iPhone 3G and business rate plan discounts
While much attention has been paid to AT&T’s consumer voice and data rate plans for the iPhone 3G, little scrutiny has been paid to corporate and business plans — and therein lies confusion. AT&T generally offers special employee discounts for corporate rate plans, including reduced device pricing, reduced plan pricing, and free trials, but whether or not such discounts apply to the iPhone is unclear.
Businesses often shop for discounted rate plans. Some of these plans are subject to specific calling plans, calling features, phones or accessories. Companies have the option of sharing these discounts with their employees through a sponsorship program. Employees are often able to get substantial discounts through these programs; discounts of between 15% and 25% are available on devices, services, etc. Some devices may even be free with a minimum two year contract and other incentives. AT&T has a business center for determining eligibility.
We visited an AT&T Corporate retail store, and were told that thee voice portion of the calling plan was eligible for discounts. During another visit, however, we were told that no discounts were applicable.
According to AT&T spokesman, Mark A. Siegel, who spoke with iPhone Atlas earlier this week, business discounts are handled on a case-by-case basis per the agreement between AT&T and your business. Currently there is no definitive answer as to whether or not the iPhone will be eligible for this program. Siegel indicated that as the July 11th launch date draws near, both this issue and other matters related to the AT&T plan pricing will become clear.
The first version of the iPhone was not eligible due to the agreement with Apple regarding revenue sharing, etc. However now that the iPhone is being sold in a subsidized fashion like other phones, the doors are open.
via http://www.iphoneatlas.com/2008/06/18/iphone-3g-and-business-rate-plan-discounts/
Labels: 3G iPhone, iPhone News
