iPhone 3G FAQ

Kent German | Jun 12, 2008

Is your heart aflutter at the thought of buying an iPhone 3G? Are you counting the days until the July 11 release date (at least for countries getting it on July 11)? If this describes you, or even if you are just toying with the idea, there are a few things you'll need to know. The process for buying an iPhone 3G will be quite different from what it was last year for the original model, particularly if you're a foreigner planning to get a unit while you're visiting in the US. Fortunately, CNET is here to tell you all you should need to know.

The iPhone 3G

Q: What's so great about the iPhone 3G?
A: The iPhone 3G adds important features that were absent on the original iPhone. Those include support for AT&T's 3G networks, true GPS, and support for Microsoft Exchange server. It also will support third-party applications available through the upcoming iPhone App Store. Its design is different as well, but not by much.

Q: What's not great about it?
A: We were hoping to see a few more features including multimedia messaging, voice dialing, video recording, and a landscape keyboard.

Q: So should I get it?
A: If you want an iPhone but haven't bought one yet, this is the iPhone for you. If you already own an iPhone, the choice isn't as clear. But if you can afford to upgrade, you should. The added features will be worth it. We only stress that, if you are in the US, you should verify that AT&T has adequate 3G coverage in your area.

Q: Where can I buy the iPhone 3G?
A: It will be available only in Apple and AT&T stores. You'll also be available to get it at AT&T kiosks in shopping malls. It will not be available online. For other countries, check the telco operators that will be offering it here.

Q: Wait, so I can't get it on the Apple or AT&T Web sites?
A: No, you'll have to get yourself to a store, which is more than inconvenient if you don't live near one.

Q: Can I use the iPhone 3G overseas?
A: As a quad-band GSM phone with support for three 3G bands, you'll be able to use the new iPhone all over the world. Just remember that the phone will be locked to AT&T so you won't be able to use another carrier's SIM card. And if you're a frequent globe-trotter, you should ask about AT&T's international plans to avoid nasty surprises on your bill.

Q: Can I still activate my phone using iTunes?
A: Unfortunately, you'll have to do that in an Apple or an AT&T store as well. You will not be able to take it home and do it there. Major bummer.

Q: Why are AT&T and Apple doing that?
A: We suspect that it's a way to crack down on iPhones that were purchased but were never activated on AT&T's network. By forcing you to activate the phone in a store, you'll be forced to sign up for AT&T service.

Q: Won't that create a mob scene on stores on July 11?
A: I expect that it will be pretty crazy that day. Though stores were mobbed last year, buyers had only to pay for their phone and get out. This year, however, they'll have to go through the entire process for credit approval, contract signing, and activation before they can leave. If you figure that each person will take at least 15 minutes to complete their transaction, then we should see some long, and slowly moving, lines.

Q: Will AT&T employees be working in Apple stores?
A: Probably not. Apple has not released exact details, but we expect that the process will be similar to how stores like Best Buy handle cell phone activation now. It's likely that you'll be dealing with an Apple employee who will have access to AT&T's computer system.

Q: How much will the iPhone 3G cost?
A: This is one area of good news. While last year buyers paid up to US$600 for their iPhones, the iPhone 3G will be significantly cheaper. The 8GB model will cost US$199 and the 16GB model will cost US$299, both with a two-year contract.

Q: Can I use an iPhone 3G with AT&T's Go Phone prepaid service?
A: Not at the moment. But this may happen in the future.

Q: But what's this I hear about the plans being more expensive?
A: It's true that Apple and AT&T are changing the structure and pricing for the iPhone 3G plans. Unlike with the previous handset, you will have to select separate voice and data plans (they won't be combined). Voice plans, which are the same for all AT&T handsets, range from US$39.99 to US$79.99 per month, depending on the available minutes. Unlimited data plans will be US$30 for consumers and US$45 business users.

As a result, the cheapest monthly cost for an iPhone user will be US$69.99 for unlimited data, plus 450 anytime minutes and 5,000 nights and weekends. That's US$10 more than what current iPhone users pay for comparable services.

Q: The original data plan came with 200 free text messages. How much text messaging do the new data plans include?
A: The details aren't known yet.

Q: Will the new US$30 and US$45 a month data plans offered for the 3G iPhone be the same as the standard data plans for other AT&T smartphones?
A: Not necessarily. AT&T says it is still working out the details and will have more information closer to July 11 when the phones go on sale.

Q: I heard that people who already have a first-generation iPhone have to turn it in to an Apple or AT&T store if they want the 3G phone. Is that true?
A: No, but AT&T is giving people who bought their first-generation iPhone on or after May 27 the opportunity to exchange it before August 1. AT&T and Apple will refund the difference in price but 3G iPhone users will have to sign a two-year new contract and choose a new plan. If you go this route, don't forget to erase your personal data.

Q: If I keep my current iPhone, will I miss out on all the new features?
A: Through the iPhone 2.0 software update you'll get a lot of new goodies including the third-party applications and the Exchange server support. Yet, you will miss out on the 3G and GPS.

Q: I already have a comparable smart phone from AT&T and a two-year service contract. Can I buy the 3G iPhone for the US$199 price and simply restart my contract?
A: It depends on when you started your initial AT&T contract. In order to get the US$199 price tag, you have to meet AT&T's upgrade eligibility criteria. We'll know more on that later.

Q: Let's say I bought my iPhone last year and I want the 3G iPhone. Can I give my old iPhone to my sister or sell it on eBay?
A: No, once an existing iPhone user activates service for an iPhone 3G, their first-generation handset will be unusable as a phone. You won't be able to replace it with another AT&T SIM card and use it to make calls. This also means that you can't buy an old iPhone on eBay and expect to activate it on AT&T's network. You can, however, use it as a media player and a Wi-Fi device for browsing the Web.

Q: Will people living in areas without native AT&T coverage be able to buy a iPhone 3G?
A: No, anyone buying a iPhone 3G must live in an area where AT&T provides coverage. Since the phones will be activated right in the store, people won't be able to leave the store without activating the phone for service in area where AT&T is offered.

Q: Will the SIM come preinstalled this time?
A: Yes the SIM is already installed and is not meant to be removed or replaced with other AT&T SIM cards (though it is physically possible to do so). On the other hand, Apple will include a SIM removal tool in the box.

Q: Do I have to be in the store to get software updates or to sync it with iTunes?
A: No, updates and syncing with iTunes can be done right from your home computer. You can also buy applications from the Apps Store from your computer.

Q: Will the iPhone ever come to other carriers in the US?
A: There is a chance it could come to T-Mobile, but it won't be for a long time. AT&T is said to have a five-year lock on the iPhone (now through 2012) but other reports indicate that its monopoly will be up in 2010. Unfortunately, it's highly unlikely that Apple will ever develop a CDMA version for Sprint or Verizon Wireless.

Via CNET Crave

Filed under: Mobile Phones
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