Hey IPHONE users can you tell me

[janie1234]

Do you HAVE to sign up for the data plan? All I want it the ipod function and a cell phone in one. I don't need the wireless internet stuff. I can't seem to get a straight answer out of the A T & T people and I think they are trying to pull a fast one on me. It just seems like $75 a month is a lot for a cell phone. I just want to have a phone on me when I go running for emergencies. I hate having to carry a cell phone AND an Ipod.

 

[psusoccer17]

I have an iphone and it costs an extra $30.00/mo for the data program, I was told that you have to sign up for the plan. I really don't use the internet function that often but it is nice to have for the times when you need it.
Katie

 

[janie1234]

Thanks Katie. Darn, . .I was doing some research and when they added everything up for 2 years the phone service would be $1,920!! That just seems excessive. I love my Ipod and I'd love to get the Iphone but I don't like being trapped into a 2 year service that will end up costing me $2,000. Esp when I don't really need the internet stuff.

 

[syzygy314]

Janie - Can you hold out til summer? Apple is putting out the next gen iPhone and is supposed to open it up to other service providers where you may be able to get more flexible and affordable plans!

 

[janie1234]

Janie - Can you hold out til summer? Apple is putting out the next gen iPhone and is supposed to open it up to other service providers where you may be able to get more flexible and affordable plans!

Really? Thanks Tricia. Good to know. My Verizon plan ends this month and I know you and Miss Lee have raved about the Iphone so I really wanted to get one but I didn't realize how expensive the monthly was. I quit my job so cell phones are more for emergencies only. I love my Ipod. Love it, . . .so the Iphone seemed like the obvious choice. Is the phone reception good? I'd need for it to work in the mountains during my hikes and mountain bike rides.

 

[kkvls2004]

Hi,

I work for AT&T, although not on the retail side, but I can confirm that it is a requirement in the provisioning systems that iPhones cannot be sold with a voice plan only. The same is true for other smartphones like Blackberry and WinMo. This is not so much AT&T's decision as a requirement of the agreement with Apple. I used to work for Sprint and it is the same with their Blackberries, for example, so I wouldn't count on alternative carriers offering voice-only service on the iPhone.

I do see some movement towards flexibility at all the carriers with flexible pricing models like charging for data usage as you go rather than x amount per month, so hopefully more flexible plans will be available sooner rather than later for you.

If you want the music/iPod functionality and also want an emergency phone, many of my friends stick with the iPod but carry a "free phone" with pay-as-you-go pricing, like the GoPhone or Virgin Mobile, and they just keep 100 minutes or so on the SIM for use in emergencies. I think this could be a less expensive solution for you.

HTH.

 

[syzygy314]

Janie - AT&T's reception is lousy! It's decent enough in most places, but at work, I can't get reception inside my office! I have to go outside to make or take any calls! That's why we are hoping above all hope that we can get on with another carrier with the new iPhone when it comes out! We didn't have any problems while on vacation up in Napa for the most part. Service would cut in and out a bit when were crossing the mountains over to Sonoma, but not too badly.

Hang in there! There are all kinds of new options out there! As a matter of fact, Google just launched their new phone yesterday, too! You might want to take a look at that!

 

[upnorthchick]

Can you hold out til summer? Apple is putting out the next gen iPhone and is supposed to open it up to other service providers where you may be able to get more flexible and affordable plans!

I really hope this happens! It makes me happy just thinking about it!

Verizon and Sprint are the only carriers in my area that have reliable reception. I'll be first in line at the Verizon store the day they have the iPhone for sale!!

 

[spicegirl]

Love My IPhone!!!

Janie......When your ready...You will LOVE this phone!!! but yes, you do have to spend the extra $30 for the data plan......I just got mine for Christmas and it's really undescribable how cool this phone is!!!! I live in "Verizon Country" but decided to switch to AT&T since the new 3G network is better now then when they first came out. I am pleasantly suprised at how good the service is with the 3G. Also, AT&T gave me a 30 day trial to make sure I was getting good enough service in my area. And then there's the FREE App's!!!! (Can't wait until Cathe has her own App) It's Amazing.....Go for it GIRL!

 

[Jaffas]

Janie - Can you hold out til summer? Apple is putting out the next gen iPhone and is supposed to open it up to other service providers where you may be able to get more flexible and affordable plans!

Are you sure? Every time I hear this I go to the apple store to ask and they just laugh at me, in a nice way.

 

[syzygy314]

If I hear anything new, I'll be sure to post it! My DH tends to get the tech news before I hear about it.

I really hope this happens! It makes me happy just thinking about it!

Verizon and Sprint are the only carriers in my area that have reliable reception. I'll be first in line at the Verizon store the day they have the iPhone for sale!!

 

[regina]

I called Apple and they were not aware of any plans to open up the Iphone to other carriers. I have an iphone and love it but I am not pleased with ATT 's service and coverage.

 

[janie1234]

Janie - AT&T's reception is lousy! It's decent enough in most places, but at work, I can't get reception inside my office! I have to go outside to make or take any calls! That's why we are hoping above all hope that we can get on with another carrier with the new iPhone when it comes out! We didn't have any problems while on vacation up in Napa for the most part. Service would cut in and out a bit when were crossing the mountains over to Sonoma, but not too badly.

Hang in there! There are all kinds of new options out there! As a matter of fact, Google just launched their new phone yesterday, too! You might want to take a look at that!

Tricia. Thanks for the heads up on the Google phone. I think this may be the phone for me. I checked their site and the monthly is not as expensive. I won't have to pay for the additional $30 data fee.
It really helped to hear about the service in the Napa Sonoma area because this is where I live, hike, and mountain bike. I'd hate to get stuck in the mountains with no recpetion and believe me it has happened to my husband. He broke his collar bone 7 miles away from the car while mountain biking, . . thank goodness he had phone reception and was able to call me. Thanks again!!