AT&T Exclusivity Expires in 2010, AT&T Asking for Extension?

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/04/14/atandt-exclusivity-expires-in-2010-atandt-asking-for-extension/)

The Wall Street Journal (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123973238611017715.html) reports that AT&T's exclusive offering of the iPhone will expire next year but that AT&T is working with Apple to extend it to 2011.But AT&T's exclusive deal to carry the iPhone in the U.S. expires next year, according to people familiar with the matter, and Mr. Stephenson is now in discussions with Apple Inc. to get an extension until 2011.The exact length of exclusivity has been a bit murky with initial reports claiming as far out as 2012 (http://www.macrumors.com/2007/05/22/iphone-details-5-years-on-atandt-verizons-answer/) but the most recent reports (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/08/01/atandt-to-remain-sole-us-iphone-carrier-into-2010/) corroborating the 2010 date.

AT&T has benefited from the exclusive iPhone offering attracting 4.3 million iPhone subscribers in the second half of 2008 with about 40% of them being new to AT&T. If the agreement does expire, this could open up the iPhone to become available with other U.S. carriers. This may, however, require some variations in hardware in order to accommodate other networks.

Article Link: AT&T Exclusivity Expires in 2010, AT&T Asking for Extension? (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/04/14/atandt-exclusivity-expires-in-2010-atandt-asking-for-extension/)

[JAT]

Sounds like the whole DirecTV/NFL thing.

[freeny]

I have no problems with AT&T. They all suck equally for what its worth.

[mikeinternet]

Apple needs to make them bend on things for the privilege to exclusively carry the iphone.

-Tethering
-VOiP on 3G
-Sling Player

[divermac]

want iPhone, don't want AT&T. hopefully there is some truth to this.

[thomahawk]

i really hope it stays Apple stays with AT&T for a long time. exclusives make the competition really high up. i mean T-Mobile literally has everything people want (like those sidekicks or custom phones) . so why not keep the iphone to ATT.

[nefster]

I hope Apple realizes that there are a lot of us who would like to have an iPhone but find the monthly data plan prohibitive. I really hope they negotiate some plan flexibility so that I can finally carry one item instead of an iPod Touch and a crappy AT&T phone.

I know I am dreaming, so please no responses to that effect... :)

[creator2456]

Not sure how to rate this...up or down. I go UP for the possibility of the iPhone for other carriers and DOWN for a possible extension. I agree that if AT&T do get the extension, they will have to make some sacrifices for it to be granted.

i really hope it stays Apple stays with AT&T for a long time. exclusives make the competition really high up. i mean T-Mobile literally has everything people want (like those sidekicks or custom phones) . so why not keep the iphone to ATT.

All the iPhone being exclusive to AT&T is doing is making other companies pay out to get hi-end exclusive phones. It is not forcing manufacturers to produce a better phone. That will happen even if the iPhone is offered by every single wireless company.

[Warbrain]

It'll most likely remain exclusive with some give and take from both sides. There is no way that Apple will make a CDMA phone for just the US in order to go with Verizon. Sprint has the Pre. T-Mobile has Android...and their network sucks.

at&t wins.

[eldervovichka]

I have the iPhone 3G on AT&T and would switch back to Verizon in a heart beat if were to go that way. One can only hope!

Jeff

[Slurpy2k8]

I can't for the life of me understand why some here would HOPE that Apple stays with AT&T exclusive. Uh, what? Why? Just because you're on AT&T and you're cool with it? Everyone's situation is different. Expanding to other carriers would benefit the iPhone greatly, and would dramatically increase its market share, while giving people options.

Some people legitimately cannot use AT&T for one reason or another, however much they want the iPhone. I don't see how the iPhone being lmited to 1 carrier is a GOOD thing for you, or for Apple.

[vaderhater245]

Please let this be true!!!!! Verizon's turn.

[JesterJJZ]

Verizon and I'm sold.

[inkling23]

Don't renew with AT&T's Less Bars In More Places! Switch to a real (and reliable) network like Verizon!

[uMac]

The initial exclusivity help Apple and AT&T, but keeping the exclusivity now that the phone is world wide and there are potential customers who don't want to switch providers is going to hurt Apple.

If AT&T wants to keep the Exclusive Deal, they are the ones who are going to have to pony up (and of course, pass those costs on to their customers)...

[ipedro]

Now that Apple has become an established player in the mobile field, they no longer need AT&T. They could become their own cell provider in the US by buying bandwidth from other cell companies (and eventually building out their own cell tower infrastructure).

Being a 3G or 4G Internet & Phone service provider could be a very powerful tool for Apple. It would allow all their mobile Mac's to access the internet anywhere without worrying about WiFi, and would allow Apple to finally grab a share of the TV pie with AppleTV providing live television (news/sports) to compliment iTunes purchased TV shows and Movies.

MobileMe could be extended to function as a control panel for all your Internet, Phone and TV needs. Apple also already has the brick and mortar infrastructure nationwide to begin offering this type of service.

I'm sure this has come up as an option and if I were Apple, I would be considering it seriously.

[str1f3]

It'll most likely remain exclusive with some give and take from both sides. There is no way that Apple will make a CDMA phone for just the US in order to go with Verizon. Sprint has the Pre. T-Mobile has Android...and their network sucks.

at&t wins.

I hope you're wrong. I'll use an iPhone no matter who the carrier is but since I live in NY, I would prefer Verizon. They have the best reception out there period. They're building LTE where AT&T is still building out 3g. It would also hurt the viable options for an unlocked iPhone considering T-Mobile is just not good enough. There will also be no competition with iPhone data pricing.

[sg.hill]

I have no problems with AT&T. They all suck equally for what its worth.

I completely agree. I had Verizon for three years and the network was okay, but I've never been more disappointed in a company's customer service. My last straw was the third time a store's manager called me during peak hours to tell me I "needed" to take advantage of upgrade offers. AT&T's network seems to be exactly the same in the area I live (Chicago), without the annoying calls from salesmen. I'll likely be staying with AT&T regardless of exclusivity.

I can't wait for the LTE iPhone -- I'd love for it to work in the subway!


I hope Apple realizes that there are a lot of us who would like to have an iPhone but find the monthly data plan prohibitive. I really hope they negotiate some plan flexibility so that I can finally carry one item instead of an iPod Touch and a crappy AT&T phone.

I know I am dreaming, so please no responses to that effect... :)

I think the data plan is on the high end of fair, but find the voice and texting pricing absolutely ridiculous. Why can't I pay like $15/month for 75 minutes? The phone portion of the iPhone is the least impressive part of the device to me. Most months I can't believe I'm willing to pay $45 for a voice plan that I use about 30% of. I'd imagine your description is more in-line with the typical iPhone user, though. Hopefully we'll both get what we want soon.

[Lesser Evets]

Verizon and I'm in for an iPhone.

