11

• madman91

  you can call and text through the web (if you're smart enough).

  29.6.2007 06:41 #12

• Unfocused

  Even after the release, I still think that all the iPhone was designed for was to make Apple more money. For what it is lacking, it does not seem that it has the consumer’s best interest in mind.

  12.8.2007 17:32 #13