We knew we’d get more details as the launch-date of the Apple iPhone drew closer, but we never expected news like this! Boy Genius Report posted some screenshots of AT&T’s accounting system. Usually, accounting systems are bland and boring, but a quick look at the screenshots show three account codes for different iPhone sales-types. We see Postpaid, Prepaid, and Hybrid options. Postpaid indicates the expected 2-year sentence agreement, while the prepaid option gives users the flexibility of a prepaid plan, but without the benefit of any carrier subsidy or rebate. Hybrid plans let you “Get the best of wireless without long-term contracts or unexpected bills. With Pick Your Plan, you establish monthly automatic payments for service and use the balance on your account for voice minutes or other features. It’s that easy.”
We expected the standard 2-year contract option, but the Prepaid and Hybrid options are really exciting. Most of all, however, is the fact that the option of Prepaid and Hybrid plans basically invalidates the assumption that the Apple iPhone will lock you into a long-term contract without rebate or subsidy. It just doesn’t make sense for AT&T to offer the Apple iPhone on the same $499/$599 price schedule for Contract, Prepaid, and Hybrid plans (who would get the iPhone with a contract if they could just go with Prepaid or Hybrid?).
via:: macrumors