Let’s cut to the chase. Who sets the iPhone 3G S upgrade pricing, Apple or AT&T? Early adopters of iPhone 3G are finding out that they are not eligible for the advertised price until as early as July 12th, 2009. Instead of getting the $199/$299 price point, iPhone 3G early adopters have to pay $399/$499 for iPhone 3G S.
I called AT&T regarding their upgrade pricing policy, simply asking if they would give iPhone 3G early adopters a “24-day” reprieve. AT&T representative simply stated that they would not make any exceptions for iPhone 3G S because Apple mandated the upgrade pricing policy. According to another AT&T representative the iPhones are the only phones that AT&T can not make exceptions in the pricing.
I then called Apple regarding the upgrade pricing policy of iPhone 3G S. I was not surprised when an Apple representative said that AT&T is the one who set the upgrade pricing. Contradictory to the statement from AT&T representative, Apple does not have the authority to enforce the upgrade price.
So what is the problem here?
Early adopters who want to be the first to get the latest and greatest gadget often pays more. The price of the original iPhone was cut 69 days after its release. It caused a huge uproar.
It is not a problem to wait until July 12 to get the iPhone 3G S. It is only 24 days away for a $200 price difference. It is a problem when one company is pointing the finger to the other. AT&T says it’s Apple’s policy and Apple says it’s AT&T’s policy. Someone is definitely lying.
AT&T can easily gives their “loyal” customers a little break. After all, they only wants to get the shiny iPhone 3G S and stay with the carrier. In the past, customers could terminate their wireless phone service after the 11th month without having to pay any termination fees. Those days were long gone. AT&T is making money, hand over fist with iPhone service plan. Now they say that they couldn’t be more flexible because Apple’s mandate? It’s only 24 days, AT&T. You’re gonna keep those customers when you’re giving them the loyalty bonus. Maybe AT&T doesn’t care about keeping their customers happy. Is it true that AT&T won’t be happy until their customers are unhappy?
I don’t know who is telling the truth. The fact is that AT&T and Apple are contradicting each other.
It would be great if people in the United States refrain themselves from buying the iPhone 3G S until July 12. Obviously, it only happens in my fantasy.
I’d be calling AT&T again and call on their bluff, armed with the statement from Apple representative.
I’d suggest everyone to go to http://www.apple.com/feedback/iphone.html and tell them what you think regarding the iPhone 3G S upgrade pricing policy.