AT&T (News - Alert) has started selling the much awaited iPhone 3G in its retail stores today.

 

AT&T has the exclusive right to sell the iPhone (News - Alert) in the U.S. The company is offering the iPhone 3G with a variety of monthly plans that combine voice and unlimited data use.

 

Company officials said that especially for customers, it has posted “Get iReady” tips and frequently asked questions at www.att.com/iphone, which will help them prepare for their iPhone 3G purchase.

 

The site also includes a link for customers to check their upgrade eligibility and other wireless account information.

 

The 8GB model, officials said, will be available for $199, while the 16 GB model will be available for $299. These prices require two-year contracts.

 

The customers eligible for these two price plans are:  iPhone customers who purchased before July 11; customers activating a new line with AT&T and current AT&T customers who are eligible, at the time of purchase, for an upgrade discount

 

For customers who are not eligible for an upgrade discount, iPhone 3G is available at $399 for the 8GB model and $499 for the 16GB model. And, both options require a new two-year service agreement.

 

Officials also pointed out that current customers of AT&T who are upgrading to iPhone 3G will pay an $18 upgrade fee, while the new AT&T customers will pay the standard $36 activation fee.

 

Additionally, iPhone 3G customers can choose from four individual AT&T Nation plans, which bundle voice and unlimited data—e-mail and Web browsing.

 

These plans are AT&T Nation Unlimited: Includes unlimited Anytime Minutes for

$129.99 a month; AT&T Nation 1350: Includes 1350 Anytime Minutes and unlimited Night & Weekend Minutes for $109.99 a month.

 

Other plans are AT&T Nation 900: Includes 900 Anytime Minutes and unlimited Night & Weekend Minutes for $89.99 a month; and AT&T Nation 450: Includes 450 Anytime Minutes and 5,000 Night & Weekend Minutes for $69.99 a month.

 

AT&T Nation and AT&T FamilyTalk plans for iPhone 3G include nationwide long distance and roaming, Visual Voicemail, Rollover, unlimited Mobile to Mobile calling, Call Forwarding, Call Waiting, Three-Way Calling and Caller ID.

 

AT&T has also said it plans to offer FamilyTalk plans, with bundled voice and unlimited data, starting at $129.99 a month for two iPhone 3G lines, and up to three additional iPhone lines can be added for $39.99 each.

 

Unlimited text messaging can also be added for an additional $20 - $30 for FamilyTalk plans of up to five lines; $15 for 1,500 messages, or $5 for 200 messages.