Misc. 3G iPhone info

[ngbauer]

noralwise@hotmail.com wrote: I'm still a little confused on this 3G iPhone. Can you use the old iPhone without a data plan but not the new 3G?

Okay, we have migrated here from our discussion in the contest entry thread.

My intention with the comment about the 3G and the data plan is that 3G is a faster connection for mobile phones and is most desired for use with a data plan. So, since your son won't have a data plan, the 3G iPhone is not something he will necessarily be dying to have since having 2G or 3G won't be a big selling point for him.

My understanding is you might be able to get the 3G iPhone without a data plan and just a voice plan, but I am not 100% sure. I know you can have the current iPhone without a data plan on AT&T. Also, you can buy an iPhone on eBay or some similar site or through a friend and use it just as an iPod/camera/wifi access device. The problem is you can't get a 3G iPhone out of the store without service agreements and if you buy it online you will pay full price at $400 or $500 down the road. And, if you have the right cellular service and the right hack you can use the iPhone 2G on other networks I believe.

[chadaw]

If its an old iPhone, then I would think they would still have the same data plan (2G) as its not possible to get 3G service. However if you have the 3G phone, you automatically have to pay for 3G service, even in bad areas that don't support it. Data plans are mandatory with the new phone. I am almost certain.

Although I wonder if you buy the "non-contractual" iPhone, you might not have to have a data plan.

[alex.stef]

Or you can pay $600 for an unlocked iPhone without signing up to AT&T. But for one of these you'll have to wait a little longer until it's available.

[ngbauer]

The problem with getting an iPhone offered from AT&T with different plans other than what is required now is they will make you pay full price for the phone, not the $199 subsidized price that is being advertised for an 8gb model. Oh well, let's just hope we win one. . .

[chadaw]

Ouch, I assume that would be true.