Tag: AT$T

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The Outrage Against Apple Over Google Voice Apps.

The news about Apple rejecting and pulling Google Voice related apps has certainly caused an uproar.

What can you do?

  • Tell Apple what you think.
  • Tell Apple that you want Google Voice Apps in the iTunes App Store.
  • Tell Apple to stop caving in to AT&T pressure.
  • Tell Apple that you’re unhappy with the exclusivity with the carriers.

Send your articulated complaints to: http://www.apple.com/feedback/
Remember to select iPhone as subject.

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Anything Goes: June 23rd, 2009 Edition.

What a day so far and I don’t remember most of it.

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AT&T Revises Upgrade Pricing For iPhone 3G Early Adopters

AT&T announces today that iPhone 3G early adopters will get the $199 and $299 pricing for iPhone 3G S starting June 18th, 2009. In an open letter and YouTube Video, AT&T explains the change in the upgrade policy.

AT&T was flooded with complaints from iPhone 3G early adopters for their upgrade policy. The iPhone 3G was originally released on July 11th, 2008and early adopters are only 23 days away from fulfilling their first 12 months of their 2-year contract. According to AT&T, iPhone customers who spend more than $99 a month per line generally are eligible for an upgrade between 12 and 18 months into their contract.

AT&T iPhone 3G S Upgrade Eligibility Announcement

All of that said, we’ve been listening to our customers. And since many of our iPhone 3G customers are early adopters and literally weeks shy of being upgrade eligible due to iPhone 3G S launching 11 months after iPhone 3G, we’re extending the window of upgrade eligibility for a limited time.

“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.”

AT&T could have handled this matter better earlier. For example, most day-one iPhone 3G customers are eligible for upgrade pricing on July 12th, 2009. AT&T could have given them the upgrade pricing but still extend their contract based on the July 12 date.

Previously I contacted AT&T regarding their upgrade pricing policy and an AT&T representative stated that the iPhones are the only phone AT&T does not have control over pricing, including the upgrade pricing. At&T representative was adamant that Apple mandated the iPhone pricing policy. I contacted Apple shortly after, and an Apple representative said that it is up to AT&T discretions to set the upgrade policy. AT&T subsidizes iPhone 3G and iPhone 3G S prices.

I do not know who tells the truth, but AT&T and Apple representatives were telling me two conflicting statement. Personally I tend to think that AT&T representative was not stating the fact.

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Who Sets The iPhone 3G S Upgrade Pricing, Apple or AT&T?

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.

iphone3gs_upgrade

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.