Three has launched a 3G SIM and data starter kit for those who want to get their iPhone from other carriers but use it on the 3 Network.
As the only major Australian mobile carrier not offering Apple's 3G iPhone, many 3 customers wanted to buy unlocked prepaid iPhones and swap an existing Hutchison SIM card into the handset to use the 3 network.
Unfortunately this hasn't been possible, with users having to hack their phone's hardware to make the iPhone work on the network. Now, however, the company has provided the necessary support for the popular device in the form of a starter kit with 3G SIM.
The kits will be available from 4 August at 3 stores across Australia. The pricing announced for iPhones on the 3 network is in the table below.
| Min Monthly Spend | Calls, SMS | Freetalk 24/7 to anyone on 3 | Monthly included data allowance in 3 broadband zones | Additional use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $49 cap | $350 | $240 (300min) | 1GB | 10¢/MB |
| $69 cap | $650 | $350 (500min) | 2GB | 10¢/MB |
| $99 cap | $1,000 | $1,750 (2,500min) | 2GB | 10¢/MB |
| $129 cap | $1,200 | $1,750 (2,500min) | 2GB | 10¢/MB |
| $149 cap | $1,600 | $1,750 (2,500min) | 2GB | 10¢/MB |
| $199 cap | $2,000 | $2,100 (3,000min) | 2GB | 10¢/MB |
Steps to use the iPhone on the 3 Network
A spokesperson for 3 said that as long as the iPhone was unlocked, preparing it for internet usage on the 3 network only took a few steps:
Go to: Settings, General, Network, Select Cellular Data Network, APN, 3 Services.
This article is incorrect. iPhones DO NOT require hacking to be used on the 3 network. All that is required is a simple, and official, unlock from the carrier of purchase. It is not difficult, nor does it void the Apple warranty. Please change your article to reflect this as it will unfairly lead people to believe that anyone currently using an iPhone on Three (me included) has somehow done something dodgy to do so.