We’ve compiled a how-to guide that works the system, and will net you an iPhone 3G on July 11 for about $199, and leave you without any contract at the end of it all.
The process only requires that you (or someone you can borrow) does not have active service with AT&T. Want to know the steps? Read more to find out.
Update: Our links have been updated to take advantage of a $50 coupon that AT&T is offering on PDA Phones. The process is the same as before, but now, the deal is even better than ever!
First, why would you want to do this?
Several reasons, really.
One, you may be an iPhone hacker, looking to get an iPhone 3G that isn’t tied to contract. This is the cheapest way to do that, by a good few hundred dollars.
Two, if you have an original iPhone under contract, using this method nets you an iPhone 3G without a contract reset.
Three, you may want to buy one for use on another carrier. While iPhone 3G will undoubtedly be locked to AT&T at launch, hackers will undoubtedly begin working to unlock the device for use on other carriers.
Four, you may be on AT&T prepaid service. While we can’t guarantee that iPhone 3G will work on GoPhone plans, there is evidence to indicate that it will.
Five, you want an iPod touch that just happens to be the latest cell phone as well. It’s just as cheap, and leaves the door open for you to sign up for service later.
Here is what you need for this process:
1) Someone without an active AT&T account.
2) A first-generation iPhone. It can be used.
We have tested this guide up to the point of purchasing the iPhone 3G. According to AT&T’s guidelines for upgrading to an iPhone 3G, there should not be any issues with this guide.
See, as a part of Apple’s re-negotiations with AT&T, they put in one requirement; anyone with an iPhone on their account, is entitled to upgrade to the new iPhone 3G as if they were a new customer. We are going to exploit this as a loophole.
Step 1: Setting up a new account with AT&T.
The first step is to sign up as a new customer, but not with an iPhone. Instead, you need to order online using this link (which takes you to AT&T’s online store) and get a phone without any mail-in rebates. We stress that you should use the above link and not order from a third-party store, for reasons that will complicate this guide (but trust us, order direct using the above link).
Update: Now you really, really need to use this link. It gives you a $50 discount when ordering.
We suggest buying a refurbished AT&T Tilt as your phone of choice. This is a good phone because it is heavily discounted, and there aren’t any rebates. More on this later.
When your phone arrives, set it up with the new service plan that is bundled with the phone. Make a test call.
Step 2: Activating the first-generation iPhone.
Now, we’re going to take the first-generation iPhone and activate it.
(If this is a used iPhone, then go to your nearest AT&T store and ask for a new SIM card (they’re free). Insert the new SIM card into your iPhone.)
Next, connect the iPhone to iTunes. Follow the iTunes activation process, and be sure to chose the option to upgrade from your existing phone. iTunes will then transfer service from the phone you received from AT&T… to the particular iPhone.
Step 3: Buy the iPhone 3G.
Now, by activating the first-generation iPhone on your account, that makes you upgrade-eligible for iPhone 3G. Upon July 11, you simply need to wait in line, flash your iPhone to the store representatives, and walk out the door with iPhone 3G for $199 (or $299 if you chose the 16 GB iPhone).
Step 4: Cancel service. (Optional).
For this, you will have to wait exactly 30 days. On the end of the last day of the first month, call AT&T and tell them you wish to cancel service. It may be best to do this after the local AT&T store closes in your area.
Why? Because AT&T has imposed a requirement that you return your iPhone within the first 30 days, if you wish to cancel service. So, we simply wait until it’s not possible to return the iPhone 3G on the 30th day. This prevents you from paying for a second month of service.
You will have to pay a $170 early termination fee ($175 less $5 pro-rated for the first month).
Step 5: eBay the first AT&T phone, and the iPhone. (Also optional).
Remember that phone that we bought from AT&T, before activating the first-gen iPhone? Well, to recover the cost of the early termination fee, and one month of service… we’re going to sell that first phone.
Now it starts to make sense why we suggested the HTC Tilt. First, it’s cheap. Second, it’s popular. And, third… it’s easy to unlock! Unlocking a phone easily adds $50 to $100 to the cost of a device like the Tilt, so being able to do it easily is just a free bonus.
Also the lack of a mail-in rebate means you don’t have to hold onto the device for six months to get part of your money back.
Finally, you can eBay the first-generation iPhone. Unlocking that as well will increase its eBay value.
The result? The “profit” in selling the two under-contract devices for a no-contract price on eBay will cancel out the ETF and the first month of service. Of course, based on eBay prices, which are variable… we can’t say with certainty that you will wind up with a net cost of $199 for iPhone 3G. However, it should come close.
Here’s the math, in case you’re wondering:
AT&T Tilt Refurb price with 2-year contract: -$99
Activation Fee: -$36
One month of service: -$70
Early Termination Fee: -$170
iPhone 3G 8 GB: -$199
Total Costs: -$574
eBay value of AT&T Tilt Unlocked: ~$380
$574 – $380 = $194… that’s less than the price for an iPhone 3G, and you now have no contract. You can then sell the iPhone 3G, or activate it on another line of service.
And, of course, there is one more thing.
We do caution that while this is kosher with AT&T policy, this guide will probably become very popular, very fast. It is possible that AT&T will impose a limit of today on iPhone owners to establish service, and be able to buy an iPhone 3G at $199/$299.
It is unlikely however, that AT&T will make such an announcement retroactive. So, sign up for service today and hurry up! It’s not likely that AT&T will allow this deal to continue for folks that activate iPhone after the 11th.
But, what about?
The most common feedback we received in testing about this guide was the following: “How am I going to do this with my iPhone that is already under contract with AT&T?”
Simple. Have someone else establish service with AT&T. You put your iPhone on their account, and they then upgrade from Tilt, to iPhone, to iPhone 3G. Legally speaking, you’re giving your iPhone to someone else for a week, and putting your existing AT&T account on another device (like, that super-cheap phone your friend just got from AT&T).
We aren’t here to debate the ethics of this procedure, we just figured it out, put it in motion, and are all doing it ourselves. The idea stemmed from the fact that folks at PhoneNews.com all use iPhone 3G on GoPhone Pick Your Plan accounts. This is something supported by iPhone, but AT&T has prohibited on iPhone 3G.
We will note however that iPhone 3G is the only device in the industry that is not for sale without a contract of some form, and that anti-consumer practice at launch is something we feel is unacceptable. While iPhone 3G will eventually be available without contract (and probably on prepaid as well), we feel it is not reasonable to prohibit such sales from day one.
I just set up AT&T service yesterday (at a corp. store) to be ready for the iPhone on Friday. I just got the cheapest flip with no rebate hassle, the Nokia 6085. Can I go into the corp. store, exchage for the refurb Tilt, then proceed with the plan? Or will the exchange for the Tilt lock me in?
Where is the best place to borrow or purchase an iphone?
Did I screw up in my eagerness to be assured an 3g iPhone next week with no signup hassles?
Note: The following only applies to Jason. He screwed up being “eager” and didn’t follow these instructions. Again, you need to order the first phone using the link in the article.
Your best bet is to cancel the account you just made and have someone else order the Tilt online. Basically, you’re following the instructions listed above, except you’re in the same boat as people that have an iPhone and 2-year contract already.
If you don’t know someone with a spare iPhone, you will want to call local AT&T stores in your area, they will continue selling stock until it is depleted. eBay is also option.
I’m not impressed. This feels like a new low especially with all the enthusiasm you’ve put into the “article”.
Kudos for finding this loophole. I think it’s a new high for PhoneNews.com. Excellent work!
I’m now on my way to getting an iPhone 3G for only $199. That saves me $200 I wouldn’t have otherwise!
It all just seems a bit pointless, I mean unless you really want to use your iPhone 3G on T-Mo. Otherwise you are doing a lot of work just to not sign a contract so that you can end up with a phone you can only use on the carrier you don’t want to sign a contract with.
Oh well, I do like loopholes
I was going to do something similar to this when ATT had the original Iphone–since they weren’t giving any discounts on the unit.
I was going to go to the store and buy a tilt….then sell it on Ebay and make about $150. Then I was going to take THAT $ and get an Iphone for $500.
I disagree with those who disagree with this loophole. ATT wins no matter what. They paid PEANUTS for these phones….trust me. In the end, ATT will get $ and the user will save $.
Thankfully, I’ll be switching from VZW, so I’ll be paying $299 for my 16gb–with a freakin ETF of $150
Once again, phone”news” does their best to sound like a legitimate news source but crashes and burns. Why not make people aware that your “link” is simply a referral link that will put a little $ in Christopher P.’s pockets. There’s nothing wrong with doing that; just make people aware of your reasons instead of just saying “TRUST US, everything will be screwed up if you don’t use THIS link! Don’t even go to att.com/wireless! It won’t work!”
if you were so authentic, why not start a post-paid at&t account to properly review their phones. instead, you “specialize”in pre-paid iphone coverage because you have a sprint account and probably can’t pass the at&t credit check.
this website is a joke. i look forward to seeing how long this comment is up before CP, a thief of journalism, removes it and blocks my IP. gain back some credibility and just state that your link is a referral link.
If you start an account with a discounted ATT phone no matter which one it is, then add a used iphone, it doesn’t make u upgrade eligible… your a new customer to att, not an existing one who’s eligible for an upgrade so your pricing is based off of that. Its easy to see that you already got a discount on a phone and in order to get the subsidized price for the iphone would require you to return the 1st phone…
What’s the reasoning that waiting until the end of the 30th day will make AT&T decide to let you keep the phone, anyway? It seems more likely they would just say that it was your fault for waiting until the store was closed and continue billing you for a second month of service since the phone hasn’t been returned…
Reply to willi:
The reason is that there is only a 30 day return policy on the phones. According to the policy you can’t return the phone after 30 days, which is why you get to keep it in exchange for paying the cancellation fee.
Reply to jack:
According to numerous sources, any customer willing to sign a new 2 yr contract is eligible for the rebate pricing on the iPhone 3G. You would only have to pay the higher prices if you were to not want a contract.
Via Engadget:
iPhone 3G will be available for $199 (8GB) and $299 (16GB) for iPhone customers who purchased an iPhone prior to 7/11, customers activating a new line with AT&T and current AT&T customers who are eligible for an upgrade
Existing AT&T customers who are not currently eligible for an upgrade discount can purchase iPhone 3G for $399 for the 8GB model or $499 for the 16GB model. Both options require a new two-year service agreement.
Actually, there’s an even bigger, easier loophole to avoid a contract with ATT.
I heard the messaging rates charge d on iphone are changing in August, or maybe on launch of the new 3G. If true this will work.
Get an old IPHONE, before 7/11, or currently have one.
Activate it and sign a 2 year contract.
On 7/11 upgrade to the new iphone.
The 2 year contract is the same and since it predates the launch of the Iphone 3g you have a special right, the right to cancel when ATT raises their text messaging rates on the Iphone.
Whenever a cellular carrier makes a material change to the rates you get a 30 day free cancellation window. *everyone* who has a cellular contract should cancel whenever they get the chance.
FWIW Tmobile put a bill stuffer in this months bill raising text messaging rates to 20 Cents per message for sending or receiving. So each Tmobile customer has 30 days from the effective date of August 29, 2008 to cancel free. You should do it. After you cancel you will be eligible for another subsidized phone since you have no contract.
Reply to Steevo:
That is true, but as soon as you walk through the door and upgrade and SIGN a new contract, you are signing that you accept the new T&C’s and you don’t have that right anymore. Anyone can do that currently, but you wouldn’t be able to upgrade to the iPhone 3G for the rebate pricing and then take advantage of that loophole.
there is no such thing as rebate pricing.. its either upgrade eligible (199/299), early upgrade (399/499), new activation (199/299). Doing the scheme as presented above is a new activation and in order to get the discounted prices requires you to return the originally discounted phone in this case its the tilt. Just because you activate a 1st gen iphone doesn’t change the fact that your still a brand new customer and doesn’t qualify you for an automatic upgrade since you have no account history or haven’t even paid a bill yet.
