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AT&T: Still No Decisions on iPhone 3G Pricing/Plans

With WWDC less than two weeks away, both Apple and AT&T remain quiet about pricing and plans for Apple's second generation iPhone. Even so, various sources have made some informed guesses.

At the Reuters Global Technology Summit, AT&T's CFO Rick Lindner said, "There's not been a product announcement. There hasn't been any pricing decisions made. That's yet to come."

Analysts and observers are all but certain the new iPhone will be introduced by Steve Jobs during his WWDC keynote address on June 9th. However, bits are pieces have been leaking out here and there.

Fortune Magazine reported recently that AT&T may subsidize the new phone or offer rebates top drive the price down to $199. TG Daily is reporting today that their sources suggest two versions of the new iPhone, 8 GB and 16 GB, selling for $399 and $499 respectively. Their sources also described a slightly thinner phone and a new case design intended to eliminate the "plasticky" feeling. Engadget claims to have some leaked photos.

Some analysts believe that the Infineon 3G chip will require a slightly thicker case, and that would also allow a slightly larger battery to make up for the additional power demand on the 3G network. This contradiction could be a symptom of different prototypes being provided to different people. If the iPhone size changes, accessory makers will be scrambling to provide new case designs.

Another question users have is whether the new iPhone will require a brand new contract, or whether their current contract can be transferred to a second generation iPhone. Hand-me-down family plans will likely garner keen interest. Also, it's unknown if the new and improved download data rate of 1.4 Mbps will result in higher data plan fees -- especially in light of the fact that iPhone users are heavy users of data transfers.

If there is an announcement at WWDC, it's unlikely that every question will be answered, and subsequent clarifications on plans will be required from AT&T.

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