February 16th, 2007
iPhone rate plans leaked? (Updated 3x)
(Note: The title graphic and gallery images posted here were removed at the request of Pinecone Research. ZDNet is investigating the legal issues surrounding the images and subsequent request. More soon…)
AppleiPhoneReview.com posted (then removed) a purported ad for Cingular's upcoming iPhone service plans and the details are tantalizing:
It appears the iPhone rate plans from Cingular may be the same as Cingular’s current plan options: $39.99 a month for 450 minutes, unlimited mobile to mobile calling, and 5,000 night and weekend minutes. The data plans will start at $4.99 a month for 200 messages OR a $19.99 a month data plan for 200 messages plus unlimited Internet and Visual Voicemail.
Delving further reveals that the "ad" may only be a sample ad from a private iPhone consumer survey firm. In a follow-up post the blog reveals that the ad was taken from a screenshot of an iPhone consumer survey from Pinecone Research. I think it's more likely that Apple (via Pinecone) is simply testing the waters with consumers to see what the reaction isto the pricing model.
Personally I'd jump at the US$20 unlimited data plan in a heartbeat as I think most consumers would. These rates rival T-Mobile's which have a reputation for being the lowest. I just pray that they're not considering going with Verizon-type wireless rates which are around US$50-60 per month for unlimited data - in addition to your voice plan.
Keep in mind that iPhones are pretty pricey at US$500 and US$600 with a two-year contract. Hopefully Apple/Cingular/AT&T will throw us a bone on the rate packages to encourage switchers.
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Jason D. O'Grady is the editor of PowerPage.org, which has been publishing daily mobile technology news since December 1995. For disclosures on Jason's industry affiliations, click here or to view Jason's full profile click here.
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