Seems pretty reasonable to me. Basically at the lowest level you’re getting AT&T’s Nation 450 plan ($40) plus their messaging starter package ($5), unlimited data plan ($20 and up, depending on the type of phone), and other features that aren’t available at other plans. In other words, service for the iPhone is cheaper than a comparable plan with any other phone on AT&T’s network.
Good catch, Jeff. I looked at the numbers and thought, “That sounds reasonable,” but the breakdown of services helps out a lot.
I get more with my current plan with Cingular than I will with an iPhone plan.
For existing customers like me, it looks like I can keep my current plan and just pay $20 extra for the unlimited data plan.
I’m a bit concerned about the availability of WiFi outside of the data plan. If I don’t add the data plan to my current plan, will I still be able to use the built in WiFi at a coffee shop with a free signal?
Aaron –
I’m not an owner of the iPhone, obviously, but I believe there are two separate transmitters in the phone to handle the WiFi and “data connectivity” aspects.
I THINK…though I’m not sure…that there’s something called GPRS for the data plan – it’s in my smart phone that I have now (that looks older and fuglier every day compared to the iPhone).
There’s a separate piece of hardware inside for the WiFi part. I’ve never subscribed to the data plan for my smart phone precisely because it DOES have WiFi. But that seems like a nice deal for the iPhone…at least fair.
Well, I am understanding of the WiFi probably being separate, but I am also aware that you could easily lock that from a software standing and make people pay for the ability. Much like Apple charging people $2 for the ability to use 802.11n on their airport cards, even though the ability is already programed into those cards.
This thing is gonna be BALLA!
For every goober complaining about the cost, here are the solid numbers to show you what I’ve been saying. It’s completely comparable to other smart devices.
http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/26/how-does-the-iphone-stack-up-in-total-cost/
Aaron,
I’m pretty sure based on the reviews, specs, and videos, that there won’t be an extra cost involved in using the WiFi – unless you’re using a pay hotspot, of course :-)
I think if I’m understanding correctly, Aaron is asking if he could just not bother adding a data plan and use WiFi.
I’m almost positive the answer to that is no. Using any feature of the phone (even just as an iPod) requires activating it and purchasing one of these specified plans. You can’t just have a voice plan and decide whether or not to add data, it’s all together.
Bingo, Jeff.
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iPhone Service/Data Plans Released
Tue 06/26/07
Quote, “AT&T Inc. and Apple Inc…said wireless service for the iPhone will range from $59.99 per month to $99.99 per month. The $59.99 monthly plan includes 450 minutes of voice time; a $79.99 plan includes 900 minutes; and a $99.99 plan includes 1,350 minutes. All three offer 200 text messages, unlimited data services, minutes that roll over month-to-month and mobile-to-mobile calls. There also is a $36 activation fee.” Well, that answers that question. Unlimited data is something other carriers need to hop on with a quickness. Update: straight from Apple