[Abstract]

exclusives make the competition really high up. i mean T-Mobile literally has everything people want (like those sidekicks or custom phones) . so why not keep the iphone to ATT.

How is the competition greater when the iPhone is locked onto a single carrier? If AT&T and Verizon both sold the iPhone, there would be competition between them to offer the most value to customers, and for the least cost. THAT is competition. There may also be other types of plans to compete with the current monthly plans. Perhaps you could get a small voice plan with a massive internet plan. Perhaps someone will offer tethering and VoIP phoning.

Right now, AT&T doesn't need to do dick all, and it knows it has iPhone users sticking with them because they're the only option.

They have you by the balls. Let someone else have a turn!

[gkarris]

I know someone that works at AT&T and she said that they will do everything in their power to remain the exclusive provider of Apple Cellular Handsets...

Bad for consumers, as AT&T can decide to pay Apple more money per handset sold and ultimately pass the costs along to their customers via their monthly service - whether or not they own an iPhone.... :eek:

[aprilfools]

I have been with Verizon for many years but I want an iPhone. I do not appreciate the exclusivity/monopoly Apple and at&t have together. I hope I will get my iPhone with Verizon. The iPhone should be available for all wireless carriers. I am getting to the point where both Apple and at&t can kiss my *#$% over this. This is a sore spot with me.

[adamgalas]

Normally I would be over the moon at the thought of being able to choose from any carrier, after all more choices= better deals in terms of monthly plans. BUT lets not forget that each carrier tries to impart its own demands on the hardware of a phone. The last thing Apple needs is Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile all bitching about one thing or another. One can only hope that the Iphone grows into such a big success that all the carriers essentially bow down and kiss Apple's ring. Verizon is known for ****ing up their hardware, I don't want those idiots dictating anything about the 4th gen Iphone, (incidently the first one I will be buying, a 64 GB quad core marvel that I have dreams about).

[AirwingMarine]

yeah but even if AT&T contract does expire verizon customers still wouldn't be able to utilize because of the sim card situation Verizon Wireless uses CDMA which does not use SIM Cards. GSM like AT&T and T-Mobile are the only ones that use SIM Cards. wouldn't verizon have to go to a GSM setup

[Michael CM1]

I can't for the life of me understand why some here would HOPE that Apple stays with AT&T exclusive. Uh, what? Why? Just because you're on AT&T and you're cool with it? Everyone's situation is different. Expanding to other carriers would benefit the iPhone greatly, and would dramatically increase its market share, while giving people options.

Some people legitimately cannot use AT&T for one reason or another, however much they want the iPhone. I don't see how the iPhone being lmited to 1 carrier is a GOOD thing for you, or for Apple.

Expanding carriers wouldn't necessarily make the iPhone any better. The service might get better, but who knows. Sprint and Verizon run a CDMA network, so would Apple go to the extra cost to support that? Also, T-Mobile probably wouldn't even spend as much as AT&T has on upgrading the network. AT&T is at least doing work on its network to handle iPhone traffic.

I wouldn't mind seeing the iPhone on all carriers, but competitors aren't exactly all about choice. You can only get the Storm on Verizon. You can only get the Pre with T-Mobile. The carriers probably pay a big chunk of money for exclusive phones, and AT&T has probably made a killing on the exclusivity with the iPhone.

As far as market share, Apple could expand that much more easily by developing a phone that doesn't require any Internet stuff (or by AT&T offering that). I have a relative who wants the Samsung Eternity. It looks a lot like an iPhone without the extreme bells and whistles.

[terryzx]

Could not give me an iPhone on AT&T

What is wrong with allowing the other cell providers to also service it?

If Verizon & Sprint and anyone else who wants it, were to GET IT, then the services would be affordable and the consumer would win all the way around

[ruinfx]

to me the problem is not that apple has an exclusive deal with att and not verizon, its that they have deals with carriers in the first place. apple needs to let this current exclusivity deal expire and then sarah palin their asses and say "thanks, but no thanks".

i know this wont happen but it would be the best thing for the iphone and for us as customers if apple simply sold an unlocked GSM iphone and an unlocked CDMA iphone and you could do with it what you want and buy any plan that you want. no restrictions, no crippling, no bs.

[str1f3]

Now that Apple has become an established player in the mobile field, they no longer need AT&T. They could become their own cell provider in the US by buying bandwidth from other cell companies (and eventually building out their own cell tower infrastructure).

Being a 3G or 4G Internet & Phone service provider could be a very powerful tool for Apple. It would allow all their mobile Mac's to access the internet anywhere without worrying about WiFi, and would allow Apple to finally grab a share of the TV pie with AppleTV providing live television (news/sports) to compliment iTunes purchased TV shows and Movies.

MobileMe could be extended to function as a control panel for all your Internet, Phone and TV needs. Apple also already has the brick and mortar infrastructure nationwide to begin offering this type of service.

I'm sure this has come up as an option and if I were Apple, I would be considering it seriously.

This would be the best solution but also the most unlikely. I don't think apple would want to get into this sort of business. I can also imagine telcos would not be happy about this. How soon would other phones follow? It would be the way to get out of the companies ridiculous plans and sell data only as they should.

[SirJankovic]

I have no problems with AT&T. They all suck equally for what its worth.

MAN I COULDN'T AGREE MORE, HAVING BEEN THRU SPRIN, T-MOBILE AND NOW AT&T I CAN HONESTLY SAY THEY ALL BLOW IT HARD. THE ONLY REASON I'M STAYING WITH ATT IS BECAUSE AT LEAST I CAN BUY UNLOCKED PHONES IN EUROPE AND USEEM.

[alms]

It'd be worth it to eat the contract cancellation costs. My iPhone is great at everything except being a phone, thanks to ATT. It'd be so nice to have a reliable phone as well as a cool internet device.

[laughingperson5]

Hope it doesn't change. ATT has really good coverage. Verizon rips people off and are really stupid. Example, There is a difference between .002 dollars and .002 cents.
Plus that's how ATT got a lot of subscribers. And if the iPhone goes to other carriers then hardware would need to be changed. Like, the iPhone would now need to support the EVDO network from Verizon.

[Luke1robb]

-Tethering
-VOiP on 3G
-Sling Player

Tethering = Happening, but have to pay
VOiP = Never gonna happen... how would it make business sense for AT&T?
Sling Player = It will happen, you'll just have to pay out the ear for Sling.

[ipedro]

This would be the best solution but also the most unlikely. I don't think apple would want to get into this sort of business. I can also imagine telcos would not be happy about this. How soon would other phones follow? It would be the way to get out of the companies ridiculous plans and sell data only as they should.

Apple would have a lot to gain from this arrangement so I think it is quite likely that it is on their path at some point. Telecommunication companies are placing caps on data download because most of them also offer TV services. These caps are hurting the potential of AppleTV.

Apple will need to control the access to bandwidth if they're to succeed in the TV business. Being their own ISP would achieve this.

