AT&T iPhone 3GS now half price

AT&T has slashed pricing on the iPhone 3GS, pushing the last-gen Apple smartphone down to just $49 with a new agreement. Previously $99, the new pricing will take affect from Friday, January 7, and be available to both new and upgrading customers.

As for the necessary plan, that has to include at least a $39.99 per month voice plan paired with at least a $15/mo data plan (which gets you a mere 200MB per month). Frankly we'd still spend the extra on an iPhone 4 if we'd settled on going the Apple way; the Retina Display and faster processor really will make a difference over the two years you'll be using the device.

Press Release:

AT&T Announces iPhone 3GS for $49.00

AT&T* today announced a new price for the popular iPhone 3GS – $49.00 – available beginning tomorrow, Friday, January 7, for both new and upgrade-eligible existing AT&T customers. The offer will be available online at www.att.com/iphone, across more than 2,200 AT&T retail locations nationwide and through AT&T business channels, as well as Apple channels.**

Available only on the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, iPhone 3GS delivers the following advantages unique to AT&T and its customers:

Allows for true smartphone multi-tasking, such as talking and using applications at the same time, on AT&T's mobile broadband network

Provides access to our entire national Wi-Fi network with nearly 23,000 hotspots

Provides the best global coverage with wireless voice and data access in more than 200 countries

"We want to deliver the best, most complete package for our customers – from price, to speed, to worldwide access and more," said David Christopher, chief marketing officer of AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. "Combined with our new, lower monthly data plans beginning at just $15 a month, this new price brings even more value to one of the most popular devices in our leading lineup of smartphones. We're very excited for more people to experience iPhone on the nation's fastest mobile broadband network."

iPhone 3GS gives users access to the latest iPhone iOS 4 software plus the revolutionary App Store. Additional information is available at http://www.apple.com/.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

**Price for 3GS sold in Apple channels is determined by Apple.

Requires new 2-year wireless voice agmt of $39.99 or higher with min $15/mo plan. Subject to wireless customer agrmt. Internal roaming rates or charges apply. Credit approval req'd. Activ. fee up to $36/line. Coverage & svcs, including mobile broadband, not avail everywhere. Geographic, usage & other conditions & restrictions (that may result in svc termination) apply. Taxes & other chrgs apply. See store or visit att.com for details and coverage map. Early Termination Fee (ETF): None if cancelled during first 30 days, but a $35 restocking fee may apply; after 30 days, ETF up to $325 applies (details att.com/equipmentETF). Regulatory Cost Recovery Charge up to $1.25/mo. is chrg'd to help defray costs of complying with gov't obligations & chrgs on AT&T & is not a tax or gov't req'd chrg. Wi-Fi: Access includes AT&T Wi-Fi Basic.