Update: Readers, I checked with Walt Mossberg about the SIM card situation, and the mistake is entirely mine in misreading his report.
I never said there wasn’t a SIM slot or that the iPhone couldn’t physically accept SIM cards, even those from non-AT&T carriers. That means the cards won’t work, that they are useless when inserted in the phone, not that they can’t be inserted in the phone.
That said, I still won’t be buying an Apple iPhone, unless I can use my current AT&T SIM Card, and don’t have to sign-up for a draconian two-year-contract. Boy Genius has left a comment saying that it is possible to get the phone without a contract, except the phone company said otherwise. He says that “The iPhone will in fact be available without a contract — only if you fail their credit check.” In other words, if you are like me – with a decent credit, then you are out of luck.
The reason: the phone is not available to those who don’t want to sign up for a two-year-contract with the AT&T service. No No, I am not talking about pre-paid people, who don’t even have a prayer of a chance to get the iPhone.
If you are an existing AT&T customer – and I am – but have gotten out from under their thumb (aka) contract, Apple’s phone isn’t available to you. Oh, I checked with the AT&T officials and they said that it is true: no contract, no phone. And since it doesn’t have a SIM card, there is no chance of getting one from the gray market.
It only works with AT&T (formerly Cingular), won’t come in models that use Verizon or Sprint and can’t use the digital cards (called SIM cards) that would allow it to run on T-Mobile’s network. (Walt Mossberg’s Review)
It is actually pretty annoying that one-has-to-jump-through so many hoops, and it is almost not worth it. AT&T gets a lot of money with AT&T Wireless. I have been a customer for nearly a decade and to be forced into a contract, that just blows. Ditto for Apple!
Will my dollars are staying where they should stay: in the savings account. Hey maybe someone needs to set up a social network for those who are not buying iPhone!
According to Apple’s FAQ today, it does have a removable SIM card.
Yes it does have a sim card and you can buy it, put it on a contract and pay the early termination fee and then pop a T Mobile SIM card into it.
How are you out from under their thumb? I’ve got an AT&T plan, but am outside the subsidy window (e.g. eligible for a subsidy discount on a new device if I wanted to extend the commitment)…
Just not sure I understood what you meant. Sorry if it’s just a case of under-caffeination.
did apple really produce enough for people to buy two? or do they just want to see them on ebay? if they produced that many, the hype might die pretty quickly. im guessing they want them on the aftermarket.
Lack of simcard would be a serious drawback. I suspect that there is IM client because AT&T plans on making money through SMS. What is the bet that even if an IM client were introduced on the iPhone later, it will use the SMS messages instead of the data connection? The same thing goes for not being able to use MP3 as ringtones.
hey phil,
i mean “from under the thumb” means i can switch the day i get pissed with their service.
sorry for not being clear.
“Almost” being the operative word there. :)
Buy the OS iPod which will ship later this year (according to the internal steveNote) At least you will get some of your iPod fix.
I don’t get it– where can you possibly by a new, cool phone in the USA without signing a contract, or paying through the nose?
[...] that it runs on a slow as molasses network, it doesn’t matter that you can’t get it without signing a two year locked down contract with AT&T, it doesn’t matter that the iPhone could cost you close to [...]