The iPhone isn’t at all impressive. It is the most convoluted peace of garbage and I don’t get what people see in it. The Neo Freerunner is not only cheaper, unlocked, contract free, but it also based on a completely free design. You can do whatever you want with it on any network!
It is a much sweeter deal too. Instead of the $600 you pay about $450 for the same thing once you add in the cost of an 8GB MicroSDHC card. Unlike the iPhone any application can take full advantage of its features too. For instance the applications you get can take advantage of the GPS built-in. You don’t have to pay absurd carrier charges for it either as the thing has built in 802.11B/G wifi. Over the course of 2 years you can save about $145($6 / month plan) on things like SMS charges too depending on where you live and what carrier you have. This is not to mention the monthly fee for normal phone service is going to be a fraction of the cost. You can still get Internet access too via the carrier if you want it.
http://www.openmoko.com/product.html
Some have asked why you would want an iPhone without contract.
I assure you, the thousands of iPhone hackers on the internet (here and abroad) would love to have an iPhone 3G without any contract tied to it.
Also, for current iPhone owners; following this process nets you an iPhone 3G on your original postpay account… which will now only have one year to go on the contract. If you’re not happy with the 3G coverage in your area, this is a great way to upgrade but still be able to cancel next year, sans ETF.
Finally, those that really benefit from this deal are those on an AT&T contract, but don’t have an iPhone. This nets them a $200 savings instantly.
P.S. Jack, the Neo FreeRunner lacks both EDGE (which the first iPhone had), and any UMTS/HSPA access at all. If you like Wi-Fi primarily, this deal isn’t for you… an iPod touch would be a more valid competitor. With the AppStore, you can use VoIP on the iPod touch, and that is a much more valid comparison to the FreeRunner. The FreeRunner is much more of a Linux development niche phone.
P.P.S. Jack, you are incorrect about the pricing. Using this process knocks you down to the $199/$299 tier, since being an iPhone owner forces AT&T to sell the device to you at the $199/$299 price point, something which we have covered previously.
The only reason it is stated that the link in the article must be used is because it is an affiliate link – the writer of this article receives cash for everybody he gets to purchase via the link – regardless of whether the tactics stated work.
Additionally, this is likely in violation of the AT&T affiliate agreement with Linkshare.
Mark, if this process stops working, we would certainly update our readers immediately. We put our readers before paying the bills. Plus, if it doesn’t work… you can just return your phones and cancel in the first 30 days! Then there’s no ETF.
Of course we, like every other member of the mobile media, use affiliate links when possible. We would have posted this guide regardless.
We are in full compliance with our relationship with Linkshare. We are not violating (nor are we even suggesting that customers breach) their Terms of Service with AT&T. Paying the Early Termination Fee is a legitimate end of the contract. It’s AT&T’s fault for overpricing the full retail price of iPhone 3G, and it’s as simple as that.
just fyi all the link they insist on using are add links wich pay them. but great guide nice if i had the money i did it so go ahead and have fun.
Dude… You didn’t even cloak your affiliate links!
Why the hell won’t Apple just sell the damned thing unlocked?
I wouldn’t buy it anyway but right now it is being used as a ‘carrot’ for people to put up with a carrier and contract they otherwise wouldn’t. There will probably be some announcement tomorrow with a small change to their agreement.
In response to “why would you want to do, you can only go to t-mo” t-mo is cheaper and can roam on att for free. T-mo’s plans are half att price and same net.
what kind of rate plans do we sign up with AT&T?
For the sake of argument, let’s say I can’t get an old iPhone… Say they’re sold out or something. Would the next best thing be to buy a new one on the 11th and cancel the contract before 30 days? Then I don’t pay the termination fee, supposedly, only the activation fee. So new iPhone with no contract=$299+$36=$335? Then things start to get hazy… What do I do after that point if I don’t want to sign up for an AT&T plan? It sounds like the new phone won’t work on T-mobile and GoPhone won’t be offered either.
Reply to aa:
You wouldn’t want to then. The point of this is to walk away with a new iPhone without a contract because: you have an existing line with AT&T and don’t want to extend the contract -OR- you are a developer and want to test applications without have another phone on a contract.
Dan H- thanks… I guess a new iPhone with no contract for $335 doesn’t sound bad? I could always resell it, maybe after unlocking it.
I’d keep it if there was a hack like with the old iPhone and the $6.99 Tmobile data plan. I mostly care about data.
2 things Friends don’t sell to to friends.
(1)- A FORD. iF You HAVE A BROTHER IN JAIL AND A BROTHER IN A FORD GO GET YOUR BROTHER OUT OF THE FORD FIRST.
(2) ANYTHING WITH AT%T
I work for AT&T and to due to proprietary reasons, I can not discuss much about the iPhone 3g prior to 7/11, but I can tell you that unless you get someone who doesn’t care about their job with AT&T when you go to cancel, this idea will not work. There are many rules in place specifically for canceling service if an iPhone 3g is on the account or in the equipment history of the account. Nice try, though!
I’ll be curious to see if this works, but I think there’s a glaring problem with your logic here. Apple has required that AT&T allow people to upgrade their existing iPhones, yes, but AT&T’s part of that concession is that when you upgrade the phone, you sign a two-year extension to your contract. Basically, Apple has required that every iPhone owner be considered upgrade-eligible, NOT that they be allowed to just purchase a new iPhone with their old service. At the very least, those of you looking to keep your old rates need to know that, since it’s not gonna happen.
Also, I don’t see why AT&T wouldn’t simply require you to ship in your phone when you call them. If you fail to do so, then they continue to charge you and treat your cancellation as null and void. I can’t imagine that they haven’t thought through the whole “phone cancellation” process.
Again, I hope it works for you all, (I’ll be getting mine the regular way,) but I seriously wouldn’t go through with this if you’re not prepared for the possibility of getting stuck with cancellation fees and no phone.
SO how much are you profiting off this guide? C’mon that link is from http://www.linkshare.com and promocode is clearly visible “PROMO=promo1470017″
)
you must be rich by now
First, some are not reading the entire comments before posting.
So, we’ll repeat it again: Of course we, like every other member of the mobile media, use affiliate links when possible. We would have posted this guide regardless.
As to the “att employee” that says this will not work, we have read all the launch details issued… there is noting to-date issued that prevents this method from working, inside or outside of AT&T.
Finally, we’ve added a brief preamble to the guide, explaining the different reasons why you might want to embark on this process.
“The process only requires that you (or someone you can borrow) does not have active service with AT&T.”
But it also requires an old iPhone right? That seems like the more difficult requirement, seeing as they’re out of stock everywhere. I’d need to get one off Ebay and make *sure* it and the refurb Tilt got here before Friday. And the ones on Ebay aren’t cheap either, maybe because they already are unlocked
How I wish I leave at US
“We stress that you should use the above link and not order from a third-party store, for reasons that will complicate this guide (but trust us, order direct using the above link).”
You lost substantial credibility right there. How transparent!
“Of course we, like every other member of the mobile media, use affiliate links when possible. We would have posted this guide regardless.”
You regained none of it there. But if you’d wanted to regain some credibility, you’d have removed those affliate links. There are very serious flaws in your *theory* and while the suckers click away on your link and stuff cash in your pocket, they assume all risks (rather probability — it’s a virtual guarantee) that this will blow up in their face. But you’ve got nothing to lose by posting your misguidance, yet $omething to gain. Very clever. Very low.
Perhaps you missed where we said that most of the staff was doing this ourselves. We’re confident that as things stand, there will be no issue.
And again, worst-case, you just return the Tilt to AT&T and cancel service within the 30 days. No ETF can be charged in the first 30 days, so there’s really no risk here.
We have no plans to remove affiliate links. As we have said, we would have posted this guide regardless. We post affiliate links wherever relevant, so long as they do not interfere with the content in question. That is standard for most online media, look at the success of initiatives such as Amazon.com Associates.
Do we profit more from this guide than others? Sure. Would we have posted it anyways? Absolutely.
I hope that answers everyone’s questions on affiliate links. We will be deleting further comments on that debate, and directing posters to discuss about that in the forums. It is inhibiting discussion about the workflow that is reported on here.
Just a thought:
I’m not a lawyer, but I was under the impression that selling an unlocked phone was illegal (in the US, at least). This might cause some trouble for anyone selling an unlocked Tilt on eBay.
The phone’s firmware (which you’re exposing the world by unlocking it) is copyrighted material, protected by the DMCA, and thanks to a lovely clause in there, circumventing “protection” to access that firmware is illegal.
That sucks. Luckily, there is an exception that allows you to unlock phones (http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20061124-8280.html). What I don’t know is whether that still applies when you aren’t unlocking the phone for personal use. I had thought selling unlocked phones was illegal, though I can’t find anything mentioning that now. Does anyone else know more about this?
[...] [via PhoneNews] [...]
Sarten-X, you are absolutely incorrect in that it is illegal to sell an unlocked phone in the U.S. I direct you to Motorola’s online store for proof.
As far as unlocking the Tilt and then selling it, thanks to the Copyright Office ruling, anyone is more than allowed to unlock their device provided it can be done and it does not specify that it only be done for personal use. The DMCA does not apply to phone unlocking, nor does it affect unlocked phone sales at all.
People, don’t forget that you need to return the phone if you cancel within 30 days (as per ATT ToS).
all I can say is AT&T sucks ***. What a crappy company.
Motorola’s online store isn’t any sort of proof that an individual selling an unlocked phone would be legal. Motorola owns the copyright to the phones, so it can do whatever it wants.
The DMCA does apply to phone unlocking, at least in a strict sense (considering the firmware to be copyrighted material). That’s why the exception is there.
To quote the exception, from the Library of Congress:
“Computer programs in the form of firmware that enable wireless telephone handsets to connect to a wireless telephone communication network, when circumvention is accomplished for the sole purpose of lawfully connecting to a wireless telephone communication network.”
(http://www.copyright.gov/1201/docs/1201_recommendation.pdf, page 53)
This isn’t clear whether resale is part of that “sole purpose” or not. Again, not being a lawyer, I don’t know. Are there any references elsewhere that clarify this?
Where’s the mention of the cost of the original needed Iphone to pull this off? Doesn’t seem like the math adds up.
They seem to be going for $550-$650 on Ebay, depending on whether they’re new or not. Presumably you’d need to resell for that amount after the 11th. Need to factor in $40 or so for shipping and Ebay seller fees.
Forgot Paypal transaction fee… Maybe closer to $60.
Sarten-X, you can read our prior reporting on the recent unlocking clarifications using the search tool at the top of the page.
However, to hammer it home, it is generally accepted that SIM unlocking a phone is legal in the United States. If there was a controversy on that, we’d cover it, and advocate that SIM unlocking be made more clearly legal. It is our opinion (and the opinion of the Bush Administration) that it settled and moot.
There are some gray areas which the courts have yet to address (not that it’s clear they ever will), but the process involved on unlocking the HTC Tilt does not step into any of those areas. If you want technical clarifications on that, I’d suggest starting a new thread in the PhoneNews.com Forums.
As to not including the cost of the iPhone, we did that for a reason.
You can borrow a friend’s iPhone for using this process, and then give it back to them after July 11.
You only need to pay for an iPhone if you don’t know anyone that will let you borrow an iPhone for the process. Now, we’re not saying you don’t have enough friends… but…
[...] AT&T, Apple, General News We’ve updated our iPhone 3G buying-without-contract-for-$199 guide. [...]
Was hoping this would be less convoluted. I don’t live in the US and wanted to bring a hacked iPhone home…
Chris – I’m on Verizon Wireless as part of myself and my wife having a family plan. Since I’m locked in until 2010 (she upgraded her phone this year) I was thinking about doing this process for an unactive iPhone + GPS for the car.
However, I wanted your opinion – do you think the new iPod Touches (perhaps announced in Sept?) will have GPS?
The iPod touch won’t have GPS as the Maps require an always-on internet connection (provided by 3G).
They can fix this loophole easily by only enabling one 3G upgrade per IMEI.
[...] most time spent on line. Talk about pointless records. Maybe they’ll find time to read about how you can get a 3G iPhone for $199 without a contract. At least this isn’t in Canada, where high data rates has Apple ticked off, to the point [...]
