We have talked previously about how much of a drag “in-store only” activation would be to new buyers of the 3G iPhone, but there may be a light at the end of the tunnel. The in-store activation is clearly a move to prevent people from buying large quantities of iPhones and unlocking them for use on other networks. If the phones cannot be activated at home, it is through that this unlocking process will be harder to accomplish.
Originally, Apple and AT&T said that iPhones would only be sold in stores and would have to be activated there. Now, AppleInsider is claiming that a leaked AT&T memo states that customers may be able to leave the store with a partially activated iPhone that they can completely activate at home through iTunes. The way it would work is Apple or AT&T sales people would use a store-only tether to unbrick the phone and then you could go activate it at home. This would only occur after they had signed a two year contract with AT&T, of course, to prevent them from using the phone with another service.
If this is true, it is very good, in my opinion. Instead of forcing customers to wait for 10-15 minutes in the store, they would be creating a financial incentive to use the phone as intended. This is the smart move for these companies. Also, if someone REALLY wanted to unlock their phone, they still could, but they would suffer the penalty of an early termination fee.
Do you plan to camp out early for the iPhone? Do you plan to unlock your phone? How does this news affect your plans?
[Via AppleInsider] [Image from Content Quake]
June 17th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
I dont plan on camping out for it, but definitely getting there early. The 10-15 minutes per customer to activate each phone is definitely a scary idea. I am not looking to use it with any other provider, nor do i plan on selling it, so I dont have a problem activating it in the store. On top of that, i am not an AT&T user right now, so i will need to activate it in the store because they are going to over my number.
June 17th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
Sorry, last line should read:
On top of that, i am not an AT&T user right now, so i will need to activate it in the store because they are going to SWITCH over my number.
(There should be a way to edit your posts! :p)
June 18th, 2008 at 10:23 am
Jon, you can port your number from iTunes. I plan on buying 3G iPhone (already have the 2.5G unlocked) only after iPwn is released for the phone. Will move it to tmo ASAP.
June 18th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
You could at least proofread your headline before you post.
Very unprofessional.
June 18th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
Oh, sorry about that one. Fixed! (I love you too Greg)
June 18th, 2008 at 9:02 pm
Your response time was amazing! I truly love this website and check it at least twice daily! Keep up the good work.
June 18th, 2008 at 9:05 pm
We try to get our stuff out as fast and as accurately as possible. Do let us know whenever we make errors or typos, we really appreciate it.
Glad you’re using us for your iPhone news!
June 21st, 2008 at 12:24 am
I was concerned about the wait, being a new customer and porting over my number. I called a local ATT store and the rep put me on a early registration list. He is supposedly going to call me a week before release and obtain all my information so once I come in on July 11 I will show my ID and credit card to purchase the device. I’m skeptical because I haven’t seen or heard anyone else say anything about this offer?
June 21st, 2008 at 12:37 am
@sharese I haven’t seen anything like that floating around online, but some stores do get creative around the iPhone time of year. With the iPhone and other big electronics (Wii, XBox 360), some stores will create lists of people or their info for quick release management. If your store does this, so much the better, though I bet it isn’t kosher with corporate management….
Just a guess anyway!
June 22nd, 2008 at 9:13 am
my iphone cannot access to the itunes, so i haven’t yet a music or a videos to hear or to watch a movie. how can i access to itunes it says 1st you connect to a wi-fi network. how can i connect….
June 22nd, 2008 at 11:19 pm
Hey Eddie….
I don’t really understand your question. We’re not really a support forum, but what I would suggest is first going to Apple.com and checking out their technical support. There should be some good troubleshooting that their documentation can suggest. After that, you might take it by an Apple store after getting an appointment with the Genius Bar (as your phone is still probably under a full warranty).
Hope that helps!