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iPhone Users Angry Over AT&T Upgrade Policy
All is not sweetness and light in the wake of the Apple WWDC kickoff announcements, especially concerning the evolution of the iPhone. Reader Hugh Pickens writes: "AT&T will offer the new iPhone 3G S when it debuts later this month at a cost of $199 and $299 for the 16GB and 32GB models, but only to new customers and those who qualify for the discounted price. AT&T subscribers with an iPhone 3G who are not eligible for an upgrade — those not near the end of their two-year contracts — will have to pay $200 more — $399 for the 16GB model and $499 for the 32GB model. 'This is ridiculous and slap in the face to long-time loyal iPhone customers like me who switched from T-Mobile and the only reason was the iPhone,' writes one unhappy iPhone customer. 'We have to mount a vigorous campaign to change this policy. Call your local AT&T and ask for the manager and complain. Send e-mails and post in forums everywhere.' The issue is spurring heavy debate on support discussion forums, with some customers supporting AT&T. 'The option you have is to honor the contract you freely committed yourself to,' says one forum member. 'If you want to upgrade early then you will have to pay full price with no subsidy discount. You can't blame anyone but yourself for your predicament.'"
We have to complain about how Apple "Fanbois" are whiny and never satisfied.
Yeah, well, that's pretty much the truth. Just watch my karma disappear for making that remark. I wonder what would happen if someone were to publish a cartoon making fun of Apple owners? They'd probably issue a fatwa against the poor devil.
The higher the technology, the sharper that two-edged sword.
Or just tack 1 year onto the end of my existing contract (they give you the full subsidized price after one year). As it stands, I can't buy a new iPhone at a reasonable price. I'm not willing to pay an extra $200, so I'll wait. However, if AT&T doesn't do something to make this right, I may just wait until next summer, and jump to Verizon's iPhone instead.
It's clear that AT&T doesn't want to keep me as a customer by providing great service at a great price, but instead by forcing me to stay via contract (I signed it, I'm not complaining about the terms, but that they aren't even trying the carrot, but merely relying on the stick). I'm even willing to meet them part way. But that they won't go out of their way for me, I won't do so for them. I'd say "their loss", but really, we both lose out. Idiots.