MMS functionality for the iPhone 3G & 3GS on the AT&T network is finally now live!
To start texting audio, pics and video on your iPhone, click the “Check For Update” button in the iPhone panel inside iTunes, install the needed update and restart your iPhone.
Let’s hope AT&T’s network will hold!
Reports are that AT&T is slowly enabling MMS for some iPhones users ahead of the mass rollout slated for the September 25.
The early rollout appears to be random and may be AT&Ts attempt to lessen the initial impact of millions of U.S. iPhone users testing out their new MMS capabilities on launch day.
So how can you tell/check if you’ve got MMS enabled?
The iPhone 3.0+ software already has MMS enabled. AT&T has listed iPhone accounts as having MMS disabled, so all AT&T has to do is change the status of your account and you’ll get MMS enabled. No software upgrade should be necessary. When you take a pic, you should see the send MMS option if you have MMS enabled.
I for one have been eagerly awaiting for MMS on the iPhone and plan to give AT&Ts network a workout when the feature is enabled. It’ll be interesting to see how their network holds up.
[ Consumerist ] [ MMS Opt-Out Codes? ]
Every since the release of the first iPhone, AT&T’s network has been crowded with customers using more bandwidth on their phones.The success of the iPhone has resulted in slower connection speeds and dropped calls, especially in metro areas.
In addition to adding more cell cites, AT&T is deploying 3G coverage across different spectrums of their network (850Mhz.) By broadcasting the 3G signal on more frequencies, they’ll provide more bandwidth and improved performance.
According to AT&T, cities like San Francisco, LA, and New York will see a huge difference.
These upgrades should be implemented in the next couple of months which might explain why AT&T is waiting until the end of summer to roll out MMS and tethering.
AT&T has posted an update to customers announcing new pricing policies for the upcoming iPhone 3G S.
Current iPhone customers who are upgrade eligible this July, August or September will be able to get a new iPhone (with new 2 year contract) for the full discounted price – 16GB 3G S $199, 32GB 3G s $299, 8GB 3G $99.
AT&T states that customers that spend north of $99/month “generally are eligible for an upgrade between 12 and 18 months into their contract.”
Eligible 3G customers who have pre-ordered will see the new discounted pricing (it will also show on the website when ordering starting June 18.)
While this adds another level of price confusion on the new phones, it shows that large corporations are listening to their customers.
Between social networks, stiff competition, and the global recession, companies can’t afford to alienate their core customers. AT&T did the right thing here (now only if they can get MMS and tethering released.)