Further, AT&T and other telcos would be happy to sell the bandwidth to Apple. Either way, they're in business. Now if Apple buys the rights to wireless spectrum and begins selling bandwidth to the consumer directly, then AT&T and everybody else will have the right to be afraid because Apple would be their direct competitor.

[Digital Skunk]

I say Apple kills the exclusivity with AT&T.

The truth of the matter is that Apple will get almost twice as much customers as they have now without the phone being on AT&T.

I just hope that whoever gets the device doesn't choke it to death like AT&T has done.

I would really like to see an iPhone unrestricted that doesn't cost $700.

[mox358]

I know verizon has better service than AT&T in some areas, but I would hate to see what verizon would do to the iPhone. All the preloaded crap and the way they dictate how their phones can be used kills me. I used to sell verizon phones when I worked at radioshack back in the day, and they were a nightmare on the customer service end as well.

Going with Verizon would probably kill the iPhone as we know it unless verizon opened up their policies, which I doubt they would do.

As to service being cheaper, I had a buddy (who has verizon) try to upgrade to a blackberry storm recently, and the unlimited internet package for it was $45/mo and required... more than twice what we pay on AT&T for a much better experience.

I may sound like an AT&T fanboy, but I'm not. I just have a deep dislike for how verizon controls their phones and don't want to see the iPhone fall into that mess.

[Wayfarer]

No AT&T service out where I live. Ditto for Verizon support! Otherwise I won't be able to have an iPhone. :(

[designgeek]

I have no problems with AT&T. They all suck equally for what its worth.

Absolutely, I'd prefer T-Mobile though, I like their customer service and they don't seem to want to nickel-and-dime me to death like Verizon.

[flpatriot]

Your individual love/hatred for AT&T/Verizon/etc really doesn't matter. People have different preferences. There are areas where one network works better than the other. AT&T won't even give you service in many rural parts of the country. After the Alltel merger, Verizon will be the only major carrier in Das Hinterland. Don't laugh, there are many people out there who do want iPhones - I'll be one of them this summer.

Not to mention the fact that competition drives down prices and that CDMA isn't going anywhere for some time. I say an end to iPhone exclusivity is a win for everyone (except AT&T, anyway).

[Surklyn]

I can't for the life of me understand why some here would HOPE that Apple stays with AT&T exclusive. Uh, what? Why? Just because you're on AT&T and you're cool with it? Everyone's situation is different. Expanding to other carriers would benefit the iPhone greatly, and would dramatically increase its market share, while giving people options.

Some people legitimately cannot use AT&T for one reason or another, however much they want the iPhone. I don't see how the iPhone being lmited to 1 carrier is a GOOD thing for you, or for Apple.

Everyone's situation is different with EVERY phone.. so why should it be different with the iPhone? I used to think AT&T sucked.. then they added more towers... then they added 3G in my area.. I have service in ridiculously remote areas now that I didn't have with verizon. The reason why apple MAY .. <MAY...> stay with AT&T is that the tech supports GSM which is a global standard. <MEANING they they make more money internationally>. I switched FROM verizon to AT&T to get the iPhone. the first year.. was pretty damn horrible, this year MUCH MUCH Better.. so I'm not ready to give AT&T the AXE for service.. since <at least in my situation> they've clearly improved.

[MarkMS]

AT&T is the best mobile provider that I've seen so far. I always have full 3G bars and it's occasional that my BlackBerry Bold switches to EDGE. Dropped calls are a rarity as well. I wouldn't mind if the iPhone stayed exclusive to AT&T just because I don't want to switch when the new iPhones come out.

[alexbates]

I will never buy an iPhone with AT&T for one reason: I don't get any service at my house with their.....awful 3G network. I am trapped in a contract and only get a cell signal at school. If Apple makes the right decision to not sign the contract with AT&T, maybe I could get an iPhone with T-Mobile in December after I get rid of this contract.

And there are a lot of customers out there like me that will just flat out refuse to buy an iPhone with AT&T but really want one. I think Apple could really boost their sales if they make the right decision.

[aslucher]

This would be the best solution but also the most unlikely. I don't think apple would want to get into this sort of business. I can also imagine telcos would not be happy about this. How soon would other phones follow? It would be the way to get out of the companies ridiculous plans and sell data only as they should.

actually initially apple wanted to do this but wanted to get a grasp on market share and make a profit first before expanding on an idea that might not of even taken off.

id love to see this happen. the connectivity of everything would make apple a powerhouse beyond any other cell provider could touch. each time apple extends the contract for only a year or so out and they talk about if they can or cant buy airtime. on a business stand point the investment needed to do this is immense and is why apple went with cingular(now at&t) in the first place. now i think they should be trying to be their own provider, although it wouldnt happen for another year or so.

if i were apple i would stop producing/designing new phone hardware for the at&t network so people wouldnt join at&t and be locked to them for another two years and buy all the things necessary and announce it in january of next year and release it in july or maybe add one more year to at&t but still release no new hardware offerings ONLY SOFTWARE. then the initial buyers of the iphone 3g would be out of their contracts and original iphone owners would be too and they could switch over without a hassle (although the biggest problem here is apple might loose the media in the time frame, which may be why apple hasnt done something like this yet cuz each time apple releases a new phone people dive right in pretty fast and people start to talk). then sell them at apple stores and do what they originally had done and activate at home or at least offer it so they could have more apple genius' selling the new iphones on the new network. apple then could connect all their hardware and software(maybe by adding a mobile feature to MAC OS for customization) offerings and produce a "world of their own"

[Surklyn]

Could not give me an iPhone on AT&T

What is wrong with allowing the other cell providers to also service it?

If Verizon & Sprint and anyone else who wants it, were to GET IT, then the services would be affordable and the consumer would win all the way around

REALLY?? Give me an iPhone with a Verizon OS?? NO WAY!!! .. I LOVE verizon's service.. but HATE their "OS/ proprietary systems"...

[Petrochik]

They wont be able to maintain exclusivity with factory unlocked phones flatting the markets.

[Surklyn]

This would be the best solution but also the most unlikely. I don't think apple would want to get into this sort of business. I can also imagine telcos would not be happy about this. How soon would other phones follow? It would be the way to get out of the companies ridiculous plans and sell data only as they should.


I agree.. This would be the best solution.. However... the capital and initial investment would be ENORMOUS.. raising prices EVERYWHERE..

[Petrochik]

Plus if you have constant 3G & WIFI connection, I dont see why you would need a phone provider in the first place. They just getting our monies. Skype (working in the background) I salute you.

[mlmorg]

People in this thread need to realize two things:

1. If the iPhone goes to Verizon, Apple would never allow Verizon to add any extra crap to it like they do with other phones so don't start harping about how Verizon would be horrible for the iPhone...If Verizon wanted to add their crap, we will never see the iPhone on Verizon.

