With just two days before the launch of iPhone 3G S, AT&T has issued an epic revision to their upgrade eligibility policy for iPhone users. Beginning Thursday, June 18th, AT&T is extending the window of upgrade eligibility for customers who would become eligible for the subsidized pricing in July, August or September 2009. I spoke with an AT&T retail store associate who confirmed by phone that the newly revised pricing plan for upgrades is in the system.
Expect to pay $199 for iPhone 3G S 16GB and $299 for the 32GB model. The company made it clear in their online Open Letter to customers that they are paying attention to the outcry from those scorned by the inability to upgrade to iPhone 3G S on June 19th at AT&T's best pricing.
"We’ve listened to our customers — and hope our response helps answer some of your questions and concerns. We’re now pleased to offer our iPhone 3G customers who are upgrade eligible in July, August or September 2009 our best upgrade pricing, beginning Thursday, June 18." Source: AT&T
This last minute news by AT&T will not go unnoticed by thousands of current customers who were locked out of the best pricing option on iPhone 3G S. The mobile giant has also addressed pricing concerns for those who may have already pre-ordered their new device from an AT&T store or online, paying a premium due to upgrade ineligibility.
"If you’re one of the customers who benefits from this change, and you’ve already pre-ordered from an AT&T store, we’ll adjust the price of the device when you pick it up. If you benefit from the change and you pre-ordered from AT&T online, we’ll send you an e-mail and issue you a credit."
I would expect the demand for iPhone 3G S to reach critical mass behind this news, as lines at both Apple Store and AT&T locations will be a force to be reckoned with. The company has also stated; "Customer demand may exceed supply in some of our stores." So be early if you've not pre-ordered your device.
The change will be reflected in AT&T's upgrade eligibility tools starting on June 18th. So don't panic if you see otherwise prior. Dial *639# on your keypad for a text confirming that your upgrade eligible at best pricing or call your local AT&T store to be certain.
"You may also pre-order online on June 18 at www.att.com/iPhone, and your iPhone 3G S will arrive in 7 to 14 days. Or you can purchase iPhone 3G S at Apple’s retail and online stores, as well as at other popular retailers."
[Read Entire AT&T Announcement]
Umm... AT&T turned down my upgrade from a go phone to an iphone 3G S. Read about it here!
http://theschlabachfamily.blogspot.com/2009/06/at-turned-down-my-720-iphone-dollars.html
Posted by: Kevin E. Schlabach | June 21, 2009 at 02:44 PM
I ran it and its the 19th. AT&T is not giving me the full discount and we have 1st Gen iPhone and a 3G iPhone on our plan.
Pretty disgusting. I have been a AT&T mobile subscriber since the first day the iPhone came out. I even have AT&T DSL and Phone service for many years. Last spring I handed down my old 1st Gen iPhone to my wife when her contract ran out with Verizon. Now it says I have to wait until 12/27/2009.
AT&T won't even say how much more the 3GS will be for me. All the text message says is to go to a nearest AT&T iPhone reseller for the higher upgrade price.
I'd like to remove the 1st Gen off my plan and sell it on eBay and have two 3G capable iPhones. No Dice. Might as well wait for the 4GS. LOL
Posted by: gt | June 19, 2009 at 10:26 AM