A Verizon iPhone is unlikely to be announced at CES, but that said, recent signals appear to indicate it's coming, and soon. AT&T has just given its own signal, as well: it has issued a press release that says that starting tomorrow, new, not refurbished iPhone 3GS devices will be selling at $49.As it will require a new two-year plan to get that price, it's obviously a move to get folks signed up for another two years before Verizon announces their iPhone. The offer will be available online at www.att.com/iphone, at AT&T retail locations, and through AT&T business and Apple channels.
Notably, that price is for a new 8GB iPhone 3GS. As of today, you could buy a refurbished iPhone 3GS in 16GB form for $49, or a 32GB model for $79. New versions in those storage sizes are no longer sold. In addition, refurbished iPhone 3GS 8GB models are currently $29 at AT&T's site.
It's unclear if those refurb prices will change after tomorrow. You can read the full press release below.
AT&T Announces iPhone 3GS for $49.00
AT&T* today announced a new price for the popular iPhone 3GS – $49.00 – available beginning tomorrow, Friday, January 7, for both new and upgrade-eligible existing AT&T customers. The offer will be available online at www.att.com/iphone, across more than 2,200 AT&T retail locations nationwide and through AT&T business channels, as well as Apple channels.**
Available only on the nation’s fastest mobile broadband network, iPhone 3GS delivers the following advantages unique to AT&T and its customers:
- Allows for true smartphone multi-tasking, such as talking and using applications at the same time, on AT&T’s mobile broadband network
- Provides access to our entire national Wi-Fi network with nearly 23,000 hotspots
- Provides the best global coverage with wireless voice and data access in more than 200 countries
“We want to deliver the best, most complete package for our customers – from price, to speed, to worldwide access and more,” said David Christopher, chief marketing officer of AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. “Combined with our new, lower monthly data plans beginning at just $15 a month, this new price brings even more value to one of the most popular devices in our leading lineup of smartphones. We’re very excited for more people to experience iPhone on the nation's fastest mobile broadband network.”
iPhone 3GS gives users access to the latest iPhone iOS 4 software plus the revolutionary App Store. Additional information is available at http://www.apple.com/.
*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.
**Price for 3GS sold in Apple channels is determined by Apple.
Requires new 2-year wireless voice agmt of $39.99 or higher with min $15/mo plan. Subject to wireless customer agrmt. Internal roaming rates or charges apply. Credit approval req’d. Activ. fee up to $36/line. Coverage & svcs, including mobile broadband, not avail everywhere. Geographic, usage & other conditions & restrictions (that may result in svc termination) apply. Taxes & other chrgs apply. See store or visit att.com for details and coverage map. Early Termination Fee (ETF): None if cancelled during first 30 days, but a $35 restocking fee may apply; after 30 days, ETF up to $325 applies (details att.com/equipmentETF). Regulatory Cost Recovery Charge up to $1.25/mo. is chrg’d to help defray costs of complying with gov’t obligations & chrgs on AT&T & is not a tax or gov’t req’d chrg. Wi-Fi: Access includes AT&T Wi-Fi Basic.
