iPhone 3G now with in-home activation

Activate your iPhone 3G at home.

(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CBS Interactive)

When the iPhone 3G went on sale exactly five months ago, AT&T and Apple ended the in-home activation process that customers enjoyed with the original version. Though AT&T and Apple may have thwarted some iPhone unlockers, rule-abiding customers weren't happy about being forced to visit an Apple or AT&T store to buy the phone.

On Thursday, however, AT&T had a change of heart. You now can buy the iPhone 3G on AT&T's site (Apple will still make you come into the store) and have it delivered right to your home for activation through iTunes. The price is unchanged ($199 or $299) but as I said when AT&T business customers could buy the iPhone online, the convenience of activating at home is priceless.

Gadgetell first reported the news this morning, but I have confirmed it with AT&T's media relations office. Now hurry, you have only eight more ordering days to get a delivery by Christmas.

[mrsteveman1]

So are they forcing users to put down a deposit to cover the subsidized cost of the phone? Otherwise we will see people paying the $199 and unlocking it, cutting either Apple or AT&T out of the rest of the revenue they would have gotten through subscription payments.

[myles taylor]

I'm sure you still have to sign a contract. Online contracts are just as legal and binding as one that you signed in person.

[sting7k]

Most likely they make you sign a contract saying you will do the 2 year service before you leave, but that is it. You can then set it up yourself and decide all your plan options at home.

[GenesisDH]

After doing mock sales... It requires not only an electronic contract signing, but also a sign up for the iPhone data plan online before the sale completes (plan details aren't done over iTunes which was the first-gen iPhone's strong suit). The only thing is different than going to a store is that you 'unbrick' it with iTunes yourself (when you get the iPhone package from your mail) rather than having a rep do it.

So, all those thinking you can try to get away with buying a cheap iPhone (or buying for a relative/friend/whathaveyou) online without ETF worries are out of luck.

[dctech08]

wow

[tekwiz4u]

This move is more of a PR suggestion by Apple. A few months ago, customers had to wait in lines for activations, which in turn aggrivated customers. But they were also forced to sign a 2 year contract on the spot. Given the holidays is around the corner, there might be a few people that dont want an iPhone, and this will make it easier for them to return the product and get credit, and not be penalized for cancelling carrier contracts.

Think they also want to make it a smoother process in getting one, then getting negative publicity from the press and blogs. So I think its a good move in my opinion.

[Jimmy421]

Am I the only one that is frowning with a face of confusion!!!
I have seen the iPhone 3G available throught ATT for more than 2 months to order as a upgrade option, is the difference for this article the fact that it is now available for new customers? Please clarify.

[Josh BSN]

Meh... I don't care about the activation! I just want it to be flash compatible!!!

[shinji257]

Just what are you guys talking about? I have been able to get my iPhone activated via iTunes since the day I bought it. The only reason I discovered this was that their internet connection was down and they told me to do it when I got home. ;)

[shinji257]

Oops. Should mention that I have an iPhone 3G.

[dhruv84]

what is apple's problem ? why don't they just sell iphone seperately. I feel that the fear of selling it seperately without a contract is that they might not have anything more to offer...in terms of new models and such.

anyways i am waiting for the nokia tube to be launched in US next quarter.

[dahc37]

It's not Apple's decision to sell the iPhone with a contract. It's the obligation they have so that you get it at the subsidized price.

[Dman8127]

Yeah the iphones at walmart are also going to be 4gb and retail for $99. Most people know this already but it still shocks the hell out of me knowing how expensive this device was went it first burst onto the market.

[awolfe91]

FAIL

[clynx]

Data caps, stay away from all big 3 cellular companies until they treat customers with respect.

[Dalmatian28]

God do I hate when a review site turns into a advertising tool or seller! Read this sentence from the article above: " Now hurry, you have only eight more ordering days to get a delivery by Christmas. "! Come on... we come to this site so we don't have to put up with all the advertising junk out there! Now you????
Please, just do the darn review and let others do the sales pitch!!!