WHERE IS THE “LINK ABOVE” PLEASE CLARIFY
Susan, that would not fix the loophole. All it would do is prevent multiple people from taking advantage of this deal by using a single iPhone. And, there’s no evidence that AT&T will even do that in time for the July 11 launch.
Further, if iPhone 3G does work with GoPhone prepaid service, then it does make for an excellent GPS device. You would just pay $19.99/month for the MEdia Net data package, and have unlimited GPS access.
“you need to order the first phone using the link in the article.”
WHERE IS THAT LINK???
Wait for the refurbs people!!! $249 for 8gb 3g or $349 for 16gb. Hell, I got my $249 8gb iphone on June 1st w/o any ties to ATT. Unlocked and now with tons of apps. I’ll be busy with this one and will wait until the day I can buy a refurb w/o contracts and there is a hack to use T-mobile’s 3g. That will be the day I will join the 3g iphone bandwagon.
Mr. Q, it is very unlikely a refurbished iPhone 3G would cost anywhere near that price. With the no-contract pricing set at $599/$699, you’re looking at best-case $499/$599 for refurbished stock.
Steve, the link is placed three times in the article, look for the blue, underlined links.
I guess we’ll see after 1yr. I can live w/o 3g, so can most people. However, i can’t live while ATT is milking me for 2yrs.
Pertaining to the assumption that one will be able to cancel service without returning the iPhone…. WRONG! I know firsthand through knowledge gained through my own employer that att has placed a similar restriction as my employer on their accounts that they will have to verify the return of the equipment or else no cancellation. If for some reason they do get past the system, the system auto-bills the account for the entire retail price of equipment without a billing code being placed on the account to waive such charges; I deal with it everyday and mark my words, beginning July 11 Big Blue will be doing it too. Won’t work… period.
The Competitor Guy, we figured out how to get around that by waiting a full 30 days. After the end of the 30th day, you are not required to return the equipment anymore. Instead, you pay the Early Termination Fee.
Here, we want to pay the Early Termination Fee, since that is canceled out by the profit generated on the sale of the Tilt.
Under no circumstances can AT&T require that you both pay the ETF and return equipment. All the carriers argue that the ETF is required because of the cost of the device to begin with.
so, in order for you to get the iphone 3g for 199, you have to show apple the 1st gen iphone? will they take the 1st iphone in order to get the discount rate?
S Wrong, no, you get to keep your first-generation iPhone. AT&T is not taking away anyone’s original iPhone when they upgrade to iPhone 3G.
Goto http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-phone-service/specials/iPhone.jsp
can someone who followed this guide see if he/she is eligible for an upgrade???
So, will they have you activate the 3G iphone there and extend the contract while at the apple store, or will you bring it back along with your 1st gen iphone. so if I have a 1st gen iphone and buy the 3G iphone, will i be able to give the 3G iphone to my brother to use while I use the 1st gen iphone or will the 1st gen iphone become unactivated since i bought the new one
So, has anyone actually confirmed that a 2g iphone activated today will actually allow you to select the old plan and NOT require you to update to 2.0 first?
Hey there, please tell me what I can do in this scenario:
I am a current AT&T customer on a Family Plan, eligible for an upgrade (so I can pay $199 for the iPhone). If I sign up to add the $30/month iPhone data plan, can I cancel that and pay the ETF, and go back to my regular voice plan but still use the iPhone in its non-unlocked state (until it gets unlocked)? I’d be very interested in that possibility…
Actually, let me revise that. I will sign up as a new customer (since it’s not my name on the family plan) with a new line and everything so I can get the $199 price. Then during the 30 day period I’d like to use my original SIM card in the iPhone, then cancel and hopefully unlock the phone. But while it’s still locked, will I be able to use my other AT&T card with it?
If you do not want to eBay the original iPhone or Tilt, http://www.flipswap.com is paying up to $200 for 8Gb first gens and $187 for tilts (I am not affiliated).
Also http://www.zendoo.com has used first gen iPhones at pretty substantial discounts (I am affiliated with this website).
At this point, it probably is too late. The order would have to ship by today for you to get it Friday… and I doubt any more orders will ship today.
You can still do this deal by buying a phone in an AT&T store (one without any rebates). However, the numbers would be off and you’d have to whip out a calculator and do the math yourself…
Remember, you have to have your first-gen iPhone active on the account before July 11th. With two-day shipping from AT&T’s online store, it looks like that’s not an option anymore.
Again, ChrisP, you have not clarified if you know for sure that the account needs to be active before the 11th, and if iTunes will even allow you to make an account at this point. Have you actually went through this procedure all the way up to the point of buying the 3g phone (which will happen on friday and we know you haven’t done yet)?
Do you get charged an additional actiavation fee when you sign up for the iphone 2g account?
To get this to work, why can’t someone choose overnight shipping?
As I have said, you need to activate the iPhone on the new account before July 11.
As I have said, yes, we are doing this in-house. I have my refurbished AT&T Tilt on my desk right next to me.
Activating the 2G iPhone does not charge an $18 fee. Activating the 3G iPhone however, will charge that fee.
You can chose overnight shipping, but it’s not something we reccomend. Any delays in processing the order would leave you without a device, and an open account (meaning you couldn’t walk into the store and buy an iPhone 3G as a new customer).
Thing is, if they do not get it to me in time I can just tell them to cancel the whole thing because they were too slow – either way I do not lose out….
so… can I terminate the contract oversea?
I leave the country for school exchange next week…
199+170+36+70=475 for an iphone 8GB w/o contract is ok for me. still better to buy an unlock phone from AT&T for 599.
i am confused… why do we need to activate an account w/ AT&T prior july11?
Question – can I take the sim from the tilt and put it in the iphone to activate the iphone? Or do I have to get a new unused sim card from somewhere??
I was wondering if someone could give me some input. I currently have an original iphone on AT+T contract, but would really like gps+ bigger memory. 3G wont be in my area for many years I am afraid, so thats really a non issue. i just dont want to pay all the extra money monthly for no added features.
Would I be better off adding a second line with the 3g iphone, and cancelling after 30 days, keep phone and use original iphone sim or would att block the phone after i cancelled?
I am asuming that in this scenario i would keep original iphone and contract, be able to use new iphone under old contract effectively gaining a 3g iphone for slightly cheaper than non commitment 3g iphone and an iphone to pawn off or give away.
Any input would be appreaciated.
Can we activate old iphone after July 11th,
I have ordered the tilt today. and im sure i wont get it by friday for sure. Can you give me some officially source which denies activating original iphone after july 11? why this idea cannot be used after july 11?
A few points-
Att does next day shipping – the 2 day thing is just extra time for them to process. So you may get it in time still. Call the order support line on wednesday and find out from them if it has shipped yet… (ships from tx)
My question about the sim has not been answered, but here are 2 scenarios:
If you have to have the sim from the tilt then if you don’t get it in time….. we know what happens
If you can use a different sim, you can probably call att and get your acct info from them and manage to do this regardless.
If you have no choice but to use a diff sim, then all you need is ur acct info…
Last point – will the current version of itunes available on apples site allow you to do this or do I need a copy of an earlier version of itunes. I just downloaded version 7.6. Which version did phonenews use?
Someone raised the point of AT&T charging $599 for an unlocked version.
To be clear, the full contract price does NOT mean that the device is unlocked. When you pay $599 to buy iPhone 3G without contract, it is STILL locked to AT&T.
We do not know when an unlocking solution will be available, and to-date no iPhone 3G has been confirmed to be unlocked.
chris what about the rest of my questions??
The problem with your idea (in your previous comment) is what you may not be able to switch SIMs on a phone that hasn’t arrived yet. AT&T often requires you to call in before activation is completed. Then you would be stuck with a phone which hasn’t arrived yet, and be unable to activate a new line of service for your iPhone 3G.
As to activating the first-generation iPhone, we used to current version of iTunes, but that really isn’t necessary.
Your response seemed kinda cryptic – but it seems that you are verifying that if the phone DID arrive, then I indeed can take the sim out of the tilt and put it in the iphone and everything should work fine…
If I am wrong, please correct me…
It’s not cryptic, you just haven’t read how iPhone activations are different from a typical GSM phone.
To activate an iPhone, you connect it to iTunes. The iPhone uses the SIM inside of it, and transfers service from one SIM to the other.
If your iPhone has already been activated, you need (as the instructions above read), another blank SIM. You insert a blank (unprogrammed) SIM into iPhone, and then iPhone activates that SIM, transferring service from the SIM inside of the Tilt.
So, you need the Tilt with its SIM, you need your iPhone, and you need an unprogrammed SIM (either one that comes with the iPhone, or a second blank one from an AT&T store).
Oh ok, thanks for clearing that up. Now att will be glad to just hand the sim over to me?? I thought they charge 20 bux for it…(they used to..) Maybe I have one lying around somewhere…
Thanks
It is policy to give the SIM away at no charge, unless you lost the SIM. Non-corporate stores may charge for them. iPhone activations are not supposed to have a charge for a new SIM, since you need a new, blank SIM to activate the iPhone.
How does AT&T’s online activation work? With the 11th only a day away, if I order the Tilt right now, could I activate it online and then activate an old iPhone before the 11th? Or would I have to wait for the Tilt to arrive in the mail before activating and moving to the next step?
Jesse, as we posted above… you risk not being able to do that. It is possible once you are emailed your phone number to attempt iTunes activation.
However, until a test call is placed from the Tilt, there is no guarantee that the account will be provisioned for use.
We can’t verify if that will work or not, and as such… we aren’t recommending it. Nothing is stopping you from trying, just keep in mind that it may not work.
Thanks for the reply.. a thought just occurred to me; If you bought a no-contract 3G, then went through the above steps (Tilt -> iPhone activation) with a 3G instead, and then ebayed the Tilt afterward, you could essentially unlock your 3G for the same price as the no-contract phone.
AT&T Tilt Refurb price with 2-year contract: -$99
Activation Fee: -$36
One month of service: -$70
Early Termination Fee: -$170
No-contract iPhone 3G 8 GB: -$599
Total Costs: -$974
eBay value of AT&T Tilt Unlocked: ~$380
$974 – $380 = $594, and voila..unlocked iPhone 3G for the same price as a no-contract AT&T locked 3G.
Jesse, you’re making a common error. Buying an iPhone for $599 does not unlock it. The no-contract price for iPhone 3G still leaves you with an iPhone locked to AT&T. This guide also will result in a locked iPhone 3G.
AT&T has said that Apple will not allow them to unlock any iPhone.
So I went to an ATT store to get a “free” sim card. They refused to give it to me for less than $25 unless I activated with them right there and then.
total cost + $25
Ben, did you tell them it was for an iPhone activation? If so, they aren’t supposed to impose the fee. That’s a violation of AT&T policy, as first-generation iPhone activations are to be done at home.
Alright so lets say I end up getting the 3G iphone without a contract…..What will happen if I put my first generation iphone sim card into the 3G iphone? Will it work? Also will it still be the same $59.99 plan if I am using my first gen iphone sim in the iphone 3G? Does anyone know?
Chris,
I did tell them that and they refused. I went back w/ my iphone and laptop ready to do it in store, and then they refused too. If you show me exactly where the policy is maybe I can hold them to it… but that guy was a total idiot – I’m gonna have to try a different store….
Regardless I found a sim on the floor that looked new – and I got my phone # in my email (even though the tilt will be arriving friday) I activated through itunes, and I got an email that activation is pending…. hopefully it will go through… I’ll update when I know..
Thanks…
Jon Jovi, you cannot activate an iPhone 3G as you have described.
iPhone 3G must be activated in an Apple or AT&T retail store. There, the phone is “debricked” which enables it for use on a qualified AT&T plan.
We do not know if, after that point, you will be able to use unsupported SIMs or plans with the device. We won’t know that until the phone is released and in our hands.
anyone have any experience with the activation pending thing? Strange…. after I did it my iphone now will only allow me to connect to itunes and do emergency calls….I guess its been unactivated but not reactivated…
I have two questions:
First of all, will AT&T disable the phone after you cancel their service?
