AT&T to Offer Cheaper iPhone Plans?

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Posted May 18, 2009 at 10:53am by Shalom Levytam

AT&T is considering cutting the price of its monthly iPhone service package or offering a range of lower-priced plans, according to a BusinessWeek report.

One plan that could be introduced as early as late May would include limited data access at a $10 monthly reduction, the people say. The possible price cut likely reflects the back-and-forth between AT&T and Apple as they work out whether and under what terms AT&T would remain the sole U.S. iPhone carrier.

The BusinessWeek report corroborates an earlier report by TheStreet which wrote There is a "strong possibility" that AT&T will drop the entry-level price to $59 from $69, says Cote Collaborative analyst Michael Cote, an industry pricing strategist. The announcement, he said, will probably accompany the launch of the new iPhone on June 8, during Apple's World Wide Developers Conference.

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Nick - May 18, 2009 at 2:09pm

I've had nothing but pleasant experiences with AT&T and have spoke with all American and easy to understand people. Just because you don't like a company and the company maybe isn't run the way you want them to be, doesn't mean every company in the US is the same.

Nick - May 18, 2009 at 2:21pm

I don't work for AT&T. I had Verizon for 8 years and the only reason I switched to AT&T was for the iPhone. Since I've switched I've only had a couple problems which all revolved around 3G. As far as the plan goes, I think the pricing is too high and I'll be very happy if they switch it back down. The main point though, is that they aren't forcing you to go out and get their service, it's your choice. I know a ton of people that would love to get the iPhone, but they don't want to leave Verizon, its personal choice that keeps them there. If you don't like AT&T that much, maybe you should look into unlocking your iPhone and moving to a different carrier.

Eric - May 18, 2009 at 2:29pm

ok, now your just being RUDE! i mean, he's right, it wasn't bad customer service at all that did this to America! if that were the case i'm sure AT&T would have been one of the first to close it's doors! while i DO have complaints with AT&T it is MY choice to stay with the company, no one forces me to do that, it's my decision! All he was doing was stating facts that you apparently had mixed up! don't be so rude, that's what's wrong with all these forums today!

Eric - May 18, 2009 at 3:01pm

Hopefully they will drop the pricing a bit! That would make me happy, it would actually almost make up for all the complaints I've had with them in the past!

Nick - May 18, 2009 at 3:18pm

The most expensive part for me has been the minutes, all of my friends and family have Verizon so now I have to pay more for minutes. I'm also irritated that they still haven't put 3G in the city I work in either, even though they said they were going to shortly after the iPhone 3G came out.

Nick - May 18, 2009 at 3:24pm

If that were the case I would and tell them to fix the 3G reception by my house as well. I have to turn off 3G and use Edge while I'm at my house because the reception is flaky.

Eric - May 18, 2009 at 3:31pm

yeah, that's really been the only kinda complaints i've had too, 3G! and when i've talked to people, i've been told it's going to eventually reach where i live (i live out in the WOODS), but i mean, again, i knew i would have issues with this when i bought the phone and the package, so, i can't really complain TOO much! just wish they'd hurry up on their promise to expand 3G network to all areas where i am!

Nick - May 18, 2009 at 11:02am

If they do actually cut the pricing for the iPhone plan, I wonder if they will also cut the prices for the people that already have the iPhone. If not, it would probably upset a ton of people......

Eric - May 18, 2009 at 11:09am

if not, i will seriously be going elsewhere (unlocking) for phone service! in MY opinion, the FIRST group of people that should get a cut are the people that have been loyal and stayed with them the last couple of years!

RaMod - May 18, 2009 at 12:01pm

If At&t is going to do this, and I think they are, well then all the subscribers r going to get the same deal. Its either you have to call them and change the plan, or u can do it online. Now if we can just get the new iPhone Pro already!!! ;)

Jeff - May 18, 2009 at 12:06pm

I Would just Rather see a bit of competition and NOT have AT&T the Sole Provider!.. First it's NOT the best service or coverage around, but this would FORCE them to be a bit more competitive.

Eric - May 18, 2009 at 12:09pm

TOTALLY agree, i personally feel the AT&T service is less than satisfactory at times! to be honest, the ONLY reason i went back to AT&T two years ago was so i could have the iPhone! two years and lots of service complaints later, i'm still here, because i TRY to do things the right way (not unlock my phone)!

Nick - May 18, 2009 at 12:10pm

I agree with you on that one Jeff. If they do lower the price to $20 a month for unlimited data usage that would be competitive though, because that is the standard rate by Verizon as well for data. As soon as Verizon comes out with their 4th Gen network, LTE, they will be able to support GSM phones so you can unlock the iPhone and use it on their network if you want. As far as the service goes, I haven't had too many problems with AT&T, but I do understand that the service for all carriers really depends on the area you are located in. That is the main reason why it does become difficult when phones are only available on a particular carrier, because some people may want the phone but that one carrier has bad coverage in their area. The new iPhone this year should be nice, but I'm more excited about the 3.0 firmware!