Can I upgrade to the iPhone 3GS even though I'm still in a 2 year contract

[Heyro]

I still have another year on my contract but I would like to upgrade to the iPhone 3GS when its released on the 19th. I have a iPhone 3G now and I would gladly pay the $200 for the iPhone 3GS then just swap the phones. I've called AT&T and the representative says she doesn't know and I'm like wtf....

[cpjr]

There is already a dozen or so threads asking this question.

And obviously everyone is guessing at this point.

[Heyro]

I figured an alternative. I'm currently on a family plan with my mom and dad. My dad already has a 3G iPhone and my mom plans on getting one. I'll buy a new iPhone 3GS and give her my iPhone 3G.

[boxxa]

Engadget had an article that people mid contract would pay 299/399 for the phones last time I saw.

[StealthBravo]

You can go thru the first couple steps on AT&Ts or Apples website for a preorder and it will tell you what you will have to pay

[TheSlimOne]

Yea did that. $399.99 and we will hook you up. I think I will pass for now. Of course you could always Unlock and jailbreak the 3g and sell it for a nice price to offset the cost.

[StealthBravo]

^ That is very true. Nice thing that the old ones are holding their value so much

[StevenB]

Even though Apple has dropped the price to $99? I would've thought that was going to kill the going price of a 3G. Is it best to not upgrade to 3.0 if I'm planning on selling it unlocked?

[Zwayne]

Even though Apple has dropped the price to $99? I would've thought that was going to kill the going price of a 3G. Is it best to not upgrade to 3.0 if I'm planning on selling it unlocked?

Yes don't upgrade if you plan unlocking and selling the phone.

[bluespot]

So it looks like ATT want's to charge current iPhone 3G users a $200 price premium to upgrade to a 3GS vs. what it would cost a new customer:

iPhone 3GS Device Pricing:
• iPhone 3G S will cost $199 (16GB) and $299 (32GB) for new and qualifying customers.
• If you are not currently eligible for an upgrade but still want iPhone 3GS (AKA current 3G owners), early upgrade prices are $399 (16GB) and $499 (32GB)
• No-commitment pricing: $599 (16GB) and $699 (32GB)

Something that I haven't seen mentioned anywhere really is that for most of us, especially those that purchased right when the 3G came out the $200 price premium doesn't make any sense!

ATT's Early Termination Fee is a pro-rated $175 dollars, going down by $5 for every month that you're into your contract. My ETF right now would be $120. So I could terminate my current 3G contract and buy a new 32GB 3GS for a grand total of $420.

Can AT&T do anything without sucking?

EDIT: Oh, and don't forget the $18 dollar 'upgrade' fee. So AT&T wants to charge $518 for something that really costs $420.

[besnfrd]

I have to pay the no-commitment fee. My finace has agreed to sign a contract and give me the iPhone. (she is with Alltel and doesn't want to switch) I'll pay for everything, bill included. My ETF fee is $125. I'll only have to pay $337.93 versus the $599.