Apple iPhone 3G

  • The iPhone 3G data plan costs $30 a month for unlimited data. That $30 does not include text messages or a voice plan. The voice plans start at $39.99 for 450 minutes of talk time.
  • Requires a two-year contract.
  • Text messages usually cost 20 cents a piece, or $5.00 for 200, but there is no official word yet on what they will cost for iPhone 3G.
  • Subsidized pricing is $199 for 8 gb iPhone. $299 for a 16 gb iPhone.
  • With all costs added together, the minimum monthly cost of iPhone 3G is $69.99 (without text messages).

  • The total 2-year cost of an iPhone 3G starts at $1,855, compared with $1,815 of the original iPhone.
  • The iPhone 3G will require activation at the store you buy it from, either AT&T’s store or an Apple store. The process usually takes around 15 minutes to complete.
  • AT&T will not allow tethering of the iPhone’s 3G connection, meaning, you can’t use the iPhone 3G as a broadband modem for your laptop. Some other AT&T smartphones offer this utility.
  • Business data plans start at $45 a month. The higher charge is because AT&T offers an “enterprise connection” to Exchange servers.
  • For international travelers, a separate international data plan will be required.
  • There is no GoPhone, prepaid plan, or pay-as-you-go plan for the iPhone 3G.
  • 3G iPhone with no contract: $599 for 8GB and $699 for 16GB.
  • You can return the iPhone up to 30 days after date of purchase.
  • First-gen iPhone customers who already have two-year contracts have to qualify for an AT&T Upgrade and have good standing with AT&T (ie, have you paid your bills lately?).
  • Limit of 3 iPhones per purchase.
  • Anyone who bought a first-gen iPhone on of after May 28, 2008, can return it and receive a refund of the difference in price between a comparable iPhone 3G, minus a 10% restocking fee.
  • Access to GPS is free.