Current Apple iPhone subscribers on the AT&T network who are already locked into a two-year phone agreement but want an iPhone 3GS will be forced to pay an extra $200 over people shopping for an iPhone for the first time.
The iPhone 3GS -- scheduled for release on June 19 -- will cost $199 for the 16GB model and $299 for the 32GB model, but that price is available only to new and "qualifying" customers.
Critics of the iPhone pricing plan from AT&T have taken to social networking sites to voice their criticism and concern. The company is now under even more public pressure from journalists and analysts to lower the upgrade price of of the phone prior to its launch on the 19th.
AT&T also is being pressured to offer a lower tier for the iPhone's data, voice and messaging plan, but the company has ignored the most recent wave of criticism. There are no public plans to modify the cost of data prices, with the average iPhone owner paying more than $90 per month for their phone service.
AT&T doesn't have a lot of pressure at the moment to change prices, though AT&T subscribers could begin to talk to Apple and see if the company is indeed willing to port the phone over to Verizon Wireless. Both Verizon and Sprint have similar text messaging and data plans available, except they are cheaper than AT&T, but consumers are unable to use the popular iPhone on these other networks.
I'm curious if AT&T is going to be forced to reduce the prices of the iPhone tier plan, or if consumers will eventually calm down and let it slide. Are you an Apple iPhone owner looking to upgrade but are frustrated with the current pricing scheme?
