Apple Retail Preparing for iPhone 3G Activation Procedures
MobileToday.co.uk reports that Apple is actively working with O2 to allow customers to buy the 3G iPhone and sign up for service at Apple Retail stores in the UK.
With the adoption of the subsidized pricing, iPhone 3G customers will be required to sign up for service at the time of purchasing. MobileToday notes that Apple's retail staff is unfamiliar with the process of signing up customers onto subscription contracts and also have no means to run credit checks. O2 is said to be working closely with Apple to allow them to perform these tasks.
Meanwhile O2 confirmed that "prepay iPhones" are also to be sold at Apple retail, O2 and Carphone warehouse. These unsubsidized prepay iPhones will not require a contract but are expected to cost around 350. The cost for a subsidized iPhone 3G from O2 ranges from free to 99 for the 8GB model and from free to 159 for the 16GB model depending on the service plan chosen. For reference, the original iPhone was priced at 269.
With the adoption of the subsidized pricing, iPhone 3G customers will be required to sign up for service at the time of purchasing. MobileToday notes that Apple's retail staff is unfamiliar with the process of signing up customers onto subscription contracts and also have no means to run credit checks. O2 is said to be working closely with Apple to allow them to perform these tasks.
Meanwhile O2 confirmed that "prepay iPhones" are also to be sold at Apple retail, O2 and Carphone warehouse. These unsubsidized prepay iPhones will not require a contract but are expected to cost around 350. The cost for a subsidized iPhone 3G from O2 ranges from free to 99 for the 8GB model and from free to 159 for the 16GB model depending on the service plan chosen. For reference, the original iPhone was priced at 269.
Top Rated Comments
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48 months ago
Phew....It is going to be one crazy day on July 11th....in the apple retail stores. especially
48 months ago
not sure if you can draw any conclusions from this, but the unsubsidized price is expected to be higher than the previous iPhone cost.
If this holds true in the U.S. the unsubsidized 8GB iPhone price here would be more than $399.
arn
If this holds true in the U.S. the unsubsidized 8GB iPhone price here would be more than $399.
arn
48 months ago
Any info on the prepay plans ? I'd love to be able to use my unlocked iPhone during my UK visits.
48 months ago
not sure if you can draw any conclusions from this, but the unsubsidized price is expected to be higher than the previous iPhone cost.
If this holds true in the U.S. the unsubsidized 8GB iPhone price here would be more than $399.
arn
And do you think Apple will sell an unsubsidized/unlocked iPhone? Are there any laws mandating it in the U.S.?
-Clive
48 months ago
If they can provide a sensible pay and go price plan similar to what they provide for other phones (including the free O2 calls and texts as long as you top up a certain amount) along with unlimited data, I'm sold.
I hate contracts with a passion, would much rather pay £400 upfront and £15 on MY terms thereafter than sign an 18 month contract! :D
I hate contracts with a passion, would much rather pay £400 upfront and £15 on MY terms thereafter than sign an 18 month contract! :D
48 months ago
If they can provide a sensible pay and go price plan similar to what they provide for other phones (including the free O2 calls and texts as long as you top up a certain amount) along with unlimited data, I'm sold.
I hate contracts with a passion, would much rather pay £400 upfront and £15 on MY terms thereafter than sign an 18 month contract! :D
I'm on contract now and I will happily take one out for an iPhone, but... if the PAYG option has a good bundle along with internet, I think I would rather go with that.
What are the chances of stating 20 a week minimum to get free calls and texts? :rolleyes:
48 months ago
£350 for the pay as you go phone, is not too bad, if you do not spend too much time speaking to people or texting. i hope they allow bolt ons for unlimited data, because then it will definatly be worth it for me.
48 months ago
And do you think Apple will sell an unsubsidized/unlocked iPhone? Are there any laws mandating it in the U.S.?
-Clive
No, they won't sell an unlocked one. There are no laws. But AT&T has said there will be an unsubsidized price for people who don't qualify for the subsidized price.
There is no reason to get an unlocked iPhone 3G in the U.S. There is no other carrier that supports both voice and data on the iPhone 3G. AT&T is your only choice (in the U.S.).
arn
48 months ago
And do you think Apple will sell an unsubsidized/unlocked iPhone? Are there any laws mandating it in the U.S.?
-Clive
No, US cell carriers are allowed to sell locked phones. There may be a "rule" that they have to unlock it when you leave the carrier, but I think that's heresay...
48 months ago
And like Arn said, who else is going to offer you what AT&T offers, even if your phone is unlocked? There isn't much point in the US unless you only plan on using voice. However, if you're only interested in using voice, you're just getting it for the point of getting it, so who cares how much they milk you for? If you don't really use it, you'll just have to pay the luxury goods price hike.
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