AT&T Extends Eligibility Window; Some Existing iPhone 3G Customers will save $200 on Purchase of iPhone 3G S

Some of you folks who were complaining that iPhone 3G S upgrade pricing was unfair are going to love this news.

AT&T has announced that they will be extending the eligibility window for determining which existing iPhone 3G customers are eligible for upgrade pricing on the iPhone 3G S.

It means that some existing iPhone 3G customers will not have to pay the premium of $200 on the purchase of a new iPhone 3G S.

AT&T has made the following statement in today's press release:

We're now pleased to offer our iPhone 3G customers who are upgrade eligible in July, August or September 2009 our best upgrade pricing, beginning Thursday, June 18.

AT&T has explained the reason for the initial upgrade pricing:

Importantly, we want our customers to better understand our wireless device upgrade program. Like most U.S. carriers, we offer a variety of phones that we sell below our actual cost when customers agree to sign service agreements. In general, the more a customer spends with us, the quicker they become eligible for a price break on a new device. For example, iPhone customers who spend more than $99 a month per line with us generally are eligible for an upgrade between 12 and 18 months into their contract.

We also currently offer early upgrade pricing only for iPhone 3G S and iPhone 3G.

But after receiving several complaints from iPhone 3G customers, they have decided to expand the eligibility window for determining which customers are eligible for upgrade pricing on the iPhone 3G S.

All of that said, we've been listening to our customers. And since many of our iPhone 3G customers are early adopters and literally weeks shy of being upgrade eligible due to iPhone 3G S launching 11 months after iPhone 3G, we're extending the window of upgrade eligibility for a limited time.

In case you had preordered the new iPhone 3G S then AT&T will give you credits for the difference in price.

If you are not eligible for AT&T's best upgrade pricing then you can qualify for the iPhone 3G S early upgrade price of $399 (16GB) or $499 (32GB) or you can opt for a 2-year contract free  iPhone —at $599 (16GB) or $699 (32GB).

So it means that some existing iPhone 3G customers will not have to pay the premium of $200 on the purchase of a new iPhone 3G S (limited period).

Please note that the new pricing will not appear in the eligibilty tools until June 18th.

As always, let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.

[via AT&T]

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