Also, what software are you guys going to use to the iPhone to be able to use any sim you want?
Unless AT&T is really dump at math, I do not believe the cancellation fee would be $170.
Because lots of people will buy it for 200, way for 30 days, and take 170 penalty = 370.
Which is still a lot less than 600 for uncontracted.
Update – activation went through – my iphone is running and activated. My tilt arrives tommorow. As long as you get your new # in the mail, you can get away w/ doing this…
I want an iphone trade oven and fridge for it and microwave for 3g?
OK, I know everyone here will laugh but I bought the Gen 1 iPhone on May 15th. 16GB no less. Guess I should have done my homework. I’ve been asking for a trade-in to no avail. Any suggestion as to the smartest and cheapest way to upgrade? I am ATT.
How long does it usually take from iphone activation to upgrade eligible status showing up on your account?
[...] subscribe to the the feed.I’m wondering if this would work. PhoneNews.com last week posted a guide on how to get the iPhone 3G for $199, without a contract (emphasis on that last part). [...]
This is slightly unrelated but does anyone know if I can use the iphone (either gen 1 OR 3g) with an existing family plan? None of them have iphones. Ideally I’d only pay $9.99/month and still be able to use the wifi.
From talking to someone at the AT&T store it sounds like I’d be forced to pay $20/month (or is it $30 for the 3g?) for a data plan when I activate… Is there any way around this??? I really don’t care about data- I just need a phone for emergencies and it would be a bonus to be able to use the wifi. And I don’t want to pay more than $9.99/month.
I forgot to ask- if I get myself added on a $9.99 family plan do I have to sign any kind of contract?
So did anyone try this method and get the new Iphone 3G yet?
I went to the apple store to find 500 people in line…. I’m gonna wait till next week to get it. Oh, and I got my tilt today
@help
Officially you are suppose to only use AT&T’s iphone plans with a stock iphone. But I understand with an unlocked iphone, you should be able to use it with any compatible GSM plan which includes postpaid, or prepaid from any GSM provider.
@aloha yao
also waiting for feedback from people here.
@cubara
Thanks… I *want* to use AT&T’s plan. I want to add an iphone to my family’s existing family plan for $9.99/month. But I don’t want to have to pay $20/month (or $30 for the 3g) for data. That’s the question- if that’s possible. According to the person I talked with at the AT&T store- it’s not- I’m forced to sign up for a data plan.
@help
Right, you would still need an unlocked iphone to use AT&T’s non-iphone plans.
[...] Did the convoluted cheap iPhone 3G guide actually [...]
you can buy the new 3G Iphone without a contract by simply asking at the apple store!
they offer 3 ways to buy:
1. old iphone customers with the upgrade get them for 200 and 300
2. people not eligible for an upgrade get them for 300 and 400
3. people not wanting a contract get them for 600 and 700
and i just got off the phone with the AT&T sales rep who told me that yes you can put them on the pick your plan pre-paid plans. all you do is take your phone you bought from the apple store home and connect it with itunes. click to activate and when it notifies you that a deposit is needed click to activate without one and it will give you the option to put it on the pre paid accounts.
there you go, its legal and works a side from the hefty price tag
also if you want to get one even cheaper then the crazy plan offered by the guy on here then do this:
go pay the 600 or 700 for the new iphone 3G ( 8gb or 16gb). then go home and put the dam thing on ebay so one of the morons on there can bid on it. they are selling upwards of $1200.00 right now!
you should be able to double your money or get dam close to it. once you did that then take your money from the sale and put the 600 or 700 back in your bank and take the rest you made back to the apple store and buy another one out right with no contract.
there you go
Pat, whoever told you that at the Apple Store was untrained, and probably should be fired. They must have held their hands over their ears during training. Safe to say, your experience is more than atypical.
Will this whole ‘action plan’ to get iphone 3g (w/ tilt & iphone 1st gen) work if I order a tilt after July 11? My concern is, if I get my hands on a used iphone 1st gen now, can I change my activation from tilt to iphone 1st gen?
so I have a question I recently had the iphone edge and it got stolen while i was in europe…I had to get a replacement gophone and now that shows up in my account information i want to upgrade to iphone 3g but do i have to use my upgrade or can i tell them i used to have an iphone..if not is there anyway i can manually input my imei number off the box to my att account?
yo, i just upgrade to a tilt from my iphone 2g (since i was out of contract) on the at&t site.
I’m going to leave the iphone on the line and sell the tilt when it comes in the mail.
Can i still get the iphone 3g for 199? Since iphone 2g is still technically on my line, i should be eligible for upgrade?
So I thought I would share my own little tweak on this plan that I successfully ran through yesterday. I got in line at 3:50 am for the new iphone. I went in to upgrade from my existing iphone to the new one. After getting through this… wasnt able to activate in store because the activation servers were down… I went home and took a nap. At around 2:30 pm activation servers were back up. I activated my new phone, put a new sim that I got a few days before into the old iphone, plugged it in, and activated it on my other plan (week old, refurbished tilt plan for my wife). I went right back into the store and then upgraded that plan to get my wife the new iphone also. Then I am selling the tilt and the old iphone on ebay to pay for our 2 new phones which we got for the upgrade price. I also had 2 couple apple gift cards so I wont have spent a dime. Thanks for the advice.
Will the guide work post july 11 purchase of the tilt???
Aaron: You did this all on 7/11? looks like the prior to 7/11 is not real? Cleary, you activated it yesterday which by definition is not prior to 7/11. So we have hope?
FORWARDED THIS THE APPLE, goodluck *********
Snitch ER …..you are a ****. Your karma is going to suck. It probably already does.
Just to clarify, this guide will not work (as well) after July 11.
Apple’s agreement with AT&T required you to activate your first-gen iPhone before July 11.
If you attempt this guide now, you will be paying $399 for iPhone 3G (or $499 for the 16 GB).
Now, you will still benefit from this guide probably (the Tilt is still worth more than the $99 + $175 ETF + $18 Upgrade Fee)… but you certainly won’t get an iPhone 3G for $199 without contract.
A question guys, I got my Iphone 3G on July 12th…Do I cancel on the 30th day from that, or the 30th day from when my account was started? I opened a new line with ATT on July 8th. Thanks.
@jon, u misread this whole guide. You won’t benefit from canceling. If you do, you’re going to have to sell your 3G on ebay.
@chris: I upgraded to a tilt on 7/12 (out of contract, eligible). I activated my old iphone 2g yesterday on 7/12 as well. And this morning, it shows i’m eligible for upgrades again…
so you tell me what this means.
Once my tilt ships, i’m going in to the store to see if i can upgrade to the iphone 3g.
@minh
I wanted to have the Iphone 3G, but without a contract. I still do not know when to actually cancel the account. Any ideas?
@jon, The Original post stated you would need an original iphone. You should first, upgrade to the tilt. Then activate the old iphone on the current line. This would make you eligble for the $199 iphone 3g again (after buying your tilt at 149). Buy the iphone 3g for $199. Now you essentially bought 2 phones at discounted price. You don’t need 2 phones. Sell the Tilt (~$380).
Math
AT&T Tilt Refurb price with 2-year contract: -$149 now.
Activation Fee: -$36
Activated OLD 2g iphone: free
BUY iPhone 3G 8 GB: -$199
One month of service: -$70
then cancel:
Early Termination Fee: -$170
Total Costs: -$624
sell:
eBay value of AT&T Tilt Unlocked: ~$380
$624- $380 = $244… and no contract.
Why would AT&T just give you the phone after 30 days? I’m guessing in the contract you’re agreeing to return the phone within 30 days, even if the store is closed, wouldn’t they ask you to bring it back the next day? I would think you’d still be liable to return the phone even though the store is closed that day, anyone else see the logic behind this? And if you didn’t return it, they’d probably hit you with the full price $599 or $699, less what you paid, to keep the phone. Anybody?
As an AT&T employee I can tell everyone that we are well aware of this loophole and that you now need to have the 2G iPhone on your account for 90 days before you are upgrade eligible for a iPhone 3G at the $199 price. Also Mr. Price’s referral link is indeed in violation of the referral TOS.
You get the phone because you pay the early termination fee, which reimburses us for the loss of monthly payments. It’s how subsidies on phones work.
Ryan, not to be blunt, but put up or shut up on your last point. We’re sick of people making up contracts terms that don’t exist.
Telling people that paying the Early Termination Fee nets them a lower cost is not a violation of any agreement. AT&T made the convoluted pricing, it’s up to them to either live with it, or restructure iPhone 3G prices that make a bit more sense.
I work for AT&T, so I think I would know a little bit about how things work with this company.
If people want to cut and run after 30 days, they can. It’s not against anything.
What you are doing is luring people into a trap for your own profit. It’s sickening.
@minh
Yeah, I read all that and followed it. I bought the Tilt, activated it, then activated my old Iphone. Next, I bought the Iphone 3G for $199. I just need to know when to cancel my account so that I do not get charged for 2 months of service. I Ordered the Tilt on July 8th. I received it on the 11th and activated that day. The next day the 12th, I was able to purchase the Iphone 3G for $199. Do I cancel the plan on the 30th day starting from the 12th or from the 8th when my phone was ordered? Thanks for the replies Minh. Any input from others would be also helpful. Thanks!
CHRIS
I HAVE A DIFF. CARRIER AND WAS THINKING OF HOW TO GET A NEW 3G W/OUT ACTIVATING A AT & T CONTRACT.. SO CORRECT ME IF I’M WRONG…
MY FRIEND BOUGHT (IT WAS AN UPGRADE 299) THE NEW 3G.. I TOLD HIM TO GO IN THE APPLE STORE AND SAY THAT HE LOST HIS NEW 3G.. WOULD HE BE ALLOWED TO BUY A NEW ONE FOR 299? WOULD THE OLD 3G STILL WORK AS AN IPOD UNTIL UNLOCKING BECOMES AVAILABLE FOR ME? HELP ME OUT HERE BECAUSE I DON’T SEE HOW THIS WOULDN’T WORK…
That would not work, the replacement iPhone 3G would cost $499, and require another renewal of the 2-year agreement. Theoretically after 90 days they might let him/her buy as a first-gen iPhone buyer, policy isn’t really clear there as to if iPhone 3G owners can buy a new iPhone 3G at the new-customer price after 90 days.
P.S. All-caps are not needed. Please don’t use them in the future.
I didnt know about that having to activate the old iPhone before July 11th bit. But yes I did everything on July 11th and it worked for me. I must have slipped through the cracks if it isnt working now.
This is a nice guide.. I wish I could’ve seen it sooner. Not sure why everyone is so up in arms about it. It absolutely would work if you had a 1st gen. iPhone pre-July 11. Why?
Owners of the 1st gen iPhone (pre-July 11) DO qualify for the $199/$299 upgrade prices regardless of time since last upgrade/remaining time on contract.
After 30 days you CAN cancel service, pay the early-term fee, AND keep the phone…..
It’s as simple as that..
I bought a 3G on Friday. I have all of the paperwork and contract terms. Clearly, within 30 days, return the phone. After that it’s the early termination fee, and see ya later.
@Michael
I got my Iphone 3G on the Saturday July 12th. Do I cancel on the 30th day from that or from when my account was established with the Tilt? Thanks.
this is a dumb plan for anyone:
u can buy the phone for 400 without a contract, so why pay 200 and then money for a plan for a month and then cancel on the 30th day and pay 170, that puts you over 400. are you stupid? ? ?
if you have a family plan with 3 or 5 lines, and you get 5 iphones for 200 each, then you can possibly sell the extra ones you dont really want and switch those lines to regular phones and make some money off the whole thing. and i guess you have to start a new 2 year contract.
you can also always claim that you have no signal anymore at home and then they will likely cancel your contract. if they dont call your state consumer protection dept and they will email att for you and get you cancelled. att has terrible signal quality in many many areas where people work and live .
you can also loose your phone or have it stolen (meaning sell it ) and you should be able to go to a apple store and buy another one and put it on your account. i mean what would they do now if you lost your phone? ? they would sell you another one rather than have you go to another company . they make 1200$$ a year off you so they dont want to loose you.