2. Apple will not deal with CDMA so don't say that's a reason for the iPhone not going on Verizon. LTE is coming for both Verizon and AT&T. Apple is most likely already in talks to get LTE working in the iPhone and so Verizon could very easily have the iPhone in 2010 or so when LTE starts going up...but maybe more likely in 2011.

Now on to speculation: Since Verizon will have LTE before AT&T there's no doubt AT&T will try and lengthen this exclusivity. At the same time, Verizon would probably love to have the iPhone on Verizon LTE for a year while AT&T is still on 3G. I personally hope, and speculate, that Apple will want to upgrade the iPhone to LTE as soon as possible...thus, an exclusivity deal into 2011 may not be the right move. At the same time, it's possible that they continue with AT&T until both AT&T and Verizon have LTE and then upgrade and extend across all companies with LTE...

[techfreak85]

if they come out with a Verizon Phone, I will get it so fast.....
Here's hoping to iPhone on VZW in 2010!
edit:i just realized that my verizon contract expires on Superbowl Sunday, 2010. So if true, i wont have to wait for an upgrade! Yee haw!

[mikeinternet]

Tethering = Happening, but have to pay
VOiP = Never gonna happen... how would it make business sense for AT&T?
Sling Player = It will happen, you'll just have to pay out the ear for Sling.

I disagree about VOip over 3g. I don't think it would really kill AT&T. I think that a majority of people wanting skype want it for international calls. Making these calls with AT&T would be ridiculous. Who would be making these calls under current cell contracts?

[Petrochik]

People in this thread need to realize two things:

1. If the iPhone goes to Verizon, Apple would never allow Verizon to add any extra crap to it like they do with other phones so don't start harping about how Verizon would be horrible for the iPhone...If Verizon wanted that, we will never see the iPhone on Verizon.

2. Apple will not deal with CDMA so don't say that's a reason for the iPhone not going on Verizon. LTE is coming for both Verizon and AT&T. Apple is most likely already in talks to get LTE working in the iPhone and so Verizon could very easily have the iPhone in 2010 or so when LTE starts going up...but maybe more likely in 2011.

Now on to speculation: Since Verizon will have LTE before AT&T there's no doubt AT&T will try and lengthen this exclusivity. At the same time, Verizon would probably love to have the iPhone on Verizon LTE for a year while AT&T is still on 3G. I personally hope, and speculate, that Apple will want to upgrade the iPhone to LTE as soon as possible...thus, an exclusivity deal into 2011 may not be the right move. At the same time, it's possible that they continue with AT&T until both AT&T and Verizon have LTE and then upgrade and extend across all companies with LTE...

No offense but why do why lock ourselves in the notion that we need these providers. We do not.

[scottness]

ATT seems to have the best coverage here of the carriers I've tried. (I've tried T-Mobile and Sprint, haven't tried Verizon). I'm not opposed to them offering to different carriers. Just don't mess up the phone, and don't make it exclusive to a different carrier.

[iphonerain]

More than the restrictive monthly rates, I would love to have a different network and finally stop having my calls dropped!

[mlmorg]

No offense but why do why lock ourselves in the notion that we need these providers. We do not.

If you want the iPhone and want LTE those are the most likely providers...I'm not saying anything about needing to use those two...

[Petrochik]

If you want the iPhone and want LTE those are the most likely providers...I'm not saying anything about needing to use those two...

But shouldn't we wake up and start a petition requesting internet service and phone service to be offered separately? Lets get it going.

[NewSc2]

I don't have a problem with AT&T. I get maybe 1 or 2 dropped calls per month. Verizon did about the same. FWIW, AT&T's done a fairly good job at keeping up with Apple so far. AT&T's desire to "do anything it takes" to remain tied to Apple can only benefit Apple.

[michael.lauden]

More than the restrictive monthly rates, I would love to have a different network and finally stop having my calls dropped!

i think AT&T has stepped up their service exponentially each year. after the cingular/AT&T merge... i barely ever get a dropped call... and there's usually only 1-2 bars where i usually talk (on the back roads to avoid traffic, and in my house)

[ruinfx]

No offense but why do why lock ourselves in the notion that we need these providers. We do not.

exactly. however the carriers will do everything in their power to make sure that they stay relevant before they become dumb pipes.

[michael.lauden]

More than the restrictive monthly rates, I would love to have a different network and finally stop having my calls dropped!

i think AT&T has stepped up their service exponentially each year. after the cingular/AT&T merge... i barely ever get a dropped call... and there's usually only 1-2 bars where i usually talk (on the back roads to avoid traffic, and in my house)

but i almost always have service here 45 mins south of ATL

[fleshman03]

So here is a thought...

The exclusivity helped Apple get the iPhone into mainstream culture. As a result, the one time purchase of hardware has become secondary. Apple can now make a boat load of money with the AppStore.

Maybe... just maybe they will leverage this "freedom" into something good for the consumer. Current Price Points w/ a lower monthly plan (like w/ the original iPhone.)

This would allow people to spend more money on software and get the iPhone OS more mainstream.


Just a thought. An unlikely one, but a good one.

EDIT: It might be worth pointing out that Apple seems open to making the device cheaper for the consumer. Price Cuts on Gen 1 & 2. Although rates did go up. Now, maybe the price per unit will stay the same and service rates will decrease. **Added benefits over the competition...

[techfreak85]

But shouldn't we wake up and start a petition requesting internet service and phone service to be offered separately? Lets get it going.

thats something that i think alot of people like about the iphones plans. unlimited mobile internet. thats something i will look forward to when i (hopefully) get one.:D

[Petrochik]

Offer internet service for the iphone separately. Allow one phone app of your choosing to work in the background and see how much innovation in the phone you will have thereafter.

[Caralvarez24]

Woohoo expand to a real carrier like Verizon!

[MacDaddy901]

And why wouldn't AT&T for an extension?

Please don't go to Verizon. Then every single person will have an iPhone.

[techfreak85]

no way should apple offer seperate internet. with verizon, they advertise all their get it now/vcast news etc, but u have to pay each time for the stupid internet.

with the iPhone the internet is already included for a fair price in the package, and u get the real thing, not the retarded cell phone internet. to me that is too good of a deal.

[Petrochik]

no way should apple offer seperate internet. with verizon, they advertise all their get it now/vcast news etc, but u have to pay each time for the stupid internet.

with the iPhone the internet is already included for a fair price in the package, and u get the real thing, not the retarded cell phone internet. to me that is too good of a deal.

I disagree. Why should you need to pay $60-80 phone service if you do not want to but would welcome the addition of a 3g/4g internet service that would enable you to get rid of that expense and encourage innovation on VOIP?

