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Thursday, May 31, 2012

Apple iPhone enters prepaid world with Cricket - CNET

Want a prepaid version of the iPhone? It'll cost you.

(Credit: Apple)

Apple's iPhone will make the leap to the prepaid world through Leap Wireless's Cricket wireless service.

The regional prepaid carrier plans to sell the iPhone on June 22, although its no-contract plans means a higher upfront cost. The 16-gigabyte iPhone 4S will cost $499.99, while the 8GB iPhone 4 will cost $399.99.

The iPhone moving to Cricket marks the continued expansion of the availability of Apple's blockbuster device, highlighting the company's push to get the device in as many hands as possible. The iPhone is an unusual device to hit the prepaid world, since it is such an expensive product relative to other prepaid phones.

The iPhone will be sold with a $55 no-contract plan that includes unlimited calling and text messages. The plan also includes 2.3GB of data, after which the carrier will throttle, or slow the connection down.

Despite a hefty price tag, the iPhone's popularity should help Cricket recapture a bit of momentum lost in the recent quarters. The company, as with other prepaid services, has seen growth slow as the larger carriers enter the prepaid business.

"Launching iPhone is a major milestone for us and we are proud to offer iPhone customers attractive nationwide coverage, a robust 3G data network and a value-packed, no-contract plan," Leap CEO Doug Hutchison said in a statement.

Prepaid customers are required to buy an iPhone through Cricket; they are unable to bring in an iPhone from another carrier.

Customer can go here to find out more information.

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