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Leak shows iPhone prepaid as fallback

updated 10:55 am EDT, Thu June 28, 2007

iPhone Prepaid Fallback

AT&T is eager enough to sell iPhones that it will even offer a prepaid option in extreme cases, the company has revealed through a leaked launch guide. While the provider will still insist that all normal sales choose a two-year contract, it will also ask to perform an advance credit check during the sales process that should offer a contract-free option: those with low or uncertain credit will have the option of choosing a GoPhone Pick Your Plan service that demands regular payments but doesn't set a mandatory term, according to the document.

iTunes will reportedly expose the option in its activation process if a customer's online credit check raises flags, but the document declines to mention the exact conditions and notes that some customers may have to pay a $250 security deposit to successfully use the phone. Customers will have the chance of running the check in-store and will receive a code for iTunes that certifies they've either passed the deposit check or have paid the deposit, AT&T says.

Additional information in the guide reveals that AT&T will have several Apple accessories available on launch, including its Bluetooth headset, a travel charger and cable, and replacements for the pack-in stereo headset and Dock Connector to USB cables. The provider will also sell $25 and $50 iTunes Store cards but will not, however, deal with defective units, accepting only conventional returns.

Neither Apple nor AT&T has chosen to comment on the leaked guide. [via BGR]





 
Previous Comments

Unlocked GSM for Canada!

06/28, 11:16am reply

...would likely get Roger's attention if they are being a little too aggressive for Apple's liking ie stalling negotiations as a monopoly provider of the only GSM network north of the border...

bobolicious

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Aug 2002

0

credit check?

06/28, 11:42am reply

wtf?

van rijn

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Sep 2002

0

Re: credit check?

06/28, 12:29pm reply

You're signing a two year contract. They want to make sure you'll be able to pay your money.

But, its really sad to know that there's people out there with bad enough credit to warrant these concerns, yet they'll be charging up another $500 for an iPhone.

testudo

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Aug 2001

0

Lol

06/28, 12:47pm reply

This is one time Id want bad credit!

You get the phone with no contract. SCORE!

noverflow

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Aug 2001

0

Surefire way to fail...

06/28, 01:08pm reply

...use a bogus SSN.

GORDYmac

Grizzled Veteran

Joined: Dec 1999

0

Why?

06/28, 03:56pm reply

Actually, I find the whole "credit-check" thing rather stupid of them anyway. You've just made a $600 investment in a phone that, should you not pay your bill, basically turns into a brick. Now they want another $250?

nhmlco

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Mar 2007

0

They should do this anywa

08/24, 05:14pm reply

There's growing momentum for Apple and ATT to release a prepaid iPhone. Aside from these rumors, it just makes business sense.

I found a list of reasons why it is smart of AT&T and Apple to release a prepaid iPhone and on the same site there is a list of reasons why consumers are ready for ATT prepaid iPhone.

The market is there-- the timing is right. Lets see it happen by this holiday season.

Guest

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Nov 1999

0

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