Customers didn't take this news lying down, though. Only a day later, users were signing Twititions and giving AT&T a piece of their minds. Now we learn that AT&T has ceded to consumer demands and is offering subsidized prices to most consumers. Sort of.
According to Business Insider, consumers have until September 30th to upgrade their iPhones for $199 or $299, depending on the GB capacity. AT&T released an announcement on the matter:
We invite you to come to our stores beginning Friday during normal store hours, although please be aware that customer demand may exceed supply in some of our stores. You may also preorder online on June 18 at www.att.com/iPhone, and your iPhone 3G S will arrive in 7 — 14 days. Or you can purchase iPhone 3G S at Apple’s retail and online stores, as well as at other popular retailers.
If you’re one of the customers who benefits from this change, and you’ve already preordered from an AT&T store, we’ll adjust the price of the device when you pick it up. If you benefit from the change and you pre-ordered from AT&T online, we’ll send you an e-mail and issue you a credit.
If you pre-ordered an iPhone 3G S through Apple’s online store, your upgrade eligibility will be reassessed based on AT&T's new upgrade policy for iPhone 3G owners. If you are eligible for the lower price, Apple will issue you a credit for the difference as applicable.
Essentially, if your contract allows you to upgrade, you can upgrade. Usually, this means anywhere between 9-18 months of service, although the details are frustratingly cloudy. AT&T also noted that those who do not qualify can upgrade for $399 or $499, which is the reason this whole consumer revolt occurred in the first place.
Is it a win for critics and angered consumers? It's a mixed bag. Anyone who got their iPhone a year ago has a good shot at qualifying either now or in the next few months. But a lot of consumers will not have that option and either have to fork over the cash or stick with their iPhone 3Gs.
Hey, at least we know that Twititions work on AT&T. What should consumers demand from AT&T next?