@john: Retail iphone with no contract is 600 & 700 for 8gb and 16gb respectively. Where are you getting your $400 from?
Hey, but as I know you have to _give_back_ your old iPhone (not just flash it to AT&T rep) if you want to uprgrade to 3G for $199 anyway
Al, you’re completely wrong… you do not have to give anyone an old iPhone at any point. Neither AT&T nor Apple want your iPhone back.
Now, if you bought a first-gen iPhone within 14 days of the announcement of iPhone 3G, you can return that device as part of a return extension.
The only take-back program for the first-gen iPhone is for recycling. To repeat, you absolutely do not have to surrender your iPhone in order to get a cost discount, no such program exists.
i just ordered my iphone last night. I got my tilt on the way as well. Looking good guys
. I did this all AFTER the 7/11 date. Still hope for this loophole.
minh, how did you order your iPhone if the in-store purchase required?
also confirming this works with iphone activation after july 11th. just got my phone today after standing in line for 4hrs, so would like to thank Chris et al. for this wonderful guide with step by step instructions. the iphone activation part was confusing tho. note that you do not need a new unprogrammed sim card. using the 3g sim from the tilt to activate is fine. you can still put the sim in the tilt after activation with the iphone. just the iphone is restricted to the sim card it is activated with.
sorry i couldn’t finish reading this. OMG are you guys that serious why are you ppl so crazied about this phone. first of all i don’t think you really know what your talking about in your instructions. Yes it will work to a degree but not all the way, once you activate a 2g iphone it will make u eligbale for the cheaper price for the 3g iphone you can not just cancel the lines. if you activate a 3g iphone and want to cancel the service you will HAVE TO RETURN THE DEVICE, also if you did return the 3g iphone and still want to cancel with the original tilt you purchased, you will pay the cancelation fee as well as a “liquid damage fee” this is for those ppl that want to activate lines to just get equipment. no one ever tells you about that, so you will pay more in the end. if you want to try it for yourself go ahead. oh yeah ATT doesn’t pay peanuts for phones, yes they pay less for it then the suggested retail price but it is more then the price after all discounts and mail in rebates, think about it, some phones are free. they aren’t free to make and sell for the cell phone companies. if you don’t want the 2 yr service don’t get the phone.
there is a way to get the a lot of these phones to sell, but since it just came out i don’t know if it will actually work. hey if i find out if it does work, you might see me selling these 3g iphones =).
Oh yea PS as of right now regardless of price there’s a 2 yr contract required, there is a NO CONTRACT price yet, maybe later this year once everyone has the phone and no point to buy.
iHate iPhone
Again, you are incorrect on this point. We’ve re-iterated several times… you only have to return iPhone 3G if you cancel service within 30 days. Once you are out of the iPhone 3G return period, you are subject to the ETF, but do not have to return the phone.
Here’s what you do to get a 16gb iphone 3G without 2 year contract. Sign up for ATT, buy the discounted 16gb iphone for $299, pay $70 for the first months service and then on the 30th day cancel your account for $170. You end up paying around $570 (including all taxes)as opposed to the $750 (with taxes) you would pay for the 16GB iphone bought without contract. And the kicker is that your $570 price tag already includes 1 month of service. You can also sell that 16GB iphone on eBay for around $800-$850, or well over $1000 if you manage to unlock it. Not a bad profit.
What if i have an already used att sim card from a while ago because i used to have ATT,And i took that sim card and just put that in the new iphone. would it unlock the features that i need (cus its cheaper than the ipod touch and thats all i want.)
Can anyone confirm if this still work?
Are you sure you dont have to maintain the old iphone for a amount of time before being eligible for upgrade to 3g?
I need an iphone 3g 8GB for pakistan . How much it will cost me without contract ?
The above article is incorrect. The reason why I know is because I work for AT&T. The individual states that you first go buy a refurbished phone, but when you do that you sign a contract. Then he goes on to saying for you to get a new sim card and place it in your iphone and activate it through itunes. Guess what, you sign another contract. Then after that, you go into an AT&T store and get your new 3G iphone. AT&T will let you get another one, but gues what….you will have to sign another contract. Now, you can get an iphone 3G for FREE is if you purchased your iPhone after May 27th from AT&T then you will get a free upgrade to the 3G iPhone when it will arrive on July 11th. Go to the link below and it will let you konw. As for as this article is concerned about you not getting a contact, is if the system glitches or you cancel. http://www.mobilewhack.com/swap-your-old-iphone-for-the-new-3g-iphone-for-free/
Keep in mind from the posting above that if you cancel you are canceling your 3G iphone contract. Because when get the refurbished phone you sign a contract and that one carries over to the iphone and then that one carries over to the 3G iphone. So if you do cancel, you’re canceling your service. So you end up with no service and a phones you can sell on ebay.
… or an iPhone 3G you can use on GoPhone prepaid for only $20 a month.
Wow. @spades…. 2 of the most cryptic posts I’ve seen. I really don’t know what you are adding to the discussion. I will not reply to your reply.
I think Spades first posted trying to assert that, as an AT&T Employee, he/she “knew” that the process failed….
… And then realized that the process has worked, but wanted to hold the higher ground of feeling righteous.
Christopher Price I like your post but you failed to understand my post. What im trying to say is….it’s doesn’t work. It never worked. The second post is showing you that if you did the steps above your canceling your service.
Christopher Price. I see you read my post but you failed to understand it. In plain english it never worked and it wont work.
Spades, I’m sorry, but you’re just plain wrong. It did work. It has worked. I have the iPhone 3G that proves it… as do many others that have their iPhone 3Gs now.
All we have to do is wait 30 days and cancel service. We pay the ETF and now have an iPhone 3G for $199 (after selling the Tilt on eBay). After 30 days of service, AT&T can’t ask for the iPhone 3G back.
Chris-I’m confused for many comments. What is the cheap way to get Iphone 3G now w/o contract and w/o monthly $30 more for Iphone? I have TMobil at the end of 2 year contract.
AT&T Tilt (Refurb) – is out of stock – perhaps many people read this & bough them all
Just to clarify guys…if we are going to cancel…then we cancel on the 30th day from when we get the Iphone 3G right?
Has anyone got any problems while upgrading from the newly activated iPhone (first generation) to iPhone3G most recently? What I mean is that, is there a restriction of 90 days before which you cannot upgrade from newly activated iPhone (first generation) to iPhone3G?
There isn’t a restriction in place for people with first-gen iPhones upgrading to iPhone 3G. However, there is a 90-day restriction for those with an iPhone 3G, from “upgrading” to a new one. This was imposed to prevent gray market sales of the device.
Hi Chris
Is it possible to use unlocked iPhone 1st gen that I got from eBay
for step 2 ?
Thanks
You would be activating the iPhone after July 11, and as such there is no guarantee that you will be upgrade-eligible for iPhone. Aside from that, yes it could work.
Hi Chris
Thank you for your suggestion
Unfortunately, I’m not eligible for $199 price
BTW, I can upgrade to Tilt phone (refurb) at $0 cost
b/c at first step I’d ordered Blackjack 2
Do you think I can make a profit by get Tilt
and ebayed both of them after 30 day and pay $175 ETF
Do you see any hole?
^
^
^
sorry for the post
I misunderstood about $0 cost
Actually I have to pay $349
So I think I’ll return it with in 30 to avoid ETF
Its over guys – stupidly, I waited for the lines to shorten to get my 3g. But, after waiting 2 hours in line, the price came up as 399 for me – maybe att has figured things out, or maybe its because i activated my 2g iphone the day b4 launch, and the cutoff day was earlier than launch day…..regardless, att wants the tilt back to be able to get the 199 pricing. I think i’m gonna pass, and just cancel the whole thing.
Truly a shame… i did kinda want this thing…
So could I do pretty much the same thing with my pantech duo i already have? Borrow (or buy) a 2G iPhone, transfer service from my Pantech Duo to the iPhone, walk into the store and buy the 3G iPhone for $199 with no contract? Then sell the Pantech online along with the old iPhone?
thanks
no you cannot – they will charge you 399
I’m a current att customer but Im not eligible for an upgrade, my mom however, is available for an upgrade on her account. We have different accounts and plans.
If she would to buy the 3G iphone using her upgrade on her account, would I be able to just insert my sim and use the iphone on my account?
I’m just wonder what is the point of registering in person? will the phone be lock to that specific number or just provider?
Can I upgrade my Blackjack II data only contract to an iphone 3G. I have it less than 30 days. Will they make me add a voice plan? Will they charge me full price?
i want to know how can i get a iphone 3g for 199 because i live in camden arkansas
Umm. i hate to tell you all but my buddy skipped almost all these steps and will walk away with the same thing. You don’t need a first gen iphone to get a 3g…so just buy one and sign the contract. wait 30 days and cancel. you pay the exact same cancellation fee as in this guide and you end up with a 3g iphone without a contract. i don’t really understand why you need a first gen phone at all…
I”m an idiot for even bothering to answer you. READ the article and maybe you will understand. I hate people who “hate to tell us idiots how stupid we are” when they HAVEN’T EVEN READ THE ARTICLE!!!!
AFAIK, if you start new service with AT&T on a new account, you first billing cycle will end approximately 20 days from the day you start service. So, you’ll pay a prorated charge for that month and anytime you cancel service after that, I believe you pay a whole months service charge irrespective of if it is within the first 30 days or not. Your plan sounds good, but AT&T just won’t cancel the new iPhone service over the phone until they are done checking if the iPhone has been returned.
Has anyone had any luck canceling service over the phone before returning the iPhone?
“Christopher Price on July 15th, 2008, 11:41 pm Again, you are incorrect on this point. We’ve re-iterated several times… you only have to return iPhone 3G if you cancel service within 30 days. Once you are out of the iPhone 3G return period, you are subject to the ETF, but do not have to return the phone.”
I talk to AT&T and this will not work- If we keep the iphone after 30 days we have to pay ETF + additional cost on top of $199 for 8G
I think I wait until 8/9-8/11 see if any one be able to return pay $170 for ETF & still keep the phone
Loc, whoever told you that was simply incorrect. Check the forums:
http://www.phonenews.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=3238
Everything we posted in the article has worked fully.
Well I went to three apple stores and they would not sell me one without signing a contract. I have a pay as you go Iphone. I was told by all the stores and 2 ATT customer service people that it doesn’t work with pay as you go and that I couldn’t buy one without a contract even if I payed more.
Nick, as has been reported in the article… the no-contract pricing for iPhone 3G is not yet available. AT&T and Apple are waiting for supply constraints to subside.
Also, Apple and AT&T employees have been trained to say that iPhone 3G does not work on prepaid… even though it certainly does, which we’ve proven in other articles that you can find by searching PhoneNews.com. My iPhone 3G is on prepaid right now…
I was wondering if this process still works?? If so, it doesn’t have to be over online right? Because theres an AT&T store that gives out free phones with 2 year contracts.
i’m hussein and i live in uae in dubai and i need 3 iphones without contract for me and my dad and my bro so how can i get it anybody plz just i need a guide thnx
Is the same with me, i live in Europa where now they are selling the 3G for about 1300 $. My question is what can i do to get the iphone 3g without this contract. BTW i don’t have the first generation. Any advice ?
hi
I dont understand when we upgrade,doesn’t it mean to bring back the first gen to store?so whats the meaning of selling it?
Naji, the only people that “surrender” the first-gen iPhone to the store, were customers that purchased an iPhone within 14 days of the iPhone 3G. They were cut a special deal that let them upgrade at no extra cost.
Everyone else got to keep their first-gen iPhone, flashing it to the sales rep at the store was simply for proof that they owned an iPhone.
However, the deal is no longer valid, so it doesn’t really matter now.
Hey Christopher,
I was wondering if it still works the guidelines that you’ve described in July? Please let me know…
Thanks!
As I’ve said multiple times in the comments, the workflow no longer works. Any iPhone 2G activated after July 11 is not considered upgrade-eligible at the $199 price point.
