In anticipation of the 3G iPhone’s release, AT&T released pricing for the next-gen handset, including new voice and data plans. The new iPhone goes on sale at 8 a.m. July 11.
The new 8 GB 3G iPhone will be available for $199; the 16 GB model will go for $299 with a 2-year contract. Customers who are eligible for this offer include: iPhone customers who purchased the handset before July 11; customers activating a new line with AT&T; current AT&T customers who are eligible, at the time of purchase, for an upgrade discount.
AT&T said that customers not currently eligible for an upgrade can purchase a 3G iPhone for $399 for the 8 GB model or $499 for the 16 GB model; both options require a new 2-year service agreement. Customers who do not want to sign a contract can purchase the iPhone for $599 for the 8 GB model or $699 for the 16 GB.
3G iPhone customers can choose from four AT&T Nation plans, starting at $70 a month for a plan with 450 Anytime minutes, 5,000 night and weekend minutes and unlimited data. For $130 a month, customers have unlimited Anytime minutes and unlimited data. Family plans for the iPhone start at $130 a month for two iPhones.
AT&T is also offering the 3G iPhone for business users; interested customers should contact an AT&T business sales representative. Corporate e-mail and other business applications require the Enterprise Data Plan for iPhone, which is $45 a month and bundled with an eligible voice plan. Small business customers may qualify for AT&T BusinessTalk.
Current iPhone customers who don’t wish to upgrade to the 3G model can still upgrade their iPhone software with a free 2.0 download. The new software includes enhancements, such as business-class e-mail access via Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync; the iPhone Software Development Kit (SDK); and the App Store, which offers a wide-range of applications, from games to business, education to entertainment and productivity to social networking.
In more AT&T news, the telecom announced it will end its current contract with Dish Networks to resell the company’s satellite TV service. The contract, signed in 2003, expires at the end of this year.