[uneek]

Everyone needs to remember that Apple is a business and it makes "business sense" to keep things simple for customers and Apple. Apple's exclusive deal with AT&T might not be everyone's ideal situation but makes a lot of sense for both those companies. GSM is a world standard and the iPhone is now in 80 countries with only 3 different SKU's (8GB, 16GB black or white). Creating a CDMA version which will add 3 more SKU's and complicate things for Apple (additional supplier deals, more marketing, more negotiations with additional carriers). Apple likes to simpify things and keep everyhing consistent which is easier to do when their is only ONE carrier to work with in a specified country. How would it sound when a customer comes in to Apple and says my "Verizon iPhone won't receive new email when I'm on the phone or surfing the Internet or listening to Pandora but my friends will". Oh he has the AT&T version which can do that but yours doesn't have that capability.

[techfreak85]

@Petrochik
yes is does cost extra, but apple wants the users to have the full experience, not like verizon sounds like they dont want me using vcast for tv/news/sports that bad.
:p


apple has always wanted all their customers to have "the full experience".
one version of OSX. full one year warranty with genius bar, etc.

[Petrochik]

@Petrochik
yes is does cost extra, but apple wants the users to have the full experience, not like verizon sounds like they dont want me using vcast for tv/news/sports that bad.
:p


apple has always wanted all their customers to have "the full experience".
one version of OSX. full one year warranty with genius bar, etc.

I guess I am the only democrat in this forum.

[cjm3113]

Verizon would ruin the iPhone. Vcast app would replace Safari.

[azentropy]

I really don't see them going open. To get what they want out of carriers they will go exclusive to someone... Hopefully now that the iPhone is a hit they will have even more pull to get better terms with whomever they go exclusive next.

[fleshman03]

I guess I am the only democrat in this forum.

Hey there's two of us now! :eek:

Welcome!

[lostngone]

Allow the iPhone to tether at no addition cost and I would have no problem with it.

[JGowan]

When all the carriers can sell the iPhone, then they'll soon be free. Competition will cause the price for the customer to be lower and lower, finally, one will go to free and then they'll all follow suit. Then, whoever has the best coverage/rate plan wins most of the marbles. Apple did it with the music companies and will do it to the cell phone companies.

Can't wait.

Verizon would ruin the iPhone. Vcast app would replace Safari.Never (EVER) happen. Apple will never allow Verizon to put software on the inside of their phone and certainly not some sort of verizon logo on the outside. The carriers will either go for the same type of exclusive deal that AT&T has given Apple, or Apple simply won't play ball.

<snip>…GSM is a world standard and the iPhone is now in 80 countries with only 3 different SKU's (8GB, 16GB black or white). Creating a CDMA version which will add 3 more SKU's and complicate things for Apple (additional supplier deals, more marketing, more negotiations with additional carriers)…<snip>You don't think that Apple doesn't have a plan to scale their business? That's ludicrous. A few carriers isn't going to matter at all Apple.

[DiamondMac]

I have bought both iPhones on the day they were released and LOVE IT. I really have never been more satisfied with a phone than these two phones

With that said, the actual reception is an absolute joke and I have used both phones in 3 different major cities. Compared to others around me, I get half what they do on several other carriers and anything remotely in a building seems to lower the bars by half if not more when there should be no reason for such a drop off. I thought something was wrong so I got a new 3G phone yet the same problems in the same locations.

I hope they do switch off AT&T because the call reception is absolutely terrible

[InkMaster]

REALLY?? Give me an iPhone with a Verizon OS?? NO WAY!!! .. I LOVE verizon's service.. but HATE their "OS/ proprietary systems"...

http://h4xr.org/i2vs

:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

No offense but why do why lock ourselves in the notion that we need these providers. We do not.

You have any better options? Oh wait, I forgot, we have no freakin choice in the matter! Either eat their **** up in spoonfuls or walk around without a phone at all. Simple as that.

[deedas]

For the love of all that's good, please God don't let Apple get talked into extending the contract. I've dealt horrible service for almost 2 years so far, I don't think I can bring myself to wait till 2011.

[Petrochik]

http://h4xr.org/i2vs

:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:



You have any better options? Oh wait, I forgot, we have no freakin choice in the matter! Either eat their **** up in spoonfuls or walk around without a phone at all. Simple as that.

YES InkMaster I do. Petition to separate Internet service from phone service and use VOIP apps as primary phones.

[eastercat]

I would really like to see an iPhone unrestricted that doesn't cost $700.
Not going to happen. If you look at any iPhone-esque device, they all cost around $500-$700 without a contract. Are you expecting Apple to perform miracles? :rolleyes:
If we were in Europe or Asia, I could see the argument that Apple should release the phone without a subsidy. Problem is, the initial release of the iPhone has shown it's not as successful as the subsidized iPhone. I don't expect Apple to go the unsubsidized route anytime soon.
Even if AT&T doesn't manage to extend the exclusivity, I don't know that negotiations between Verizon and Apple will be successful. The problems that plagued their first negotiations are still there. Verizon wants to control the phone and may be unwilling to cede to Apple.
I personally think that Apple should stick to GSM systems, because they're worldwide. Going CDMA, even if it's only for this country, is limiting. You could never take that phone out of this country--unless you enjoy paying exorbitant rates. With yellowsn0w, you can take your iPhone to Asia and pop in a pre-paid SIM.

[InkMaster]

YES InkMaster I do. Petition to separate Internet service from phone service and use VOIP apps as primary phones.

Petition to.... who exactly?

They're not doing anything illegal. They own the towers, they own the signals, according to the contracts in many cases they even own the phones...

You may not like it, but they're not doing anything unlawful. Gotta love capitalism :)

I mean feelings be feelings, but business is business and business always comes first.

And just to clarify, I hate their **** also, but if I was the one running those companies, would I change anything if it meant loosing customers and revenue? HELL NO!

[dagamer34]

It's likely that Apple will remain with AT&T until 2011 or 2012 when both carriers have 4G (LTE) networks and chipsets are mature enough to be used in phones. Apple gains nothing from trying to switch to other carriers since T-Mobile has a much smaller 3G network and Verizon/Sprint use CDMA which is all but dead in the future.

[rockosmodurnlif]

It doesn't matter, all the companies will price gouge us Apple customers because we'll pay.

[techfreak85]

I guess I am the only democrat in this forum.

okaayy.... that makes no since. what am i missing?
how does that apple to the iPhone? please do explain sir/maam.

[iMaggot]

Verizon and I'm sold.

Yeah if this is true, i will drop AT&T like a hot potato :cool:

[macfan881]

It'll most likely remain exclusive with some give and take from both sides. There is no way that Apple will make a CDMA phone for just the US in order to go with Verizon. Sprint has the Pre. T-Mobile has Android...and their network sucks.

at&t wins.

That is the lamest excuse for apple not to make a CDMA Phone just because you think at&T is the best over the other services:rolleyes: Apple would be dumb not to expand on this trust me if they knew the success the iphone would have in the smartphone market, I'm sure Apple wouldn't have signed just to ATT heck if they signed on to the other networks i could easily see the Iphone being the Number one or number 2 right now in the market share if they signed on with other company's.