So having read all this, why can’t I just go into an ATT store, buy the 3g phone, wait til the 30th day, and then cancel service and then not returning the phone based on their 30 day return policy? why go thru the hoops and loops of getting a contract and do all that other stuff?????
Dima-ATT said you have to more than $175 for Iphone.
Any one buy Iphone from this website http://superbargainland.com/cat42.html?
16g for $399.99. It seem like a scam & to good to be true
I will buy 16G for $400 w/o contract
Nice scheming, but let me clarify a few things for you.
1) You didn’t include the cost of a $400 1st gen iphone
2) The cost of unlocking your Tilt at a dealer
3) The fees/dues imposed on you from paypal and ebay for selling
Sum it all up, and you’ll have shelled out $700 for a phone that is readily available on express/buy it now ebay from power sellers/stores for $600. And you have time saved for you.
1) At the time of this writing, 1st gen phones were available for about $200 – the price has gone up since then because 3g is not yet unlockable…
2) tilt unlocked for free = xdadevelopers (google it)
3) sell it on craigslist
wow what a referall link. I spotted it the 1st second. Here is a real question. Can I just just activate 3 new lines in the store, cancel service from home by calling ATT retention department in the 1st 30 days, then just not return the phones. It should work and I would ony have to pay the start up fees. I used to do this with Nextel all the time. I made a lot of moeny on ebay doing this. How do Apple and ATT track that you have returned the unit? And doesnt the 700$ that the phones are going for on ebay look pretty sweet if thsi did work?
I still don’t understand why people think we would be interested in hiding referral links. There’s nothing wrong with getting credit for putting together a good deal. Not one person that has noted this, has given a valid reason why they are noting it.
I don’t understand why people hold this to a different standard than any other referral program…
[...] from Craigslist and eBay, you can also try this method Get an iPhone 3G w/o a Contract for $199 « How to Create Free Custom Ringtones for Your iPhone in 5 Easy Steps Leave a [...]
Can’t you just buy directly the iPhone 3G and cancel the contract on the 30th after the local AT&T store closes?
$36 Activation fee
$199 iPhone 3G
$170 ETF
$70 first month bill/service
Total $475
I am just asking this because I want to keep the Iphone. Of course, it will be a brand new AT&T Customer. Is it also safer to cancel the service on the first day AFTER the 30 day is over so you definitely get to keep the phone no matter what?
There’s no harm in trying to cancel on the 30th day. I haven’t heard anyone really rejected. Worst-case, you can just say that your iPhone is in a condition that makes it un-returnable (physical damage, etc).
Actually, I was wrong. If I cancel on the 30th day, there is no ETF. So, it is even cheaper. Tho they may definitely ask for the Iphone back which they have every right to. Hmmm. Worst case I can just pay the ETF and say it is un-returnable like you say Chris. I think I am going to do this
1.Get an new AT&T account
2.Get an Iphone 3G
3.Cancel on the 30th day
$36 Activation fee
$199 iPhone 3G
$70 first month bill/service
Total $305
Am I missing something here? Except feeling guilty? It is a weird feeling. You don’t want to do it but then you cannot really buy it without a contract unless you spend $800 on Ebay which is supporting someone who did something like you plan to do. Ayyyyyyyyyy
Yes, you are missing something. If you keep your iPhone 3G, AT&T will charge you an ETF, even if you cancel within the first 30 days.
AT&T always charges an ETF for customers in the trial period, when they don’t return the phone.
I already have iPhone 3G. I used to be able to go back to Apple and upgrade my line again to buy another iPhone 3G (at $499) and sell it to my friend so he doesn’t need to renew his contract.
Just recently, Apple upgraded their system and when I try to upgrade my line again to get another iPhone 3G, the system does not let me buy it.
If I activated a 2G iPhone to my current line, so that in their system is shows I have a 2G iPhone instead of the 3G, do you think I would be able to buy another 3G at the Apple Store? For maybe even $299?
Again, no. Any iPhone 2G activated after the launch of iPhone 3G does not qualify for the new customer price.
I have a family plan with AT&T with 4 phones. None of them have a 2 year contract except for mine, and that is only because I changed my phone no. in late April’08. At that time AT&T suggested I upgrade my Nokia phone and suggested an LG. I told them that I was waiting for the iPhone 3G to come out. AT&T told me that was no problem as I would be able exchange the LG for the iPhone at the $199 cost. The LG phone was problematic from the start and I tried to turn it back in 2-weeks after getting it to no avail.
However, since the iPhone 3G came on AT&T has reneged on its promise and told me I am ineligible for iPhone at the $199 (or $299) price. How can I get an iPhone 3G at the $199 or $299 price for an 8gb or 16gb?
PS: My son is on my family plan and has an older iPhone but didn’t have to get a contract to get it.
You were misled by a customer care representative… probably because he/she was looking to meet their monthly quota of handset upgrades.
I would file a complaint with AT&T, but I doubt it will go very far, it’s common knowledge that you cannot upgrade every few months.
You basically have to wait the 18 months from when you renewed your contract on that line. Or, have another phone on the account do the upgrade to iPhone 3G, and then swap phones between the lines.
Christopher Price is a deadbeat scammer! I followed this guide, and AT&T wants to charge me an ETF now. I can’t believe I followed this prick’s guide. I had a 2G iPhone, then bought the refurb Tilt. I went through with the rest of the guide, and when I went to cancel my service AT&T told me pay up the ETF or keep the contract.
Thanks, *****.
If you had read the guide completely… you would know that paying the ETF is part of the process. When you sell the AT&T Tilt on eBay, that covers the cost of the ETF.
Just an update: As time passes it’s becoming harder and harder to get full $380 for the tilt on ebay. Competition and Ebay fees are the main killers of your profit margin. So you’ll be lucky to get at least $300.00 net. Just a thought.
Does this still work?
If I already am an at&t customer with a contract can’t i just borrow someones old iphone and go in and get a 3g 8gig iphone for $199? I’m not looking to get a contract free iphone 3g…just an iphone 3g for $199. Thanks
No. That only worked until the day that iPhone 3G was launched.
yo man, i live outside the states, how much would it cost me to get the iPhone 3G 8GB and unlock it.. speaking minimum, and without the HTC Tilt
coz a friend of mine is in the states for less than a week, so i was thinking of letting him buy it for me, coz the iPhone 3G is unavailable in my country
and what happens if i dont pay the ETF?? lets say i just turn my back on them
thnX
So if you are a T-Mobile customer looking to get an Iphone 3G could you not just open an AT&T account, get the discounted 3G, cancel on the 30th day of the contract, and claim you lost the iphone. Then unlock the iphone and proceed to use it on the TMobile network?
Hi Christopher
thank you for your answer.
now please tell me:
1-is it now possible just to go to store,make a contract,buy an iPhone 3g with cost of 200$,and then cancel the contract after 30 days with paying just 175$ more?
2-when you are doing this do you need to carry your first gen iphone?
thanks again and sorry for my bad english,,,
1) Yes. You can still buy the phone for $199 and pay the $175 ETF, for a total of $374 (plus any taxes and any activation/upgrade fees).
2) That was for an old deal, only available when iPhone 3G first was sold.
thanks again Christopher and what is exactly activation/ upgrade fees when you sign up for a new contract.
another thng is my uncle is un US and alrerady has a 3g can he made a second contract for me and buy the 3g and cancel it.
thank you very much.
A new line of service has a $36 activation fee.
An existing line of service will pay an $18 upgrade fee.
This is standard across all AT&T phones, not just iPhone 3G.
Hi Christopher
My contract with verizon just expired and im switching to t-mobile, by signing the 2 year contract with tmobile they give you two blackberry 8820 for two lines for only $100, the suggested retail price for one blackberry 8820 is $499, so i was thinking selling those two blackberrys for lets say $400 each thats $800 on ebay or craiglist and use that money to sign a contract with AT&T get the 3G and pay with the money that i get for selling the two blackberrys including the cancelation fee for AT&T and use the 3G on Tmobile (when cracked) is this a good idea let me know what you think please.
thankyou
Does this still work?
IT WORKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I JUST TO MY NEW 16GB 3G IN THE MAIL TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I bought a 3G three months ago – immediately took out the SIM replaced it with my Blackberry SIM (payed for by my work). Planned to cancel at 1 month but did not until just this week. Everything has been working fine (no visual voicemail but otherwise full functionality). Until today – I had trouble syncing so recycled the pone – now I get a restore message with the added info that the IMEI and ICCIS are not recognized. Is this coincidence or did ATT somehow block my phone now that original account is not working.
I have tried to restore multiple times – will not work. Have put it in to DFU mode. No love. And I have tried all of it with the original SIM as well. UGH. I just get a message on iTunes saying the phone it is unable to recover (error code is 2005).
I guess I could just be unlucky that the phone has failed – but I am going to get hosed when I bring it back to Apple I think.
UGH UGH – any ideas?
I didn’t go for the IPhone, but got the cheapest gophone and an unlocked PALM TREO 750 for $100 and I thought I was set. Then AT&T cancelled the $20/month unlimited data and I am stuck with 9.99 for 5mb.
Also, I couldn’t get Sierra 860 air-card working with SIM. Luckily I was able to return it.
What are my best options now?
The Verizon Impulse data for $1/day when you use it doesn’t sound bad, but I don’t think they use SIM card? Also, the Palm is not EVDO? How would I use unlocked PALM TREO 750 with them?
What are my best options for 3G data in NYC?
I want a iphone but it wont work in my area…i wish it would. i only have a motorola rocker slide and its good
[...] Link: How To: Get an iPhone 3G for $199… Without Contract! (Updated) Share This Post: [...]
i was thinkin of gettin an iphone 3g this way
hey guys is this still working ……..???????????
plz reply
how can i get an iphone3g 8gb without a plan? how much will it cost?
is it true that old iphone has to be activated in your account before July 11? What i mean that i can not open a new account now and use a old iphone in that which has been activated in my friends account before July 11 and upgrade to 3G in new account with new customer price?
dnt even get an iphone they SUCK! now i recommed a blackberry OR an iphone 3G
here is a very simple way to get an i phone 3g for $199 or $299:
1. get approved by att and start a new i phone account with them
2. get the 8 gb for 199 or the 16 gb for 299
3. a week after enjoying your new iphone, then claim it is lost or stolen and get another one
4. jailbreak the claimed stolen i phone and sell it on ebay or craigs list for 500
5. cancel your account aftr the fist month $170
6. what you ay is 199 for phone + 36 for activation + 80 for first month plan + 170 termination fee
it comes up to $485 now we assume you sold the claimed stolen phone for 500.
7. now you have a free iphone without a contract, so enjoy using it ont-mobile
FreeIphone, there’s a problem with that. The “replacement” iPhone 3G would not be sold at the $199/$299 price point.
Because you are already under contract, it would be sold for $399/$499 (the existing customer price-point).
Ok, so I was wondering, if I start a new family plan with 5 Iphones and canceled after the first thirty days would it still be 175 for the ETF or is it 175 per line?
Hey, I had read all above, I would like to do so but I don’t think I can follow this instruction and done by myself, so I wonder if someone could do it for me or anyone would like to sells it to me. I actually want 8GB but if unavailable 16GB will be fine. I hope it’s not expensive than regular price or might be cheaper.
P.S. New one; price can be negotiate.
so, is this still available? will att still allow you to do this?
if you cancel after 30 days, wont you still be charged for the next month of service, another $70?
man i want an iphone so badly and there rying to make me spend 500 dollars for one because my dad and mo have bad credit.
Ok, I don’t want to go through all this hassle or anything. I just want to know if it it possible whether its a contract-free phone or not to get an iphone with just the 30 dollar a month internet fee. I don;t even want to use it as a phone. I just want internet whereever I go. The ipod touch only works when your in range of wifi somewhere. I want it everywhere. Would I be able to do that with a contract free phone?
So, is this trick still valid or not?
@Christopher Price – FreeIphone has an interesting point (he also forgets the cost of the original 3G). Correct me if I’m wrong, but I could follow his steps, buy the replacement 3G for $399 (not $199) and the end result would be only $273 spent on , assuming I could get $500 on Craigslist for the unlocked “lost” phone, right?
