Three will pay you to buy an iPhone from Optus
The telco spurned by Apple so far — Three — has announced tasty plans for iPhone users who bring their own 3G handset.
Three doesn't have the announcement it probably wanted to make: that it is to become the fourth official telco to be selling the iPhone. But it has a tasty offer all the same: fantastic value plans for people who bring their own iPhone to the telco.
Currently, the only way to get an iPhone in Australia that's not locked to a particular network is to buy an iPhone through Optus on a prepaid basis, then pay an $80 unlocking fee. Prepaid iPhones from Optus cost $729 for an 8GB model, or $849 for a 16GB. Combined with the $80 unlocking fee, that equates to $809 for an 8GB and $949 for a 16GB.
When you bring your own phone to Three, the telco will pay you $300 to offset the cost of buying the phone from Optus. Suck on that, Apple!
So the real starting price for putting your iPhone on Three is either $549 for an 8GB, or $649 for 16GB. But after that, the pricing becomes a lot sweeter than any of the 'official' telcos. The catch, however, is that you have to sign up for 24 months with Three — fair enough considering they're giving you a $300 credit.
Naturally, there are the normal caveats that apply to any service with Three…
Your massive cap only includes up to $100 of international calls, video calls, SMS, voicemail, 13/1300/1800 numbers and directory assistance.
If you are in a blackspot of Three coverage, and roam on to Telstra you'll pay $1.65 per MB — which could add up quickly with the iPhone's data-guzzling propensity
If you disconnect within 24 months, Three will make you pay $49 or $50 per month depending on your plan for the remaining months of the contract.
Given my experience in trying to get my E65 from Three (ordered 2 weeks ago), so far amounting to 8 phone calls and 3 emails from me to get absolutely nowhere. I'd thoroughly recommend NOT taking up this offer.