jsgiv
join:2009-03-01
Woodstock, GA | reply to gdm
Re: Not all iPhone users are created equal.... said by gdm:jsgiv, Is yours the main line? Also how long have you been with AT&T. I also have U-Verse all three services not sure that's influencing this since it's a separate bill but I could combine the bills if I wanted to. Yes - my number/iPhone is the primary - been with them for well over 4+ years (upgraded to the iPhone last year) - and no, I don't have U-Verse ( which I *would* if it were available..  ). So again - ATT's "selection" of criteria for those users to be allowed to upgrade without the additional "tax" continues to be rather vague - as per their description via the statement on their website (and by your statement as well) indicates I'd be eligible for the upgrade for the lower price.
Not that it matters much - as I'm not really interested in upgrading anyway - but it's another example of the tatics that ATT/Apple continually batter their consumers with that ultimately cause more aggravation than necessary. Why not simply post a clear definition of the requirements necessary for the upgrade? Instead of a vague "open" letter to the public that doesn't explicitly and clearly define what the requirements for the upgrade are?
I already know the answer - but it's just irritating to me as a customer to see companies like ATT / Apple trip all over themselves in order to protect their marketshare and/or product line. I'd rather they be honest and upfront with "To upgrade you must have had an $100+ average phone bill in good standing over the past 12 months - at which point we'll upgrade you for the same subsidized fee of $199" - Quite simple and effective.
Instead - we get trivial updates - with limited functionality (this is a full-on computer in our hands BTW) - with the ongoing "we're not ready" message to the general public. And while there is the possibility of Developers creating / expanding this functionality - they're unfortunately at the whim of ATT/Apple when it comes to creating something that's truly useful (i.e. tethering).
All-in-all - yes, the iPhone is a great piece of hardware, albeit severely limited by the companies that produce/support it. Which is, unfortunately, extremely disappointing. However, in a year when my contract is up (as agreed upon and expected), when I've grown weary of waiting (already tired of waiting - can ya tell? ) *still* for tethering and other "expected/normal" functionalities (turn-by-turn GPS anyone?) - I'll re-evaluate heavily with regards to the available phones / service providers on the market - as the only thing *I* can do as a customer is speak with my money.. 
Funny - I almost bought a Blackberry - and it had copy/paste, MMS, tethering, and Turn-By-Turn GPS already.. what was I thinking? Oh yeah - I bought into the "hype" that is Apple...  |
