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Will AT&T change 3G Pricing?
- Thread starter jimbo1mcm
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This is my greatest fear... I haven't read through AT&T's or Apple iPad's Terms and Conditions, but by simple nature of the lack of a service contract, I know we could all be screwed one day by AT&T's Death Star and their used car salesman, Ralph de la Vega.
One note: it's no wonder AT&T sucks... Gil Amelio is on their Board of Directors. Check out Steve Jobs (and Bill Gates at All Things D) on Amelio at 5:20, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lK_HThS8DZo#t=5m20s
It's a month-to-month service, so they're only contractually on the hook to any given set of terms or pricing for no more than 30 days.
I think before we see the prices go up, we'll see them impose a data cap on the $30 unlimited plan.
I think before we see the prices go up, we'll see them impose a data cap on the $30 unlimited plan.
I can't see them raising the price for a year or so as I bet they have an agreement with Apple. I can't see them not being happy as the unlimited is already limited.
It works good for me so far. I have unlimited now but if I find myself not using enough I will go to the lesser plan.
It works good for me so far. I have unlimited now but if I find myself not using enough I will go to the lesser plan.
No contract means neither party is under any obligation once the original sale is consummated. You are not required to continue service, ATT is not required to offer service at any set price, or at any price at all.
However, it is unknown what kind of contract ATT may have with Apple. It may be, and probably is the case, that ATT is required to maintain the price levels and service for X year(s) as requirement for being an Apple partner. If ATT jacked up prices in 4 months, it would certainly hurt 3G sales and give Apple a black eye, especially since the iPad isn't compatible w. T-Mobs 3G service. So I'm sure Apple has well protected its brand as it always does.
However, it is unknown what kind of contract ATT may have with Apple. It may be, and probably is the case, that ATT is required to maintain the price levels and service for X year(s) as requirement for being an Apple partner. If ATT jacked up prices in 4 months, it would certainly hurt 3G sales and give Apple a black eye, especially since the iPad isn't compatible w. T-Mobs 3G service. So I'm sure Apple has well protected its brand as it always does.
Trust me -- requiring a contract would cause a bigger riff. I would not have bought a 3G if a contract was required. I don't think I'm alone. At least anecdotally, I keep reading that others also bought the 3G for "just in case" moments. The heat would be turned up so high on ATT if they did that ATT management would recall the wrath they feel right now as merely be a day on South Beach in August.
If they increase it, people aren't under contract and will find WiFi or Sprint/Verizon+MyFi solutions more attractive.
I think the more likely scenario is AT&T offering subsidized hardware in exchange for 1 or 2 years of the unlimited contract... i.e. eliminate the $130 premium but require two years at $30/month, i.e. $360 or more guaranteed.
I think the more likely scenario is AT&T offering subsidized hardware in exchange for 1 or 2 years of the unlimited contract... i.e. eliminate the $130 premium but require two years at $30/month, i.e. $360 or more guaranteed.
I hope that never happens (unless Apple will continue to offer unlocked devices).
Yeah, I'm just talking about AT&T making a separate decision, perhaps for purchases in AT&T stores, or Best Buy, the way they subsidize some netbooks, like the Nokia Booklet 3G. $300 with 2-year AT&T contract, $600 without.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage...otion,+synonymns]&pu=defaultusr&pt=1256446801