Is iPhone service with AT&T only?

[melm]

I have been thinking about getting the new iPhone , which appears to only be with At&T.
On Ebay I have seen ones with Verizon and unlocked phones for sale.
Are they reputable?

Can I use iPhone like a pay-as-you-go phone, such as Pageplus or is it so new that apple has linked it exclusively to AT&T?

[Mobile Mike]

Originally Posted by melm I have been thinking about getting the new iPhone , which appears to only be with At&T. On Ebay I have seen ones with Verizon and unlocked phones for sale. Are they reputable? Can I use iPhone like a pay-as-you-go phone, such as Pageplus or is it so new that apple has linked it exclusively to AT&T?

You can use the iPhone with other GSM carriers as long as the phone is unlocked. You cannot use it with Verizon, as they are CDMA.

As long as the phone is jailbroken/unlocked, you should be able to use it with GSM prepaid carriers, but some functionality disappears without using it on AT&T. Also, you will be paying for any data you use on the phone (will come out of prepaid bucket). Without a data plan of some kind, the iPhone is just an iPod touch with phone capability.

If you choose to buy an unlocked phone from eBay, just beware. Some sellers have no idea what they're doing, let alone understanding cell phone networks and limitations.

Personally, I would NEVER buy a mobile phone off eBay, but that's not to say you shouldn't. Just know what you're getting into before spending your money. Otherwise you could be wasting it.

[melm]

Thanks for the Info...

I was leaning towards purchasing from AT&T as I get a discount through work.
Now that I know how it would affect the function to get it elsewhere, I will definitely stick with the carrier.

Thanks again.

[Telekom]

Originally Posted by Mobile Mike Personally, I would NEVER buy a mobile phone off eBay, but that's not to say you shouldn't. Just know what you're getting into before spending your money. Otherwise you could be wasting it.

I've bought several handsets on eBay. Like everything else you need to do your research and bid and buy wisely.

[melm]

I agree. Research is the key. I have had good luck on ebay so far...

Thanks.

[crood]

I've noticed that some eBay sellers will put every provider in their listings to increase the number of hits, even though no phone can work on all of them.

[Telekom]

Originally Posted by crood I've noticed that some eBay sellers will put every provider in their listings to increase the number of hits, even though no phone can work on all of them.

And let's not forget how insertion for auctions works as well. You can "customize" your entry or you can use their "template" which includes such things as stating that it works with AT&T and T-Mobile even if you're planning on marketing it to people in Europe, Asia or anywhere else.

[Critic]

Originally Posted by melm On Ebay I have seen ones with Verizon and unlocked phones for sale. Are they reputable?

Anyone who says they have an iPhone that will work on VZW is liar and not reputable. There is not, has not ever been, nor will ever be a CDMA iPhone. The rumor is that VZW had their chance at the iPhone at the very start but said "no thanks", so Apple went GSM.

VZW may get the iPhone after the LTE switchover, so maybe in 2013...which would be the 7th generation iPhone.

[elmo01]

Originally Posted by melm I have been thinking about getting the new iPhone , which appears to only be with At&T. On Ebay I have seen ones with Verizon and unlocked phones for sale. Are they reputable? Can I use iPhone like a pay-as-you-go phone, such as Pageplus or is it so new that apple has linked it exclusively to AT&T?

apple or att will not unlock an Iphone... but as with *any* software there is always a way... IMHO you are taking a risk if you buy one... 3g and 3gs Iphone CANNOT activate as prepaid devices