1. Start new account with AT&T with 3G at $199
2. After a week, order a replacement 3G at $399
3. Jailbreak/Unlock the original 3G for Craigslist sale at $500
4. Cancel AT&T on 30th day, pay $175 ETF (does this affect credit history?)
5. Total spent: $199 + $399 + $175 (ETF) = $773 (plus tax, activation fees, monthly service)
6. $773 – $500 (Craigslist) = $273 (plus above tax and a month dating AT&T)
That’s still not too bad, I guess. Your thoughts?
@Jeshb: How can we order a replacement 3G? Can we meet some difficulty?
I also wonder if contract termination affect our credit history (they may put us in a blacklist, e.g.). If NOT, I can do the same thing after that. Am I right?
Please share your recent experience (because ATT may change policy currently).
Many thanks.
Hi everybody,
I would like to get some helps from you guys. Who is in New York and wanted to get at&t or T-mobile postpay? Easily would be who ever want to open new account/get new sim card from at&t or T-mobile, please tell me I would like to used your account to get/buy a new phones within this month. I really need it, please…
Honesty is the best policy.
I ordered a refurbished 8GB iphone 3g from AT&T online for $99.
I called them before it arrived and openly told them that I do not accept the contract. I asked that they cancel the contract. I said I was willing to pay the $175 ETF to keep the iphone to use it as my gophone. At first they said it would not work as a gophone, but I said I read that it would on the Internet depite the official word that it would not. Then they tried to tell me I needed the data plan because the iPhone was constantly sending and receiving data. I explained that I would still be using AT&T service as a gophone user. I emphasized how much I like the gophone service where I pay for only what I use. It seems I got it for 99+175=274. I wont know for sure until I get the bill.
I should not be charged for one month servicee although they said there might be some charge. The activation is currently waived with an online purchase. The iphone is really cool and sexy, but so far it is not clear what added functionality I have over my unlocked Palm Treo 750. However I had to buy lots of accesoties to get the unlocked Palm Treo 750 working like headphones, adapters, cards etc., whereas the iphone is ready to go and what a display! It seems to be a very high quality device.
@Jay: Why don’t you have to return iPhone and accessory to ATT? While we do not have to pay first month bill and activation fee? If so, the process is VERY easy. Just order, and terminate.
This is what I read from: http://forums.wireless.att.com/cng/board/message?board.id=apple&thread.id=49155&view=by_date_ascending&page=2
The cost for early termination:
Single Plan 1 Phone & 1 Line ONLY
- $199.99 iPhone 3G 8GB
- $39.99 Voice Plan
- $30.00 PDA Data Plan
- $175.00 Early Termination Fee
- $39.99 Voice Plan Month in Advance (Yes! AT&T DO charge one month in advance!!)
- $30.00 PDA Data Plan (Yes! AT&T DO charge one month in advance!!)
- $18.00 Uprade Fee
——————————————————>
Total: $533 without tax!! With Tax probably $570~590.
I do not know if ATT’s policy changes. Any update info or experts in this issue? Please advise
I did not receive AT&T bill yet. Maybe, they will demand phone return and or first month. Activation fee was waived online at purchase for everyone right now. I received no special treatment. I will let you know how it tuns out. I will have dilemma if I do not receive bill before 30 days pass. Perhaps they will not demand phone return becasue it is refurbished. Could not tell. I will be open and above board when dealing with AT&T. They have akways treated me very well.
Thanks Jay. I’ve just finished chatting wih ATT rep. She said that, with a refurb 8 GB, if you don’t activate the phone, you have to pay full price for 599 (like a new, crazy). But the other said that if you have to pay: $99 (iphone)+ $175 + $5×24 months fined = $394. Mix info.
You need to check it before receiving your bill. Please share your experience when you have more info.
While AT&T bills one month in advance, if you cancel within the first 30 days, you should be credited back those charges for the second month.
General Counsel, AT&T
1025 Lenox Park Blvd.
Atlanta, GA 30319
RE: wireless number 646-670-0383
I am terminating service because I do not accept the Agreement.
I may terminate this Agreement within thirty (30) days after activating service without paying an Early Termination Fee I have incurred no service fees and charges through the termination date, AT&T will refund my activation fee, if any, because I have terminated within three (3) days of activating the service.
Thank You.
Sincerely Yours,
I received the advanced bill for the first month service even though I cancelled the contract before the phone arrived. it was probably computer generated at purchase. I might not have to pay it?
I have not received a bill for the 175 ETF or for the phone.
I do not know if I have to return the phone before 30 days to avoid additional charges. In my phone conversation, no one ever said I must return the phone or that I would be charged anything beyond the ETF. The first month service was not clear, but how could they force me to Pay it if the service was never used. I did not activate it, but I think they did. When I try to access the account online, MESSAGE APPEARS:
R314: Online account management is no longer available for this
cancelled account.
———- Forwarded message ———-
To: “ATTOrderStatus@ordertrack.wireless.att-mail.com”
RE: 646-670-0383
R314: Online account management is no longer available for this
cancelled account.
I ordered a refurbished 8GB iPhone 3g from AT&T online for $99.
I called before it arrived and cancelled the contract. I said I was
willing to pay the $175 ETF to keep the iPhone to use it as my
gophone. I explained that I would still be using AT&T service as a
gophone user. I like the gophone service where I pay for only what I
use.
It is my understanding that I would be billed only $175 ETF.
Kindly confirm this.
If I will be charged more, kindly let me know ASAP
while I still can return the phone without penalty.
Thank You.
PS: What is the procedure for returning the phone, if necessary?
Just spoke with AT&T at length
to keep refurbished iphone 3G
100 paid
70 1 month service
170 ETF
————–
340 + tax
price for new one is 600 + tax
Is it worth 340 for refurb vs 699 for new?
Even if I return, will have to pay prorated
2.33/day held
I have twice tried using my gophone sim with an aircard and failed.
I think the error was something like invalid profile.
What does that mean. Can I fix it?
Last time I had a Sierra 875, before that 860, I think. I returned them.
I am considering buying *NEW* AT&T CINGULAR OPTION GT MAX 3.6 PC 3G AIRCARD. Will it work with my gophone sim?
I’m a recent go phone subscriber. (since last yr) I always said that i will not buy a iphone unless they come out to be a no contract (prepaid). I just was in the best buy here where i live and saw the banner for a no contract iphone. I also saw the hefty price though, $500 for a no contract iphone. Ouch i do not need it that much. I guess i will just go with using my go phone and ipod touch.
I get error 619 when trying to use gophone Sim card with option gt max air card. How can I fix this?
I wanted to know if it would work this way. My brother has service through ATT, and he doesn’t have the iphone. Could he just upgrade to an iphone, and give me the phone. Then the next month, he could claim that it was stolen/lost then stop the iphone charges. And he would remain with ATT with his prior phone. Would this work? And if anyone could possibly give me advice on doing this.
If u already have an iPhone 1st gen and u go to the apple store to by the iPhone 3g will they make you upgrade your plan right on the spot or will the let u walk out with it and at u are going 2 activate it online
Wont this just ruin your credit for cancelling? I rather find another way to pay rather than to ruin my credit!!!!
Where I can buy iPhone 3g without contract? I mean give the address or website of it.
How can i purchase Apple Iphone 3g with out contract
hello christopher
My brother is staying is US and i m in India an he is using AT&T service but not iphone 3G
so how can he get iphone 3G for me without contract ?
or recommend me best way to get iphone ?
thanks i will wait for your reply..
Will this still work for the iphone 3g s?
[...] so called no contract iphone guide revealed? How To: Get an iPhone 3G for $199… Without Contract! (Updated) | PhoneNews.com __________________ to err is human, to really fuck things up takes a [...]
I atractted to i phone but i did live in indonesia will the packages offered works far me??
And if it works how should i order..
Abd how bout the after sales services?
[...] thought he was just buying mass phones on his account.. and later canceling.. i was close. How To: Get an iPhone 3G for $199… Without Contract! (Updated) | PhoneNews.com [...]
How can i get an iphone 3G ? I am living in Vietnam?
I am not sure this is for real but at this site http://www.mobilebuyz.com/iphone.html they say no contract required to buy a 3gs 16g for $189.00, I am suspicious
Bill i checked out your link and it does seem like there’s something rather fishy about this website, but it says its some kind of auction site. i really dont know tough, i wish they were for real .
yeah did somebody ordered from this website…. this would be awsome… cant find anything about them on google or so… that sucks… is this real or fake? what do u guys think?
It is OBVIOUSLY fake, I don’t know how you could possibly think this is real… Go ahead and get scammed if you don’t believe me.
This is on the home page, tricky use of words could be the scam.
At Mobile Buys we only sell new products. We never sell used or referbished.
In addition, we do not sell contracts for any of the major carriers and ——-therefore do offer / require —-you to sign a contract when purchasing one of our phones.
Regarding the Mobile Buys link, it seems they order the phones in bulk and then resell them. They do not unlock or do anything to them. So, you basically get a new AT&T-locked iPhone without service.
The only thing I can think of is that the price of the phones in bulk is low enough that they can sell them at lower prices and still see a profit. Imagine now how much AT&T is gaining from their sales then.
All major credit cards have purchase protection plans. If you get scammed and never get the product, then you can always cancel the charge and open a legal case against the vendor.
Now, the issues I have with the site are:
1) It is new. The domain was created on 2009-07-08. So, there is no history of people being scammed or not.
2) The checkout is not secure/encrypted. That’s a no-no for me.
3) The contact e-mail is bradwestin@live.com, but there is no address registered. Just the city (New York, NY, 60901), and the phone number is fake 555.5551211.
4) The dedicated server IP address is 69.2.40.118, which is hosted by Trace Security in Baton Rouge, Louisiana as a Registered and Active Website.
So, make your own conclusions. My general rule is that if the deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.
Hey, i am basicall from india n my grandpa is in san hose, california right now. i told him to get me an iphone, but he says that he is only getting an iphone 3gs with the at&t connection whereas at&t does not provide connection in India. Please tell me a simple way to buy an iphone 3gs so that i can then unlock it here and use it with an indian carrier.
hellow friends
i wanna buy a new iphone 3gs 16gb, i can pay 300$ for it
m from Pakistan
if any body wants to help me i shall b very thankfull to him or her..
please contact with me at
syedirtiza2003@yahoo.com
i need it very much
i hope someone will helps me,
hellow friends
i wanna buy a new iphone 3gs 16gb, i can pay 300$ for it
m from Pakistan
if any body wants to help me i shall b very thankfull to him or her..
please contact with me at
syedirtiza2003@yahoo.com
i need it very much
i hope someone will helps me,
hey hai i want to an iphone 16gig.i can pay 400$ for it from zambia.i will some assistance with shipping it over here your help will be highly appreciated.
gardnerxen@yahoo.com
I really need Iphone 16GB, but I want to buy this phone to use at Cambodia, can I buy it in price 199US?please tell me! thank you!
sorry guys. this doesn’t work. i used to work at the apple store, and just having the old iphone doesn’t qualify you for the new one. it has to do with your plan’s upgrade history. Also, they don’t tell you this, but if you cancel your plan without returning the iphone, they bill you for the full price of the iphone.
good try.
Hi,
I found this site. Can anyone tell me if its a scam?
Apple iphone 3Gs 16GB
http://digital-deals.co.uk/
thanks
To George;
UK Apple iPhone 3G S for 310gbp = about $530usd before applicable taxes. Doesn’t really seem like much a a deal.
My son wants an iPhone 3Gs so he can take pictures and video. He does not need a phone. Can I:
1) buy iPhone 3Gs at AT&T store for $199
2) return on day 30 and pay the ETF of $175.
3) Keep the phone without service paying $199+$175+$70 first month contract?
Will I be able to update the iPhone software if I don have a contract with AT&T?
Thanks.
Is that work?
Did Att fix that?
does we really get an iphone 3G at 99$ without any contract.if not, then what it costs.
Going through all this crap to save 20 bucks
Damn… You guys are cheapskates… Imagine someone swindling you out….
