Author: Susan Schrank

In anticipation of the iPhone 3G launch at 8 AM on Friday, July 11, AT&T has posted some "Get iReady" tips on its Web site in an effort to answer customer questions before they're asked. The telco is even posting a link to a page where consumers can check their upgrade eligibility. Anything to make it easier on its retail store employees, we guess.

One of the most surprising bits of info from AT&T about the new iPhone is its plans for a no-contract-required option. Yes, in the future - it didn't specify when - folks who don't want to sign up with AT&T for two years will be able to shell out an extra two hundred bucks to buy the phone outright with, presumably, a pay-as-you-go plan.

If you bought an iPhone before July 11, are activating a new wireless line or are eligible for an upgrade discount with an existing AT&T account can get the 8GB iPhone 3G for $199 and the 16GB for $299. If you don't meet those requirements, the price goes up to $399 for the 8GB and $499 for the 16GB. Prices for the no-contract phones will be $599 (8GB) and $699 (16GB).

To see if you're iReady, visit www.att.com/iphone.

Post courtesy of MobileContentToday.