AT&T to offer no-contract-required plan for iPhone 3G

By Mickey Alam Khan

July 2, 2008

iFold

AT&T Inc. has drawn up a new list of plans and tips a week ahead of the market launch of iPhone 3G from Apple Inc.

The carrier has posted “Get iReady” tips and frequently asked questions at http://att.com/iphone for customers and prospects.

For those digging around, here’s one departure they’ll notice quite quickly: AT&T will soon offer a no-contract-required option to buy the 8GB iPhone for $599 and the 16GB version for $699.

The iPhone 3G will sell for $199 for the 8GB model and $299 for the 16GB version for first-time customers.

To qualify, these first-time customers must sign a two-year contract with AT&T. They will also have to pay a $36 activation fee.

Current AT&T customers who are eligible for an upgrade discount at the time of purchase can also pay the same rate as the first-time customers for the iPhone 3G. They will also have to pay an $18 upgrade fee.

Those customers who are not eligible for an upgrade discount will have to shell out $399 for the 8GB model and $499 for the 16GB version. Signed two-year agreements are a must.

Business customers will be charged different rates.

For example, corporate email and other work-related applications will require the Enterprise Data Plan for iPhone at $45 a month along with an eligible voice plan.

More details on the iPhone business products are available at http://att.com/iphoneforbusiness.

Meanwhile, the new iPhone comes preloaded with new software including email through Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync; the iPhone Software Development Kit; and the App Store.

Also included on the iPhone 3G is YellowPages.com Mobile for iPhone from AT&T for local mobile search.

The iPhone hits stores July 11.