Don't Buy an Unlocked iPhone From AT&T, Just Cancel a New Contract

[Sam DaCool]

A special thanks to commenter "tamade" for pointing out the obvious. Since AT&T's unlocked iPhone 3Gs will cost you $599 (8GB) or $699 (16GB), you are better off signing a contract and canceling it than buying an unlocked iPhone. In fact, it's even cheaper to buy a 16GB iPhone using this method than to buy and unlock an 8GB version. But math isn't our strong suit so go ahead and double-check our calculations. We won't be offended:

$299 - 16GB iPhone w/contract
$36 - Activation
$175 - Early Termination Fee
$70 - One month of service

Total Price Using The Shady Method: $580

So...

8GB iPhone Canceled: $480
16GB iPhone Canceled: $580
8GB iPhone Unlocked from AT&T: $599
16GB iPhone Unlocked from AT&T: $699

Are we missing something?

Source: Gizmodo

I don't know about you, but it seems like a pretty good plan. Am I missing any flaws or anything?

[chadaw]

Originally Posted by Sam DaCool

Source: Gizmodo

I don't know about you, but it seems like a pretty good plan. Am I missing any flaws or anything?

Outside of the ethical side, I am sure AT&T will find some way to curtail this. They may raise the cancel fee.

[BobMarley]

shneaky shneaky, obtw, thanks!

[jassoalf]

thatss an awesome plan. but im sure when at&t realizes this, they are goin to do some new moves.

[Benny and the Jets]

usally you cant cancelle the plan for at least 6months (thats what they do in Australia.)

[jassoalf]

here in mexico you can cancel but you go to pay aaaa looooooooooooooooooooooooot of money, so i dont think it will work for some countries

[Sam DaCool]

Ouch that stinks. I myself won't use this because i will just early upgrade my contract for $400 but i thought it might help some of you guys.

[alex.stef]

in my country the early termination fee is around $200, so it's pretty much like the one in USA. and we don't have any activation fee

[Sam DaCool]

Originally Posted by alex.stef

in my country the early termination fee is around $200, so it's pretty much like the one in USA. and we don't have any activation fee

??? I thought every country had an activation fee. But i guess it isnt such a big deal seeing as it only costs a fraction of the price of the iPhone its self. But i was planning on buying a nice case with that extra moola. Oh well