AT&T to open at 8:00 a.m. on July 11th

It seems AT&T has learned its lesson from the release of the first generation iPhone last year, as the company has decided to open its stores at 8:00 a.m. on July 11th, rather than at 6:00 p.m. when the original iPhone was released. AT&T’s early opening is specifically targeted towards customers who wish to purchase Apple’s newest iPhone 3G, which will be released that day.

To gearing up for a busy day and to help ease the stress that July 11th is sure to bring, AT&T will open the doors “…bright and early to sell the iPhone 3G at 8 a.m. instead of last year’s 6 p.m.,” according to AT&T spokesman Cathy Lewandowski. She was also quick to add that all activation will be done in-store this time, which is why such an early opening time has been chosen.

Starting July 11, the iPhone 3G will be available from Apple and AT&T for $199 for the 8GB model and $299 for the 16GB model with a mandatory two-year contract with AT&T. Existing AT&T customers may purchase or upgrade to the iPhone 3G for $399 for the 8GB model or $499 for the 16GB model. Both options require a new two-year service agreement, although AT&T will soon be offering a no-contract-required iPhone 3G option for $599 (8GB) or $699 (16GB).

Via [Memphis Business Journal]