Will Australia Cop Same Expensive iPhone Plans as US?

AT&T America have released their plan information for the new 3G iPhone, and it's pretty expensive. The cheapest voice and data bundle is $70US, which doesn't include text messaging! Add onto this a $30US per month unlimited data plan, and you're looking at $100US for a decent functional iPhone plan.

Whilst we do things slightly differently here in Australia, it's something to go by. Telstra have released details of the 3G iPhone Plans, but no mention of how much data will cost on top. There is very little chance we'll see the power of an unlimited data plan here, unless 3 manage to get in Apple's Good Books.

In trying to escape the evil wrath of the lock-in contract,  there will be a barrage of users who will simply want to buy the iPhone outright, either on prepaid, or via other channels such as eBay (& our store!)

We get a hint on outright cost of the iPhone from AT&T's info . . . the handsets are available without a contract for $599US & $699US for the 16GB model. Hopefully, we'll get similar pricing here. As we previously predicted, the prepaid (or outright) costs for the iphone will be around $599AU for the 8GB & $749AU for it's bigger brother.

While this all looks expensive, we need not worry. Within months of the new 3G iPhone release, they'll come down in price. Like the original iPhone, someone will work out how to unlock it. Handsets will be available outside the usual channels, and you'll be able to save yourself some cash. This WILL take time, but it WILL happen.

In the meantime, breathe deeply and remain calm. Look around for the best deals, and take your time comparing plans. There are some fantastic prices going for the iPhone at the moment on eBay, check out some of them below.