Walmart To Offer iPhone 5 With Straight Talk On January 11

Walmart has announced what it calls an "industry game changing offer": on January 11 (this Friday), customers will be able to buy the iPhone 4 and iPhone 5 online at Walmart.com or via one of 2,000 Walmart retail stores that will offer the handset. The device will be offered via Straight Talk on a $45 no-contract plan. Those with a Walmart credit card – or those willing to sign up for one – will get a $20 monthly discount, bringing the plan fee to $25 per month.

According to the announcement, the Straight Talk plan saves consumers an average of $950 a year in contrast to standard contract plans. The $45 Straight Talk iPhone plan offers unlimited talk, text, and data, though it it didn't specify data speeds or caps. There's also no word on how long customers with a Walmart credit card will enjoy the discounted plan rates.

The iPhone 4 will be available in both black and white in 8GB only for $449, while the iPhone 5 (16GB model only) will be available in both white and black for $649. In addition to the $45 plan, a $60 plan will also be available that offers Unlimited International Calling to over 1,000 locations, such as Canada, Mexico, etc. in addition to the unlimited talk/text/data.

TracFone Wireless's President and CEO F. J. Pollak offered this statement. "We are thrilled to be bringing the remarkable iPhone 5 to customers looking for one of the most advanced smartphones with one of the most affordable No Contract plans ever. The advanced iPhone 5 with our unlimited $45 monthly plan and Walmart's $25 special financing offer is a marriage made in heaven – making it the most affordable premium smartphone offer in America. With this exclusive offer the last reason for not purchasing the No Contract Straight Talk plan is gone,"