Do you have to be an AT&T customer in order to buy the iPhone?

Question

I am currently a customer with T-Mobile and I'm interested in getting the iPhone. I heard that you have to be exsisting customer of AT&T in order to buy one. Is that true?

Answer 1

You don't have to be a current customer, although it makes it easier and faster in the activation process. Also, there has something to do with eligibility with ordering the iPhone. If you are a current customer you are automatically eligible for the upgrade, but if not, you have to go through an eligibility process. This info was from a customer service rep. I just got my iPhone Friday, and recommend it.

Answer 2

Well the Apple Stores sell the iphones but do not activate the phone for you. You have to activate the phone yourself online through itunes software on your computer.

If you purchase the phone through Cingular (A T&T) retail stores then yes you will need to activate the phone right there and select the plan that you want plus you have agree to a 2 year contract. This is only for new subscribers and customers only and not for existing customers.

So your question, you can buy the iphone at the apple store for $499 or $599 without activation. You can pretend not to activate it online. By why bother if you are not going to use it and waste your money. Only Cingular (A T&T) has service for this phone.

Some people have bought the iphones at the Apple Stores (limit 2 per customer) and have decided to sell them without activation on ebay.

Answer 3

AT&T paid big money to have exclusive rights to the iPhone. So only NEW or exsisting AT&T customers can use them. The iPhone will not work with any other wireless carrier aka cell phone company.

Answer 4

Anyone can buy an iPhone...but you have to have at&t to actually use the phone. It wont work on other carriers.

Answer 5

No, but you do need to sign a new 2 year contract with them!