Anyway to get 3G without signing contract?

Haaru · Jun 15, 2008

I'd really like to get a 3G when it comes out but I don't want to sign with AT&T. Speculation says they wont let you leave the store without signing up with them, so would there be anyway to not signup? I'd just like to jailbreak it and run it on Verizon.

Kash · Jun 15, 2008

For starters, even if you managed to get your hands on a 3G iPhone, you would be physically incapable of using it on Verizon's network. AT&T uses something called GSM whereas Verizon uses CDMA. These are inherently incompatible networks, so you can't take phones that work on one service and use it on the other.

In the US, the only provider you would be able to use an unlocked iPhone on would be TMobile, which is actually a step down from AT&T.

Oh, and eBay is the answer you're looking for.

charliecrosslan · Jun 19, 2008

Easy way to get the new iphone with no contract:

1) Get £100 ($200) cash
2) Go to apple/02/ATT store
3) Say 'can i have an iphone'
4) Grab it off guy
5) Slam money Down
6) Leg it! (run)

its a thought, itd be funny to try!

Kash · Jun 19, 2008

Two flaws in your plan. One, you can only buy an iPhone with a credit card. Two, you didn't factor in the tax.

Levi · Jun 20, 2008

That's a point. This is probably the first time in history we're getting an Apple product cheaper than you guys.

£99 (including all taxes)
18 months @ £30 (including unlimited data & nationwide wi-fi points)

So it's cheaper to buy and cheaper to run (unless you make a lot of calls; I'm betting call prices here are about 3x what they are stateside). The cheapest (or maybe £35) plan would do for me though.

And it's available on pre-pay (no word yet as to handset price, but my bet is about £275-£330).

Serves you right for complaining about your 53p a litre petrol. Petrol hasn't been that cheap here in 18 years.

charliecrosslan · Jun 21, 2008

Kash said:
Two flaws in your plan. One, you can only buy an iPhone with a credit card. Two, you didn't factor in the tax.

I don't think it matters if you pay with cash if you do a runner.

I didn't know that it was $199 excluding tax...unlucky.

KB3GZW · Jun 22, 2008

Levi said:
Serves you right for complaining about your 53p a litre petrol. Petrol hasn't been that cheap here in 18 years.

But you guys don't have nearly the distances that we drive over here. I mean all of GB is the size of our New England.

Levi · Jun 23, 2008

KB3GZW said:
But you guys don't have nearly the distances that we drive over here. I mean all of GB is the size of our New England.

It's not as if people have to drive any more though is it? It's not like you have to drive 200 miles to get to the nearest supermarket.

Kash · Jun 23, 2008

Levi said:
It's not as if people have to drive any more though is it? It's not like you have to drive 200 miles to get to the nearest supermarket.

Your supermarket may be down the block. It's driving distance for us here. Those small 2-5 mile trips add up.

bryphotoguy · Jun 23, 2008

Short of running out of the store with, I highly doubt you will be able to buy one without signing the contract. You could break the contract and pay the early termination fee.

theonegod · Jun 24, 2008

Yes, buy the phone and sign up then when they say you are good to go look at them and tell them you would now like to cancel your service and pay the early termination fee (something like $175).

bryphotoguy · Jun 24, 2008

Uh, it wouldn't work that way. I would suspect they will hold you to the 14 day policy so you'll at least be paying for the first month of service as well.

theonegod · Jun 24, 2008

"Uh it won't work that way" he says with certainty. "I suspect" he follows up with. I see. Which is it. Are you sure or not?

Even if you do pay for the first month just sign up for the minimal package and no data plan (you don't actually have to have the data plan). And you will end up paying something like $40.

bryphotoguy · Jun 24, 2008

Nobody likes a smart mouth.

james515 · Jun 28, 2008

theonegod said:
"Uh it won't work that way" he says with certainty. "I suspect" he follows up with. I see. Which is it. Are you sure or not?

Even if you do pay for the first month just sign up for the minimal package and no data plan (you don't actually have to have the data plan). And you will end up paying something like $40.

iPhones require the data plan. No way around it.

you would be looking at these cost to cancel your contract. Plus they could make you give the phone back.

$199 for the phone
$69 + tax, charges and other junk for first months usage
$175 cancellation fee

this comes out to $443, then you need to add tax onto the cost of the phone and your bill. also depending on when you cancel your plan you may have to pay a prorated cost for the next month.

http://gizmodo.com/5015540/iphone-3gs-true-price-compared