• $20 includes 200 SMS Text Messages
• $30 includes 1500 SMS Text Messages
• $40 includes Unlimited SMS Text Messages

Under the above plan terms for two lines (rounded to the nearest dollar) + unlimited text messaging for both:

• $70 Two lines sharing 700 minutes + rollover
• $80 $40 x 2 for unlimited SMS Text Messaging for both lines
• $150 pre-tax for two lines sharing 700 minutes + rollover & unlimited SMS

What is not publicly advertised as being compatible with iPhone specific lines is Family Messaging Unlimited ($30). With Family Messaging Unlimited, any shared family account lines will receive unlimited SMS text and picture messaging to anyone ony any network for a flat rate of $30.

Using the previous account example adjusted for use with the iPhone plans:

• $70 Two lines sharing 700 minutes + rollover
• $40 $20 x 2 for 200 SMS Text Messaging for both lines
• $30 Unlimited messaging to anyone on any network for all shared lines
• $140 pre-tax for two lines sharing 700 minutes + rollover + unlimited SMS

A savings of $10 per month. Of course, more lines equals more savings. A family account with 5 lines, sharing 700 minutes, and each using an iPhone unlimited SMS Text Messaging plan would total $300 before taxes. That same account making use of the Family Messaging Unlimited would total $230 before taxes. That’s a savings of $70.

If you’re sharing minutes but paying for unlimited messaging plans for each line independently, save money and add the Family Messaging Unlimited plan. It’s a small change that can save you a considerable amount of money.

Low and behold, I open my feeds today and find a post on TUAW which subsequently links to an article on Apple Insider titled Apple seriously considering iPhone rebate, subsidy – report.

“We are hearing rebates of $50-150 that will be offered by AT&T to lower the price points for iPhone (currently $499 for 4 GB and $599 for 8 GB) and to entice customers to sign longer term voice and data contracts,” the analyst wrote. “From AT&T’s perspective, a rebate is a great marketing tool and small sacrifice to make to entice a customer to sign up for 2-year voice and data cell phone plans that cost about $75-100 per month (before taxes and fees), meaning $1800-2400 in ‘guaranteed’ bi-annual revenue.”

Rebates up to $150? Didn’t we already see that coming with the Cingular receipt found last month? I see a smartphone in every high schoolers hands by next Christmas. What do you think?

My iPhone Nokia N95 is already here

As much as I would love to play with the iPhone, I don’t actually see myself ever purchasing one due to a number of reasons concerning the general design of the device. Aesthetically, it is a thing of beauty. Technically speaking, it is a little late to the game. From a practicality angle, tapping messages on a flat, unresponsive surface just doesn’t sound too comforting.

Fortunately for Nokia, their N95 flagship model is already shipping. Mine arrived a few days back and I am still wrapping my head around the features of the device. Check my N95 tag on Flickr for images. A review to follow in due time. Feel free to check out my Nokia N95 review.

Image links to an actual photograph of the original receipt – Cingular Store, Redmond, WA.

Late last week I traded in my Sprint BlackBerry 8703e for a Cingular BlackBerry Pearl. I will reserve a full review / thoughts for another day. However, today I felt the urge to share this little piece of info. Earlier tonight while looking over recent receipts, I noticed this short line in the middle of the transaction. In plain view is the string "iPhone for DEREK PUNSALAN" above the 2 yr. service agreement discount. Cingular, I didn’t order an iPhone, but are you hinting [with this glitch] at a $150 discount for 2 yr. service agreements already?

Thankfully, I refrained from starting a wildfire claiming that I had received an iPhone with receipt as proof. Is this receipt print-out hinting that the iPhone may be discounted for longer service agreements? I’d like to find out / hear from anyone else [digg this] who has opened a line of service recently that may have had something similar on their receipts.

Other Cell Phone Options

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