So on the one hand it's completely understandable for AT&T to charge what it's charging. On the other hand, being in the position where I don't qualify sucks. I can't (and don't) blame them, but I don't have to like it. Perhaps I can offset the cost by unlocking my current phone and selling it on ebay.
IMO, the more imporant reason to be annoyed at AT&T is the whole MMS and tethering situation. My old Sony Ericsson phone could do MMS 2 years ago, so why does AT&T suddenly need 2 months for a "network upgrade" for it to work? I have a feeling someone is leaving an out important detail...
And tethering--Why do I have to potentially pay more for tethering capability when I already have and "unlimited data" plan? If the answer is "because computers consume more bandwidth than phones" then I have to say it's not really "unlimited" now, is it? And again, why is not available up front? What on earth do you have to do on the back end to enable tethering? Isn't it strictly a client issue?
Other phones -can- do MMS, but it's all so obnoxious no-one really bothers past the occasional pic. iPhone usage patterns suggest they -will- use it. A lot.
And AT&T is simply terrified of what will happen to their network if a few million 3GSs start MMSing pics and video around. More specifically: when they start MMSing non-iPhones.
Tethering is purely and simply a cash grab. They call their package 'unlimited' because truth-in-advertising laws in the US are weak. They charge more to tether because people will pay it. It's no more complex than that.
If you don't want to pay it, there are already apps to turn a hacked iPhone into a wifi access point. And I'm sure a bluetooth sharing app (less power drain) will be right around the corner.
Because AT&T have limited bandwidth (the physical constraints of the universe prevent any other option), and they offer "unlimited" service based upon the average usage pattern of phones (+ a few standard deviations) being within their networks capabilities. The usage pattern of computers is significantly different (p2p services, background downloading, etc.) so in order to be able to offer unlimited service for that usage pattern they need to increase their own limited bandwidth significantly.
If you want "true" unlimited bandwidth (using your full download speed 24/7) you would have to pay a order of magnitude more for the service.
Having owned the 2G, a refurbished 3G, and now wanting a 3GS I have to say the hardware is worth it. AT&T, though, has a lot to learn about customers.
Apple had to point them out like a sore thumb at the keynote because they were not ready. The slide with all the supporting carriers is a tell tale sign of just how behind AT&T is.
MMS is already supported on their other phones. Tethering is already available for some other phones. What is stopping them from allowing their iPhone customers access to these basic features until Summer? It's silly.
My QoS has been pretty inconsistent as of late, and I'm certain it has to do with growing pains. Hopefully this bold act by Apple forces AT&T to grow up and compete. Otherwise, here's hoping Verizon gets the next go with exclusivity.
Interestingly, in all the twitter-rage over AT&T, the lack of MMS and tethering, and the upgrade pricing, I haven't seen very many people who say they're actually not gonna use an iPhone as a result.
I'm definitely having second thoughts. I'm probably not going to upgrade until my contract expires next summer, but when I do, I'll have options. A Palm Pre or one of the forthcoming Android phones plus Verizon will probably be enough to get me off the iPhone.
Part of the rage problem is that last year's upgrade from 2G to 3G was at the lowest cost for two years starting at purchase date. This year such an offer is not offered.
Well, yes - but that was clearly rather different, as the 2G wasn't subsidised, and indeed didn't require a contract at purchase. This seems to be consistent with all other upgrades from subsidised phones ever, so I'd say it is historically consistent.
IMO, the more imporant reason to be annoyed at AT&T is the whole MMS and tethering situation. My old Sony Ericsson phone could do MMS 2 years ago, so why does AT&T suddenly need 2 months for a "network upgrade" for it to work? I have a feeling someone is leaving an out important detail...
And tethering--Why do I have to potentially pay more for tethering capability when I already have and "unlimited data" plan? If the answer is "because computers consume more bandwidth than phones" then I have to say it's not really "unlimited" now, is it? And again, why is not available up front? What on earth do you have to do on the back end to enable tethering? Isn't it strictly a client issue?