More Evidence That AT&T Is Bumping Forward Upgrade Dates

Last month, we reported that AT&T had altered some people’s upgrade dates, making them eligible for the fully discounted price on a new iPhone. At TUAW, more information has come to light, and this appears to be widespread. People are getting six months shaved from their previous eligibility date, allowing 3GS users to take advantage of the same prices as new users, or those on older models.

Have any of our readers had their upgrade eligibility dates shifted? Will this change your intention to pick up the new iPhone or not? Do you think we’ll see the same $199/$299 price point as with previous generations?

Written By

Feelance writer on the science and technology beat —you can find his work around the internet, and follow him on Twitter and Google+.

Comments

  1. Itsabouttime says:

    Yep, my date changed from 6/27/2010, to now it say I’m eligible for a new discounted iPhone with a new 2 year contract.

  2. WTF?? says:

    I bought my 3GS the day it came out but i’m not eligible until 2/20/2011!! I’m not happy about this!

  3. GSXRMike says:

    I’ve always been eligible (for whatever reason) but my wifes said 6/21. Now it says she’s eligible! I really hope the phone comes out THIS week and not next!

  4. GSXRMike says:

    @WTF??

    Is your account in good standing? Do you always make late payments or have they been on time?

    Call *639# and that will tell you when you’re eligible.

    • WTF?? says:

      @GSXRMike

      I’ve never made a late payment in my life! *639# says the following:

      A full discount on a standard handset or iphone upgrade is not available at this time but you may qualify on 2/20/2011. We can offer you a discounted iphone upgrade at a higher price with a 2-yr commitment and an $18 upgrade fee. Please visit a participating iphone sales location for pricing on this offer.

  5. Last time I checked, I wasn’t eligible until November. Logged in tonight and it appears all my lines are eligible for a full subsidy. If I wanted an iPhone 3GS, it would be $199. iPhone HD here I come…

    • WTF?? says:

      it seems like anyone who was eligible this year got pushed up. What i can’t understand is how anyone is eligible for an upgrade if you already own a 3GS and got it at discounted price. I mean, I got mine on “iday” so if anyone is eligible after that day, I should be as well. I’m confused, but I hope it gets fixed for me by the time its available!

  6. KrakaJap says:

    Mine used to give me a date. Now it just tells me I can upgrade with an $18 fee. :/ Is that normal?

  7. T says:

    Sweet!

  8. WTF?? says:

    My friend got his 3GS in late July and its the first time he’s been on ATT and he’s eligible! Man, ATT must hate me or something!

  9. IphoneBoricua says:

    The elegibility date could be affected for several reasons like: late payments, suspensions, broken payment arrangements, making changes to your monthly recurring plan (if you lower or change features of your plan)…

  10. GSXRMike says:

    @WTF??

    Yeah, a friend of mine got his 3GS in DECEMBER of ’09. According to *639#, he’s now eligible for a full upgrade. I’m not sure exactly what they are basing this on.

  11. Booyow1204 says:

    Not sure what they base it on but the six-seven month rule is about right. In my case I bought my 3G in July of 09′ at the discounted rate w/a two yr contract till July 2011. I haven’t been keen on my original upgrade date but att.com tells me I’m eligible this December, awhile after the new iPhone release. I’ll stick w/my 3G for awhile though, still seems like I just bought it.

  12. Shlov1 says:

    I got my 3gs right when it came out and had to pay the full price since I hadn’t had my 3g but 8 months. My old renew date was November and I checked last night and it was says I am eligible to upgrade with the $18 fee and a new 2 year agreement. My only question is with a new contract do I still get to keep my $30 unlimited plan?

    • GSXRMike says:

      Yes, you will be grandfathered in to the unlimited plan as long as you don’t sign up for tethering.

  13. Shag says:

    Checked mine right after reading this and sure enough I am ready for upgrade!!!

  14. Brencent says:

    I was not eligible for an upgrade until October of this year. I just signed into AT&T’s website and I am eligible for an upgrade now. Can’t wait for the new iPhone to be announced. I usually am not one to stand in line for the launch date but I might just do that for this phone.

  15. Mark says:

    “As a valued customer, we can offer you an upgrade with a new 2-yr commitment and an $18 upgrade fee.”

    does that mean it’s a full discount?

  16. That’s correct Mark. As per the keynote, AT&T agreed to move up everyone’s eligibility. You can get the iPhone 4 for $199 and a new 2 year agreement on June 24th.

Speak Your Mind

*