Right now you have to spend at least $500 to $600 on just getting the iPhone, then sign a 2 year minimum contract, then pay another $175 if you decide you want out of the contract.
Now to mention all of the personal information you have to give AT&T, including your social security number.
DVD Jon has activated a iPhone without doing all that. The downside is that the telephone capabilities of the iPhone do not work.
However the WiFi & iPod capabilities work just fine thanks to the hack.
This is only the beginning! Give it a couple of weeks, and there will definitely be more to come on this issue, either from DVD Jon himself or via another hacker!