APPLE'S hotly anticipated iPhone could cost as much as $US3000 ($3548) with a required two-year service contract, but a handful of eager fans have still lined up early to spend their money.
New Yorker Greg Packer at the head of the queue for Apple's iPhone
Buyers of the iPhone must commit to a two-year contract with AT&T. The device combines a wireless phone, music, video and web browsing, and will be sold exclusively through AT&T for at least two years.
Apple and AT&T on Tuesday outlined three iPhone rate plans that will be available, from $US60 per month for the most basic to just under $US100 per month for more talk time. AT&T said iPhone customers could also choose other AT&T service plans listed on its website.
While the prices are consistent with other AT&T wireless plans, it adds $US1400 to $US2400 to the cost of what many say is already a steeply priced $US500-to-$US600 gadget.
"Given the additional features embedded in the iPhone, we believe the pricing is attractive," UBS analyst John Hodulik said in a note to clients.
He said the service costs were competitive when compared to similar plans from rivals such as Verizon Wireless.
The iPhone service plans all include unlimited data, 200 text messages, roll-over minutes and unlimited mobile-to-mobile calling, the companies said.
Plenty of potential iPhone consumers have said they would wait for Apple's next versions of the device to buy it, hoping for a lower price and faster network connection.
Not only Apple and AT&T are hoping to profit on the iPhone phenomenon. Advertisements on the New York and San Francisco online message boards at Craigslist.org solicited payment for waiting on line to buy an iPhone.
One listing from a self-professed "professional waiter" offered to stand on line for a fee of $US100 per eight hours wait. The person will throw in delivery for an extra $US50.
In another listing, a person identified as "Ray" offered to start waiting on Thursday for the highest bidder. Ray noted that people paid over $US1000 to get one of the first Sony PlayStation 3 video game consoles, which went on sale in November.
AT&T said it would limit each person who turns up at its stores to buying just one phone. Apple has not said if it will follow the same policy.
Apple shares have gained more than 30 per cent since the company unveiled the phone in January, as investors hope that sales of the device will outstrip even its best-selling iPod music player.