Actually at the time it was $175, not $20. And, once again, folks (you aren’t reading the comments, people), this deal has been dead for about a year and a half. It doesn’t work anymore.
this is waaaaay to complicated too much work without guarantee – ton of work for little reward & ton of risk
Hey everyone I work for apple there is no way that you will be able to get an iphone for 199 or 299 or 399 depending of the model with out being on a contract
They are selling them at some apple stores now because of the release of 3Gs but at a no contract price which is between 500 and 800 for all the iphones
There are no ways of getting an iphone for the contract price without just taking the contract, or if you cancel there is a fee, and if you cancel your credit card you will have bad credit score and you will have your service provider after you.
Any site out there that is offering a deal is a scam
Just wait for the iPhone 4th gen we are working on it right now it will be amazing
@Cameron Aziz;
Yes, let’s all smoke some crack and wait for the 4th Generation iphone to come out.
We want our phones now you loser! We don’t wanna wait. I will become a street walker if I have to, so I can get my iphone and call my family to tell them about my new job as a hooker.
You can get Unlocked iPhones here! Brand new with warranty and everything at least check it out.
what if opening a new account charges me too much for the deposit ?
I want to get an Iphone without contract ,also i don’t have socialsecurety number i am internatinal student here, please let me know if there is anypossiblity to got it
Please help me guys, by answering this question.
I have a Tmobile contract.I want to buy an iPhone 3gs and use it with tmobile. I will buy at AT&T store for $199. Then I want to terminate my contract after one month; also by that time I will unlock the phone etc. I will pay the monthly fee and the ETF ( $199+$175+$70 approx).
Will I be able to keep the iphone? How much will it hurt my credit score?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Muna, keep in mind that iPhone 3GS units shipping today cannot be unlocked without a tethered jailbreak. Whenever the phone loses power, it must be reconnected to a computer to bypass the bootloader on the device.
However, that said, doing it the way you described will work, and assuming you pay all the bills, will not harm your credit score. If you pay the Early Termination Fee owed, there is no debt and thus it has no effect on your credit score.
The only affect to a credit score that would have, would be the temporary ding to your FICO score from the credit check used to setup the account. Again, pay the bills off when you’re done, and you’ll be fine.
this is a really stupid article
either the author is a complete moron or he if fúcking with the morons
here is shows that you buy the “Tilt” for $100 and sell it on ebay unlocked for $380
virtually a $280 profit
why not do that twice and use that money ($560) to buy an iphone for $600? the unlocking software is now free
sorry, i meant:
why not do that twice and use that money ($660) to buy an iphone for $600
crap, my math…. lol
Hi, I just want to ask if this method still work (today is November 14 2009). Thanks
Hi,
I am a US citizen, moved to India 2 years ago, so have no personal residence address there right now. I just broke my iphone today! I got it before I left US so it would’ve been 2 yrs old Feb 2010! How do I replace it with minimum cost? I still do have a checking account and a credit/debit card that I use from US. I bought it fair and square the first time, but really didn’t know about the covers until recently, when it was rattling its bones while vibrating, from being dropped too much. Finally, it croaked today. I have no problem getting it shipped to a friend and getting it here. But can I do that from here or at some point do I have to go into a store myself?
If so, is Ebay an option ever? Sorry, I’m writing a book..
Please help!
**** this how about i buy one with a contract a
I thing that is a smart plan because I have pay $350 for my own I am going to give it back to the at&t
I have a Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 and i want to buy a iphone. Please let me know what could be the price of iphone 3GS 8gb and 16gb in USA, without a contract.
Not impressed at all. This is just so obvious that everyone probably already thought of. Of course the information changed over time because the at&t tilt is now valued at 350-380 but is ONLY selling on ebay for $160. So this information is irrelevent.
do you have to pay for the upgraded iphone or is that just free ?????
Don’t buy the iPhone with the plans to terminate the contract and keep the phone. While you will be able to buy the phone for $199, and the early termination fee is $175…AT&T will NOT allow you to cancel the plan without returning the phone unless you wait 2 months. Not only this, but you’ll have to pay for 3 months of service since they charge you at the beginning of the month. Thus, $199 +$175 + $300 (approx 3 months worth of service) = $675 or more. At this point you can easily pay for the phone outright at $550 at Best Buy or $600 at the Apple Store.
Turns out I kind of took advantage of this loophole without even knowing it. I bought the first iPhone and was super stoked and happy with it. I thought the iPhone plan was very reasonable – unlimited data, and 200 txt msgs, for $20. When the 3G came out, I obviously was as excited as everyone else, and was even more excited when I learned of the upgrade claus in the original contract. So I went and waited in one of those long lines that were on the news. And it wasn’t until I was signing up for the new 3G that I found out the 3G data plan was $30 a month, and it didn’t include any texts. I decided to go with it since I had skipped class (I was taking a summer semester), and took work off to wait in line all day. So I got my new baby, and loved it. I went home, unlocked my old iPhone, sold it on eBay for around $500, and was stoked that I was in the positive. But, I was still a little miffed, because ATT changed the iPhone plan, to include 0 txts, and cost $10 more a month. As it turns out, my bill ended up being about $30 more a month. With the more expensive data plan, and then having to by texts…. I went from a $70/month bill to about $100/month bill. By just about the second month of having the new iPhone, all the excitement and giddyness had worn off, and I starting thinking that, I didn’t get a sweet hook up having an iPhone and being able to upgrade, at the promotional cost. I would be paying $400 more a year on the new contract, so over the 2 year contract, thats nearly $1000 more then I would have paid just keeping the original iPhone. They have to re-coop the actual cost of both phone somewhere… so minus the $500 that I got for my unlocked iPhone, thats still like $700 ($300 iphone + more expensive service plan) that I would be paying for the 3G. It pissed me off a little, how apple had made this revolutionary device, and ATT and the greedy assholes, are all about just making money. So, I cancelled my plan after 30 days, which back in the summer of 2008, would make it so you didn’t have to return the phone. I paid the $175 cancellation fee, and turned around and unlocked the 3G, and sold it for $700 on eBay. So with the $1200 I made, and the $535 (3G, 2 months of $30 a month more service, cancellation fee) I had to pay, made it so I came out with roughly $665, but if you consider that I paid like $400 for the original iPhone.) I really only netted $265. But, then didn’t have an iPhone. So I got a new plan with Verizon, and have been patiently waiting for apples contract with ATT to be fulfilled, so they can open up to the rest of the market. So I put the $265 I came out with into an iPod Touch, and I basically only ended of having to pay like $50 for it. And now that I realize it, I am rarely in spot where I don’t have wifi, and in the rare occasion that I end up in that situation, I just borrow one of my buddies iPhones
So if anybody actually just read that… you now know my story of taking advantage of ATT, when I realized that there whole plan all along was to take advantage of us, to make us pay more money for service. So they not only re-coop the hit they take selling the phones from $200-$300, they end up with more money than they would have ever gotten, sticking with just standard practices of letting only new customers get the discounted price. Since the 3GS came out, so soon after the original 3G, they couldn’t let the 3G customers upgrade, with the new customer price, because they counted on the contract period of time, to re-coop, then rake in the money.
Can’t wait for the iPhone to open up to all markets!
Iam looking for 3g 16 gb unlocked iphone since last week .I didn’t get any store which contain this.So,am waiting to have good place for me.
To everyone saying AT&T pys “peanuts” or the iPhone, it’s simply wrong. Maybe instead of ring a cheap bastard you should try backin up your assumptions with real information. As an AT&T employee (non-corporate) I can tell you that the iPhone costs more than $200 let unit. We lose money on New activations an Upgrades, that’s why the termination fee is $170. It recoups the cost. AT&T doesn’t begin making money off of you for nearly 6 months which is why alot of stores don’t payout comissioms on activations or features
for 6 months. Just so you all know before shooting your mouths off.
hey i am living in india n i want to know tht my friend is coming to usa n i wnt to know tht whether he can purchase an iphone for me from there n bring it back to india….and also i wnt to know tht wt will be the price for this i wnt iphone 3gs 16gb….plzzzzzzzzzzz let me know
what ever happened to writing a good old fashioned letter, slapping a stamp on it, getting off you asses and taking it to the post office. Generation Y, You all suck and should be ashamed of yourselves.
hhey friends..i live in india..i need to buy an iphone 3g without AT/T contract is it possible to buy in US?,,,,if possible how much should i need to pay for iphone 3g 16gb….please help me friends…
Do you need an iphone, imac, macbook, macpro, ipods or other apple products at affordable price?
Jut contact us at appleconnect
All of my friends have phones in school.When somebody asks for my number i have to say i dont have one.Is therea way i can buy a motoralo razor phone from $100-$20.pease contact me if u can at brandyrileyduke@aol.com.Please.
I really hated it when I have to get iPhone from a telecom. This is the reason why I opted getting an iPhone 3Gs unlocked. The flip side though I need to order minimum 10 units and have it around $289-$300+ per unit. The extra 9 units I had, I sold them online. I earn profit at the end.
I got my units from http://www.ndrwholesale.com/, they are reliable and reputable. I am definitely right ordering 10 units from them.
With your unlocked iPhone you can get Unlimited talk & Txt with Internet and no contract for $65 a month. Call me and ask how. Scott -TMI telecom 712.621.0804
hello im looking for the iphone 3g 8g without contract how much is it? and can i buy without contract year 2010
if i want to buy without contract i need buy it in apple or at&t? becose i from other country and then i will put my chip into my iphone thx u can anwser in my omail toma-ar@hotmail.com to and here
how much is yhe iphone 3g 8g ? without contract
Can you use this same process to purchase 8 or 9 iphones 3G 16GB for $299.00
is this really true……………….if i order an iphone i wil get it for $199 some one pliz tel me
Hi buddy the above info and explanation about iPhone deals are really great and have lots of secret about iPhone deals in UK. So here I will suggest another link http://www.iphonesdeals.co.uk/iphonedeals/index.php too where all info have also given in details. So you can also enjoy here!
i want an iphone
Hey,
My frined is coming to India and I want to get an Iphone.
Please tell me how to get one for less pricer from there
without contract. Bcoz i heard that complete bill is required
in customs else contract phones are not allowed to go out
of the Country. If this is true, please sort out this for me.
Thaning you.
I WNT 2 BUY AN IPHONE FRM US MY FRND BUYING FRM THER SO I WNT THT PHONE IN CHEAPEST RATE SO PLS INFRM ME WITHOUT CONTRACT…….
Here’s another loophole that may be more costly, but will let you have an iPhone sooner:
1) Get an iPhone, activate it.
2) Don’t pay your bill for the second month.
AT&T will probably do no more than terminate your account. I saw someone at Sam’s Club yesterday who told me he didn’t pay his bill (but he intends to sometime), but they didn’t ask for his phone back.
You know what, don’t do it my way.
get a free 3g iphone see offer details
http://free3giphone.tk
Hi, I want to buy an ipone 3Gs in 199$, so how can i get it. because i’m now in Cambodia.
i want to get price of apple iphone 2g witout at&t contract
how i can buy i phone 3gs or another?
PLEASE UPDATE THIS ARTICLE! IT IS NO MORE POSSIBLE TO CANCEL THE FIRST MONTH OF CONTRACT AT 175$, IT IS THE DIFFERENTIAL BETWEEN THE 2ND MONTH AND THE 36TH MONTH SO BASICALLY YOU’LL HAVE TO PAY THE FULL PRICE IPHONE UNLOCKED.
I albsolutely want an update please!!!
Hi Guys!
This does work! But a lot of work
I am a wholesaler for iphone…I can get you a 3G 16gb for $350.00 unlocked all day long.
Let me know if you are interested…..
I want 2 get an iPhone 3GS 8GB. On apple store its $99 only but with AT&T 2 year Contract. Is there any way 2 cheat and get da iphone.
ummm foysal you can get a iphone 4 of ebay for abou $600 and iphone 3g or 3gs for $300 and a 2 g for $99
thanks and i wouldnt really trust ebay andif you do buy one i would askif they got the original sim because if you iphone stuffes up you will need it to use to active on itunes
how can i buy iphone 3g 8gb for 99$with out at&t contract plan .