A video posted Apple's website Tuesday explains that non-AT&T customers will be able to transfer their existing mobile phone numbers to the carrier as part of iPhone's home activation process through iTunes."Usually it can be done in less than 20 minutes, but it can take several hours depending on your carrier," Apple said.
To make the switch, customers will need to enter into the latest version of iTunes their existing mobile phone number, their existing mobile account number, billing zip code, and password (if applicable).
When iPhone is connected to a computer for the first time, iTunes will launch automatically and begin the step-by-step activation process that can be completed at the customer's own pace from the privacy of their own home or office.
During the process, current AT&T customers can choose to replace their existing mobile phone with iPhone or add a new line to their existing account. New AT&T customers can activate their iPhone and get a new phone number, or transfer their previous number from their old phone. Customers new to AT&T can also choose to activate two or more iPhones on an individual or FamilyTalk plan.
All iPhone monthly service plans are available for individuals and families and are based on a new two-year service agreement with AT&T. Individual plans will be priced at $59.99 for 450 minutes, $79.99 for 900 minutes and $99.99 for 1,350 minutes. All plans include unlimited data (email and web), Visual Voicemail, 200 SMS text messages, roll over minutes and unlimited mobile-to-mobile and a one-time activation fee of $36. Customers can also upgrade to $1500 SMS Text Messages per month for $10 extra, or unlimited SMS messages for $20.
Existing AT&T customers can keep their existing service plan and simply add an iPhone data plan for $20 extra per month.
Readers are encouraged to check out the step-by-step iPhone activation video tutorial posted on Apple's website.
Screenshots from the iPhone activation process through iTunes follow (in order):