Apple Expects 15-Minute Setup Process for New iPhone "July 8 (Bloomberg) -- Apple Inc. will start selling its new iPhone at 8 a.m. nationwide on July 11 and plans to activate U.S. customer accounts with AT&T Inc. within 15 minutes.

Our expectation is that in 10 to 15 minutes, you'll be set up and ready to go," Ron Johnson, Apple's retail chief, said today in an interview. Apple's more than 185 retail stores in the U.S. each aim to handle about 100 customers an hour, he said.

As part of its Personal Setup service, Apple will help customers select a model, choose an AT&T service plan, and ensure that the device is ready to make calls, browse the Web and receive e-mail, Johnson said. Service plans from San Antonio- based AT&T, the largest U.S. phone company, start at $70 a month and require a two-year agreement.

Apple stores will handle about 30 customers at a time, Johnson said. While the company will make sure the activation process is quick, customers won't be rushed, he said.

"We'll spend as long as it takes with our customers to make sure they're happy with the phone," Johnson said."

Labels: apple, att, iphone 3G

  ¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 7/08/2008 06:32:00 PM