iPhone activation in Apple

[robhon]

Originally Posted by tbos

His name was Phillip, and he was kinda rude.
Tbos

'Cuz it's the 12 millionth time he's had to answer the same question.

[lucy]

I am getting an Iphone from one of the free iphone sites. Do I need to use AT&T/Cingular or can I use it on another service providers network?

[3dg]

Logistically, Apple stores can't activate phones. Have you EVER bought a phone in a cell phone store and went through activation? It takes a while. There's no way they could manage that with the amount of people who'll be waiting.

Apple has said that you'll need an iTunes account to setup the phone - but it didn't mention activation. Still, they warned to have your account ready. That's one scenario.

The other is that you just activate through the phone. Rumors I've heard from in store are that you'll activate online. We recently added a phone to our family plan on Cingular. The number was setup in the store, but before I could use the phone, I had to answer automated questions through the phone "do you agree to an extended two year contract? Push 1 for yes..."
After a bit of that, the phone was active and I setup my voice mail. So, I'd imagine the iPhone would be similar.

The bigger question is HOW you transfer your number. I think activation is going to be easy. Transfers are the big issue since you can't move your SIM. The iPhone doesn't allow you to put your own SIM in it - this is done as a theft deterrent.

[mav]

I don't think the iPhones will be activated at Apple stores. Logistically, they cannot handle the long process and still sell hundreds of phones Friday night.

It'll probably be done afterward via the internet or calling AT&T.

Transferring numbers to a new SIM card is simple. Just call AT&T and tell them you want to transfer xxx-xxx-xxxx to your new iPone's SIM.

[stuart9682]

Originally Posted by thedwp

I think it all goes back to having to have an iTunes account and having to activate the phone through iTunes. If that part is true, then God help us all if EVERY person who buys a phone at an ATT store has to set up an iTunes account on the spot!!! That's scary.

this is most likely the correct answer. but i don't forsee ATT reps activating the phones in-store. They will sell you the phone and you take it home to your machine and activate it. However, that does leave the number transfer issue up in the air. I think mav was right about this when he said specifying your number will probably be done by ATT either over the phone or via internet.

[stuart9682]

Originally Posted by lucy

I am getting an Iphone from one of the free iphone sites. Do I need to use AT&T/Cingular or can I use it on another service providers network?

UTFSE