It appears as though AT&T is going to offer the iPhone crowd a way to get their hands on the device contract-free -- as long as they don't mind footing the entire bill. For $699, you can buy a 16GB 3G iPhone sans contract directly from AT&T starting March 26.This information come via The Boy Genius Report. Some internal training documents spill the beans, and some random AT&T employee apparently felt the need to let The Boy know all about it.

The deal is this: If you're already an AT&T customer, you can buy a 3G iPhone (either 8GB or 16GB at $599 and $699 respectively), without re-upping your contract. In other words, no long-term commitment required!

There are now three different prices at which consumers can get the iPhone. Current AT&T customers who are qualified for an upgrade can get it for $199/$299, just the same as new customers can. There's also an early upgrade option for $399/$499. Lastly is the new option at $599/$699.

If you buy the iPhone at the $199, $299, $399 or $499 price points, you'll need to sign a new two-year contract and you'll be required to activate the device at the point of purchase. If you pay full retail at $599 or $699, the iPhone is yours with no contract.

Worth it? That's your call (pun intended) to make.