AT&T is set to unveil a specialized data plan for iPhone called iPlan. We first heard rumors about this plan in the works last week, and as expected it ain’t gonna be pretty. iPhones users will be expected to sign contracts accompanied by iPlans that start at $34.99, going up to $44.99. This according to Boy Genius Report..
The iPhone data plan will be around $34.99-$44.99 and feature unlimited data, and either 2000 text messages, or unlimited text messages (we still have not confirmed which, but unlimited text messages would be awesome).
Someone claiming to be an AT&T employee has posted photos of new iPhone accessories arriving at stones in preparation for Friday’s big launch extravaganza.
Remember that mysterious iPhone display unit erected in the wee hours at the 5th Avenue Apple Store? Well they have cropped up everywhere now. Both Apple retail stores and AT&T Wireless stores are featuring these frightening iPhone displays that demonstrate iPhone features and threaten to abduct your children.
What impresses me most about these displays is the amount of money invested in development. However much these units cost to manufacture, it wasn’t cheap I can tell you that. This illustrates the importace both companies place on this product.
From the Department of Highway Robbery comes word that AT&T will be impossing an additional $175 early termination fee for customers who back out of their contract. Ouch!
Granted, early termination sanctions are nothing new in the wireless industry. Many years ago I once had to pony up $300 to free myself from the shackles of Centennial Wireless (a carrier I recommend avoiding), so this is nothing new. But this story points out the unrestricted power that carriers extend over enslaved customers. Rather like our our government, wouldn’t you say?
Hang on a sec, there’s a knock at my door. Some nice gentlemen in a black van just pulled into my driveway. Be right back…
More bad news, I’m afraid. Those of you who hoped to avoid the experience of camping out in front of AT&T Wireless stores by ordering the iPhone by phone or online are out of luck. I just spoke with a second AT&T sales rep who confirmed what a previous lackey told me; AT&T will only be selling iPhone to customers through their corporate stores on a first come, first served basis. No pre-orders, and no orders by phone or through the web.
The rep I spoke with did not know for certain how long this policy would continue, but hinted that it would go on well past June 29. So, bottom line – if you want an iPhone you must get in line, literally.
Isn’t this fun? I’m thinking of becoming an alcoholic to pass away the time. Who wants to join me in a drink?
Along with the rollout of iPhone comes new data plan pricing, according to AppleInsider.
Meanwhile, Carter hinted that iPhone “may offer cool features such as unlimited Web browsing.” However, customers should be prepared to pay extra for that luxury.
“Regardless of which device you’re using today, you pay us a certain amount for (voice) minutes, and you also pay us for data units,” he said. “That is also true on the iPhone.”
Wait, what? I already pay $19, on top of voice, for unlimited data, which includes all-you-can-eat web browsing. Is AT&T planning to further sodomize me with some form of premium iPhone-only data plan? In the words of the great Chinese philosopher, Confucius, “that’s bullshit!”.
[UPDATE:]Now AT&T is saying it will announce data pricing before launch day. Oh well, doesn’t matter. The news won’t be good. We’re still getting screwed.
I’m less concerned about making my way through lines and more worried what will happen to me once I exit the store with iPhone in hand. I don’t fancy having my new iPhone jacked by some street thug lurking around the parking lot, waiting to swoop down on unsuspecting victims as they approach their vehicles.
What AT&T needs more than anything is a constable standing outside its store to ensure that customers make it safely back to their cars.
“The way we come at this is to let the iPhone hit the market…. I don’t think it changes the game plan for how we approach the market. But we need to see the impact. The burden is on [AT&T and Apple] to prove the market will change.”
You could go and read the interview source at C|Net but it’s all business marketing speak and whatnot, so I’ve translated their plan to make it easier to understand:
put fingers in ears
close eyes
breathe in deeply
shout LA LA LA LA LA LA LA
say “I CAN’T HEAR YOU”
go back to step 3, as necessary
In other news, they have nothing to worry about with the Qualcomm chip embargo either. Everything is perfectly normal, move along quietly. Plz continue to buy ringtones at 3 bucks each and I really hope mobile TV is where it’s at, kthxbye.
From the Department of Highway Robbery comes word that AT&T will be impossing an additional $175 early termination fee for customers who back out of their contract. Ouch! 
