iPhone AT&T Store Availability -- The Run Down
Home » iPhone AT&T Store Availability -- The Run Down
The details are beginning to crystallize on the availability of the iPhone on June 29th, 2007. For some, this will be the day that lived in infamy, for others it will be their short-lived moment in the sun, the envy of throngs of others. Apparently, the 29th is being considered something of a "soft launch" for the iPhone. AT&T spokesman Fletcher Cook confirmed that the phone will only be available through the company's stores (roughly 1800), and those of Apple itself (around 170). The following represents additional tips and info.
For those looking to get the phone at an AT&T store, they are strongly advised to be clear on whether it is an "authorised reseller" or a "company owned" store. On AT&T's own "store finder ", the difference is represented this way: Company store appear to be listed as either "Cingular Wireless Company Owned Store" or simply "Cingular Wireless".
These will presumeably be changing to AT&T in the coming weeks. Other stores are either listed by their name, or they are listed as "Cingular Wireless--Authorized Retailer". Calls to resellers have gotten very inconclusive responses regarding the availability of the phone on the 29th, one store representative said, "They're not telling us anything." Most AT&T company stores however, have answered affirmatively, citing the following information:
- First come, first serve (no waiting lists)
- AT&T stores (and possibly Apple as well) will be cleared, and closed at 6PM for normal business
- AT&T stores (and possibly Apple as well) will re-open for iPhone sales at 6PM
- AT&T stores (and possibly Apple as well) tentatively expect to be open until 10PM
- Customers of other carriers can expect:
- Required: PHONE NUMBER and ACCOUNT NUMBER (from other carrier)
- Phone calls will work on both phones for 3 hours
- iPhone will get a text message saying when the switch is completed
- Do NOT CANCEL from your previous carrier, if you wish to keep your number
- Currently, Apple stores are NOT "cross-trained" nor are they AT&T employees, planning ONLY to sell iPhones, without the carrier service that would enable phone calls. One store representative remarked, "We plan to sell the iPhone just like any other Apple product." As of right now, customers may be expected to then seek an AT&T store, or to complete their sign-up/switch process over the web. These details may change or be made clearer in the coming weeks.