[Digital Skunk]

No offense but why do why lock ourselves in the notion that we need these providers. We do not.

I agree, but truth is, sometimes we just need the one service or plan they offer.

Nothing is wrong with AT&T or Verizon IMHO other than the usual crap they may put you through, but I've stuck with Sprint all these years simply for the insurance and the uber cheap unlimited data plan.

Verizon would be my next choice simply because they also have the insurance.

[Scottsdale]

AT&T wins big with the Apple iPhone. It has made a ton of money and been very successful with the iPhone contract.

I don't know how feasible this would be, but it sure seems like a great idea to me:

What would be best for all of us, is if Apple would just eliminate all contracts and charge us full price for the phone.

Then, the carriers wouldn't have to subsidize the cost and could charge us less for the service. But, this would be a barrier to entry or switching costs for phone users. It would work for us who could afford to pay the full price for the iPhone but then could pay much less for phone/data services.

I think the ultimate best solution would be to have a universally working iPhone. Then, carriers could give "certificates or vouchers" that would subsidize the cost for the iPhone. The carrier would then pay Apple once the voucher is used for the subsidized portion of the iPhone.

This would allow Apple to sell MANY more iPhones. And if a carrier wanted to, it could offer the subsidize the cost for buyers. If people paid full price for the iPhone, they would presumably pay a much lower price for their phone/data service.

But this type of system would eliminate a lot of the barriers to Apple selling three or four times as many iPhones. Some areas don't even have AT&T. Some people are dedicated to their current carrier. Some people need it for work and it has to have service in their area. Different carriers have different problems, and a universal iPhone would yield the most money for Apple if they could work out a voucher system to subsidize the costs for any carrier who wished to allow the iPhones on its networks.

It does suck for people that NEED good phone service to not be able to have an iPhone. I guess the iPod touch works better for most who don't want the AT&T service. Probably why Apple sells so many iPod Touch's.

[DELLsFan]

Absolutely, I'd prefer T-Mobile though, I like their customer service and they don't seem to want to nickel-and-dime me to death like Verizon.

That's because they don't need to. They're all out in a half dozen different kiosks in all of the malls in the country bugging people on the way to JC Penny's. How I hate cell phone kiosk salesmen!

On a more serious note, has it really been 5 years already? :eek:

[cwwilson]

I like it just the way it is. I almost feel like letting all the other carriers have the iPhone might either a) lead the iPhone to be waaaaay more whored out than it already is or b) lead to its downfall as each company would "tweak" the OS and put their own shovelware apps on it.

Plus I think it's cool that Sprint will have the Pre, Verizon with the Storm, T-Mobile with the G1 and Android OS, and of course Apple with the iPhone. Makes for some great comparisons/competition :)

[ProwlingTiger]

God just don't let it go to Verizon. Then it will NEVER...NEVER EVER get an OS update. Just look at the damn Storm. Verizon are horrible at dictating control over their devices and would destroy the iPhone. AT&T ftw.

Oh, for the record, I'm a Storm user. Probably switching in July after the iPhone 3G II.

For those hoping AT&T doesn't get the extension because they want the phone but not the service, um hello there are other phones in this world. Service should be top priority. Get the iPod Touch for pete's sake. Quit depriving yourself just to have the iPhone. From where I stand, though, Apple and AT&T have a good thing goin'.

[Digital Skunk]

God just don't let it go to Verizon. Then it will NEVER...NEVER EVER get an OS update. Just look at the damn Storm. Verizon are horrible at dictating control over their devices and would destroy the iPhone. AT&T ftw.

Oh, for the record, I'm a Storm user. Probably switching in July after the iPhone 3G II

Given that AT&T has never issued an OS update to the iPhone, or any kind of update for that matter, I don't think that will be an issue.

The only thing AT&T does with the iPhone is give it service and tell customers what they can't do with their phones. I know that any other carrier that may carry the iPhone will be doing the same thing.

There won't be some Windows Mobile looking crap os on the iPhone, EVER.

[$ahil]

hopefully they wont extend it.

[Michael CM1]

Could not give me an iPhone on AT&T

What is wrong with allowing the other cell providers to also service it?

If Verizon & Sprint and anyone else who wants it, were to GET IT, then the services would be affordable and the consumer would win all the way around

OK, seriously, this first day of economics thing has got to go. Why would it make the iPhone more affordable??? You figure four big providers in the US (AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile) would provide a little more pricing flexibility. That's bull puckey. You pretty much have to either use a prepaid plan (Virgin Mobile, Boost, GoPhone) or start at about $40/month. Each company's data plan is about $30. Text messages are all outrageous.

So basically, someone please show me how competition has made this better. The only competition that worked out was at the extreme low end. For people who would like about 200 minutes/month with all the rollover and stuff from AT&T and then adding a very limited data plan, THERE IS NO OPTION. Why would opening the iPhone to all carriers be any different?

[poe diddley]

at&t is holding the iphone back in my opinion. at least in my area, the 3g service is not so reliable from at&t. i hear a lot of complaints from co-workers who switched to at&t just for the Iphone. they love the phone but hate the service.

Verizon Iphone get's my $$$$ as soon as it happens.

i would buy an Iphone tomorrow if it were on Verizon. i won't give up my reliable service just to have one, and i can't justify paying for two services.

Verizon Iphone. make it happen.
no more at&t please.

[tetravus]

I believe it's ATT's lust for iPhone revenue that allowed Apple to dictate allowing App store downloads, over the air Itunes purchases and other services a mobile phone network would normally block and prohibit with other non-exclusive phones. Without an exclusivity deal, Apple would be hard pressed to win any concession from these carriers since anyone can buy an iPhone anywhere and Apple will lose any leverage they have to demand anything from these companies at all.

[imacdaddy]

If At&t is doing all it can to renew, then Apple should come out the winner with better terms. Hopefully translating to use of tethering and VoIP on 3G or no restrictions on apps riding on the carrier's network. Proven stats show that At&t's revenues and subscribers have increased since selling iPhones. The mobile industry have been watching closely.

Verizon or Sprint may come in this time to offer attractive terms to lure Apple. Maybe. I doubt Apple will switch providers though provided they've already created a synergy with At&t. Who knows, Apple may have a already have business plan after this exclusivity expires to be on more than one carrier.

[cjm3113]

at&t is holding the iphone back in my opinion. at least in my area, the 3g service is not so reliable from at&t. i hear a lot of complaints from co-workers who switched to at&t just for the Iphone. they love the phone but hate the service.

Verizon Iphone get's my $$$$ as soon as it happens.

i would buy an Iphone tomorrow if it were on Verizon. i won't give up my reliable service just to have one, and i can't justify paying for two services.

Verizon Iphone. make it happen.
no more at&t please.

And in my area it is exactly the opposite. AT&T is by far the best around, Verizon MIGHT be second, but US Cell. is considered second by most people.

People need to stop talking as if one of the companies provides better service nation wide because neither of them do.

