Ask a AT&T Rep!

[mickeykool]

Unfortunately there is only one way to have data service only on the iPhone and it probably won't apply to you. THe iphone can be set up on a special $40 a month Text + Data only plan if you are deaf or hard of hearing, which requires a special form to be signed by a doctor.

As for using the unlocked Storm, it's absolutely possible. Data service on a non Laptop Connect device without voice is $35 a month. You could then use the iPhone on T-Mo after you unlock it.

$40 / month? I have the unlimited data and text plan w/o voice but I'm paying $50 thou. I have the 3Gs phone btw if this matters.

 

[anon(4671651)]

as for the o symbol during a game, that is probably because 20,000 people are all using data on the same single tower at the same time. I have experienced this myself. We all know how spotty the network can be in congested areas such as Chicago during peak times. Have you had your sim card replaced?

those were my thoughts to, ecept its not just at the game, its at home and pretty much wherever o go, and yes I have had my sim replaced, maybe a month or two ago

 

[blakejackson]

wow...that's not normal. Are other people in your area with iphones experiencing similar problems? If not, I would be calling apple for a warranty replacement.

 

[anon(4671651)]

im going to an apple store tommorow, hopefully itll be smooth!
most people arent, since theres a lot of buisness people in my area, they all have iphones anyway.

 

[ericUT]

$40 / month? I have the unlimited data and text plan w/o voice but I'm paying $50 thou. I have the 3Gs phone btw if this matters.

Are you deaf or hard of hearing? Or did you manager to get a Data + Text plan on its own? I'm curious because the last three I've activated were $40 a month though it's been some months.

 

[mickeykool]

Are you deaf or hard of hearing? Or did you manager to get a Data + Text plan on its own? I'm curious because the last three I've activated were $40 a month though it's been some months.

I am deaf and did have to fill out the TAP forms to get data plan rate. I'm paying $30 for unlimited data and $20 unlimited text.

 

[J.McRae718]

Unfortunately there is only one way to have data service only on the iPhone and it probably won't apply to you. THe iphone can be set up on a special $40 a month Text + Data only plan if you are deaf or hard of hearing, which requires a special form to be signed by a doctor.

As for using the unlocked Storm, it's absolutely possible. Data service on a non Laptop Connect device without voice is $35 a month. You could then use the iPhone on T-Mo after you unlock it.

What happens if I call in and claim my phone as lost/stolen. What approach does AT&T take then?

 

[ericUT]

I am deaf and did have to fill out the TAP forms to get data plan rate. I'm paying $30 for unlimited data and $20 unlimited text.

Good to know. We rarely activate these plans but I'm glad that AT&T is doing a reasonable job of matching t-mobile and their sidekick for the deaf community which I feel is many ways was overlooked before the iphone.

 

[ericUT]

What happens if I call in and claim my phone as lost/stolen. What approach does AT&T take then?

You can request a block on the line until you can get a new sim card and phone to activate on that line. They will also remove the iPhone data plan on your account unless you activate a new iPhone.

Unfortunately there's no insurance available unless you insured through your homeowner's insurance (PLEASE DO THIS!!!!).

 

[ryanlberg]

how do you do this (Unfortunately there's no insurance available unless you insured through your homeowners insurance (PLEASE DO THIS!!!!). you just tell them you want to insure a iphone ?

 

[ericUT]

how do you do this (Unfortunately there's no insurance available unless you insured through your homeowners insurance (PLEASE DO THIS!!!!). you just tell them you want to insure a iphone ?

What I did was contact the agent in charge of my renter's insurance and ask if I could have my iPhone covered outside of the home. THey put what's called a rider onto my current coverage to cover damage theft and loss outside or inside the home. Some insurance companies may not let you do this. Some might. It's really just luck of the draw.

If this option isn't available, the next best option is to go to SquareTrade.com and sign up for one of their warranty plans. THeir warranties will cover everything except loss or theft. It's not total coverage, but if you sign up for mobile me, you can track the iphone and maybe hunt it down.

 

[matthew23]

I agree the AT&T network in Chicago is terrible. I either get the o a lot or get call failed. Even if the call does go through it might take a minute. Very frustrating. I came from sprint and never had one problem. Downtown is the worst!

 

[JustinHorn]

I agree the AT&T network in Chicago is terrible. I either get the o a lot or get call failed. Even if the call does go through it might take a minute. Very frustrating. I came from sprint and never had one problem. Downtown is the worst!

The 2 times I've been to Chicago in the last couple years the service has been fine. I have issues when visiting NYC.

 

[alokeprasad]

Official unlocking by ATT after 2 year commitment?

Is there ANY chance that ATT will officially unlock the iPhone after the 2 year contract period is over (and they have recouped their subsidy)?

Any chance that they'll change the policy in the next 2 years?

I don't get it. They do this with all other phones. Why not the iPhone?

 

[alokeprasad]

Horrible reception at home - how to recieve calls?

I have terrible signal strength at home (it even drops the signal altogether and goes to "SOS calls only" mode on my Treo 650).

Hopefully, newer technology in the iPhone will make it more usable. If not, what are my options for receiving calls to my number at home (i have Wifi at home)? I won't make outgoing calls on my iPhone, but I would like to recieve calls on it.

Any way to receive calls on Wifi? Can ATT forward my calls to my landline (which is also by ATT by the way) when I am at home?

 

[ericUT]

Is there ANY chance that ATT will officially unlock the iPhone after the 2 year contract period is over (and they have recouped their subsidy)?

Any chance that they'll change the policy in the next 2 years?

I don't get it. They do this with all other phones. Why not the iPhone?

More than likely not. Unless the government steps in or their agreement with Apple is over. They don't want to see flocks of 2G owners felleing to t-mo or cin-bell.

 

[alokeprasad]

Sorry, I don't understand.. You think ATT will not unlock the iPhones (that have fulfilled their commitment period) 2 years from now?

 

[ericUT]

Sorry, I don't understand.. You think ATT will not unlock the iPhones (that have fulfilled their commitment period) 2 years from now?

Sorry if I was unclear. I do not think AT&T will give unlock codes for iPhoes after 2 years at least until the exclusivity runs out.

 

[blakejackson]

This isn't something that they have not discussed or informed us lowly sales reps of, but I agree that they probably won't.

 

[Jeremy]

I agree the AT&T network in Chicago is terrible. I either get the o a lot or get call failed. Even if the call does go through it might take a minute. Very frustrating. I came from sprint and never had one problem. Downtown is the worst!

That's odd. I have the best reception anywhere I've been in the Chicago area. No complaints what so ever.