[SandynJosh]

Now that Apple has become an established player in the mobile field, they no longer need AT&T. They could become their own cell provider in the US by buying bandwidth from other cell companies (and eventually building out their own cell tower infrastructure).

Being a 3G or 4G Internet & Phone service provider could be a very powerful tool for Apple. It would allow all their mobile Mac's to access the internet anywhere without worrying about WiFi, and would allow Apple to finally grab a share of the TV pie with AppleTV providing live television (news/sports) to compliment iTunes purchased TV shows and Movies.

MobileMe could be extended to function as a control panel for all your Internet, Phone and TV needs. Apple also already has the brick and mortar infrastructure nationwide to begin offering this type of service.

I'm sure this has come up as an option and if I were Apple, I would be considering it seriously.

From what I understand, Apple was on the brink of doing what you suggest if they could not get a carrier to go with. By going through A T&T they got a whole infrastructure without the overhead of making one from scratch. In hindsight I suppose it was a good choice to go with A T&T as the question of whether Apple had a good network as well as a good phone was limited to only a question about the phone. Also, since A T&T, with all they had going for them, struggled to build the capacity an iPhone required and got some egg on their face instead of Apple getting it all.

[winks360]

To all of you who want Verizon, me being one of them. I don't think iPhone will be available any time soon. The iPhone strongly wants to be world wide, AT&T has that, while Verizon is only really good in the States :( And I think Apple would make Verizon switch to using SIM cards before they would agree that they would make a Verizon specific phone :( As much as I would love Verizon as much as you guys...dont count on it. But until then I guess I am more about the iPhone then I am about the network so I say who cares, just give me the next gen. iPhone and I will be happy...even if I lose reception here and there :apple:

[ascgv1]

I have no problems with AT&T. They all suck equally for what its worth.

So true....Lol

[MikeTheC]

Folks, folks, folks...

I see this as really going nowhere. What is it you all want to achieve? Do you all have roughly the same ends in mind? Or are you just a bunch of cats who want to run in your all different directions, wants what you want, and "the heck with everyone else"? Mind you, I'm not putting that forward with the intent to accuse, condemn or attack anyone in particular. I'm just saying it because you have to understand that, unless you present a unified front, there's no way you're going to have any impact at all on any of the carriers' revenue streams, and that's the only reliable way to ensure you'll get their attention.

Do you want CDMA? Do you want GSM? Do you want no contracts? Do you want better pricing on the phone when under contract? Do you want better pricing on a phone that's not under contract? Do you want to have contracts? Do you want to do away with contracts? Do you want a specific set of features? How do you want the plans structured? How much carrot and how much stick do you plan on attempting to bring to the industry?

It's all about strategy and patience. Figure out what you want. Get your stuff together. Then go after your goal.

It is up to you. Call it.

[jimmygb102]

I would be curious if verizons network could withstand the iPhone, sure AT&t's network has problems, but verizon's network hasn't been pushed like the iPhone pushes the network. Dont say the iPhone would be amazing with verizon just because it works decent now. At&t would be fine with a call 5 numbers for free plan and more data plan choices. essentially the iphone forces companies to improve their networks.'

[Chip NoVaMac]

I have the iPhone 3G on AT&T and would switch back to Verizon in a heart beat if were to go that way. One can only hope!

Jeff

Never had Verizon, but was on Sprint before the switch to the iPhone....

In my area (DC/MD/VA) I think I would be better served by maybe Verizon in the end.

But in the end I think that having the ability to choose between ATT, Verizon, TMobile, and Sprint could lead to lower pricing for services....

[commander.data]

Seeing that the latest rumours point to at least 2 different iPhone models coming, I think Apple will compromise. Apple will open up the basic iPhone to any carrier with a compatible network, but AT&T will continue to be the exclusive carrier for the high-end iPhone Pro. In exchange, AT&T could offer Apple deeply discounted data plans to complement a potential Apple Netbook/Tablet.

It's probably in Apple's best interest to try to maintain as much exclusivity and control as possible even if it limits the potential market somewhat in order to avoid the iPhone becoming a commodity phone. It certainly gives Apple more negotiating power to get carriers to adopt features that Apple wants.

[PhotoPhoenix]

somehow give me the iPhone for Verizon and I would be the happiest person alive. not paying money to break my contract and switch to At&T just for the iPhone and I don't like AT&T anyway. the data plan is also very expensive.

iPhone/Verizon.. PLEASE.

[sam10685]

Please let this be true!!!!! Verizon's turn.

Verizon can have Android... T-mobile gets iphone.

[jimmygb102]

somehow give me the iPhone for Verizon and I would be the happiest person alive. not paying money to break my contract and switch to At&T just for the iPhone and I don't like AT&T anyway. the data plan is also very expensive.

iPhone/Verizon.. PLEASE.

Verizons data plans arent cheaper.

[raydsr]

why is this blog called "Mac Rumors" instead of "iPhone Rumors"?

[LegionLover]

Want an iPhone, but switching to AT&T will increase my phone bill by approximately 50%. It's not just the data plan either, it's other charges like adding nights and weekends starting at 7:00 p.m. instead of 9:00 (free with Sprint, $8.00/month on AT&T, $16 if you're on a family plan). A polling of my friends on various carriers all claim problems with each one, so I'd rather have the choice of carrier with my choice of hardware.

[jimmygb102]

Verizons data plans (http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/store/controller?item=planFirst&action=viewPlanList&sortOption=priceSort&typeId=3&subTypeId=49&catId=448#)

you get this from At&t for 90.00.........99.00 with tax.

[hypmatize]

Yes come on T-Mobile :D

[formerpc]

I desperately want the iPhone, but desperately don't want AT&T. :(

Come on, Verizon! Be smart! Pick up this awesome phone!! :D

[formerpc]

Verizons data plans (http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/store/controller?item=planFirst&action=viewPlanList&sortOption=priceSort&typeId=3&subTypeId=49&catId=448#)

you get this from At&t for 90.00.........99.00 with tax.

Yes, but with Verizon, you get the most reliable network. AT&T so does not have the fewest number of dropped calls. Not saying Verizon does, either, but it sure does a whole lot better than AT&T. (I just had a friend switch from AT&T (she was with them for some years) to Verizon, and she couldn't be happier! FWIW.)

[jimmygb102]

Yes, but with Verizon, you get the most reliable network. AT&T so does not have the fewest number of dropped calls. Not saying Verizon does, either, but it sure does a whole lot better than AT&T. (I just had a friend switch from AT&T (she was with them for some years) to Verizon, and she couldn't be happier! FWIW.)

Put a phone...such as the iPhone.....(that people actually use more often during their day) on verizons network and see how reliable it is. Im not saying it would fail. but has it been tested by a real phone????

[dextermorgan]

I can't see Apple making a CDMA version. Which means the contract will be renewed at least until Apple and big red roll out 4Gs.

Yes Verizon is more expensive. The network is worth it.

I'll stick with BB for now.

[Fraghax]

why is this blog called "Mac Rumors" instead of "iPhone Rumors"?

The "Site" is called Macrumors. The "Thread" you posted in is called a FORUM. Generally means people talk about whatever they see fit. :confused::confused::confused: p.s. Why did you bother posting?

[talkingfuture]

Looks like Apple will be in a fairly strong bargaining position on these negotiations. I wonder if they will get a bigger revenue share this time around.

[jimmygb102]

Looks like Apple will be in a fairly strong bargaining position on these negotiations. I wonder if they will get a bigger revenue share this time around.

there isnt revenue sharing anymore....

[Blue Fox]

I'm hoping they stay exclusive to AT&T. As I stated in another thread, it's what makes the iPhone reliable. Apple knows what the AT&T network is capable of and designed the hardware/software around that. Much like it designs OS X around it's computer hardware and vise versa.

Being proprietary keeps it simple and reliable. When you start throwing 6 different carriers with potentially 6 different hardware variations, you are bound to come up with problems. Not only that, but if a specific carrier's network isn't up to par.......it will make the iPhone seem like the problem and not the network (because people are ignorant and don't realize this).....and then you'll have the iPhone's reliability and image of the "ultimate" phone tarnished......and that's bad for Apple.

[o0samotech0o]

I'm no American, but i'm guessing verizon are a good provider, from all these comments. What makes them better than AT&T?

I want an iPhone, but it's way too expencive right now. It's £30 p/m (for 24 months) lowest here in the UK (with 02) and you also have to pay a one of fee of £100. I really want prices to drop a tad. Maybe they will once the rumored one comes out in the summer?

-Sam

PS. to put that in perspective for you americans heres the total fee:

720 USD including the whole contract payment and no tax w/e. (iphone is free)
You could by a Mac Mini for that, and still have some change left over to buy you around 50 sodas. :(
</rant>

[Aqueus]

Now that Apple has become an established player in the mobile field, they no longer need AT&T. They could become their own cell provider in the US by buying bandwidth from other cell companies (and eventually building out their own cell tower infrastructure).

Being a 3G or 4G Internet & Phone service provider could be a very powerful tool for Apple. It would allow all their mobile Mac's to access the internet anywhere without worrying about WiFi, and would allow Apple to finally grab a share of the TV pie with AppleTV providing live television (news/sports) to compliment iTunes purchased TV shows and Movies.

MobileMe could be extended to function as a control panel for all your Internet, Phone and TV needs. Apple also already has the brick and mortar infrastructure nationwide to begin offering this type of service.

I'm sure this has come up as an option and if I were Apple, I would be considering it seriously.

love it.. Apple takes on the world.. not a bad plan though really :)

[Aqueus]

The "Site" is called Macrumors. The "Thread" you posted in is called a FORUM. Generally means people talk about whatever they see fit. :confused::confused::confused: p.s. Why did you bother posting?

maybe this newbie is trying to get up his posts so he can have an avatar..

[JohnnyLemonhead]

Christ I hope they don't renew so I can get an iPhone through Verizon, my current carrier. I gave up on getting an ATT iPhone a few months back as I got bogged down in their absurd credit/identity program. They actually wanted me to go to a store in person and present them with a photocopy of my driver's license. Given the hassle I was originally going to have to go through to switch carriers I just said screw it. I'll go ahead and get one if they will offer Verizon.

[centauratlas]

have iPhone, stayed with T-mobile USA. works great. :D

You can get one from Australia or other places where they are carrier unlocked and use it here. (Verizon is another matter of course).

Obviously an unlocked USA version would be great, but it isn't the end of the world otherwise.

want iPhone, don't want AT&T. hopefully there is some truth to this.

[3.0 Tester]

i dont want the iphone to go to any other provider.. I LOVE ATT. I nEVER get a dropped call good customer service NEVER EVER had a problem.

Also people who want a verizon phone.. its NEVER going to happen verizon wants to much control over the iphone..apple wont allow it.. they had their chance they blew it..screw them

i hope it stays with att for much longer.. no matter what you guys think or want its not going to happen

[JoeG4]

I had Cingular and the "old" AT&T before that was purchased by Cingular and never cared for either one.

<- has tmobile.

Screw exclusivity. At the end f the day you're dumb if you want it because it's a lose/lose for everyone! Higher costs for AT&T (to keep the exclusivity that will NOT come free), and lower sales for Apple.

[doctor-don]

If you care about competition and what it can do to lower prices, then opening up the market to carriers other than ATT would be best.

Verizon? They are MCI who I fired a year ago when they doubled wired phone charges. If Apple really is serious about cornering the market, then iPhone should be an option with each carrier, not just one. Until then, thanks, but no thanks. It's a cellphone and I do NOT have to have it. I would never be an ATT (Bell) customer - again.

[macaliseme]

Couple of things surprised me:

1) That there is no term limit in which, once you have owned the phone for a given period of time you can then unlock it.

2) Vodafone in NZ you can purchase it out right with no restrictions although given we don't have another GSM/UTMS provider its pretty moot - unless when Telecom NZ move to UTMS - Apple might use NZ has a testing ground for other markets; other companies have used NZ in the past due to its small population and willingness to adopt new technology quickly.

[skik210]

Go To Verizonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn

[Chupa Chupa]

I don't really get why so many people think Verizon is more consumer friendly that other US carriers. Ever noticed how Verizon phones are missing features found in the same model of another carrier? Verizon is more controlling than Apple. Remember, it was Verizon who told Apple to go away when Apple initially presented them with the iPhone opportunity. Since then Verizon's prez has said it STILL would not put the iPhone on its network as it is currently configured.

I'm not saying ATT is fantastic, just that they are no worse than the others. Anyone who isn't buying an iPhone JUST because it's on ATT is silly unless for some reason ATT reception is bad in your area.

I think Apple will go with whatever carrier(s) give it the best deal AND allow Apple to keep control of the phone features and OS.

[kas23]

The iPhone losing its exclusivity will lead to a better user experience. Sure, it may not lead to significantly lower prices, but may lead to more freedom of use. For example, currently AT&T does not allow any streaming or VoIP over its 3G. They do for other phones though (not coincidently, these "other phones" can also be had on different carriers). They can get away with this because the iPhone customers have no choice but to accept these restrictions. However, if the iPhone is offered on another network that does allow these functions, AT&T will have no choice but to change their policy (or have people migrate to another carrier).

[bryantlc]

Just for clarity when they say the contract ends in 2010 does that mean Jan 1, 2010 or Dec 31, 2010?

[phalewhale]

Does anyone know when O2's exculsivity deal will end in Great Britain?

[rdowns]

Just for clarity when they say the contract ends in 2010 does that mean Jan 1, 2010 or Dec 31, 2010?

If in fact that agreement is scheduled to end in 2010 (this is pure speculation at this point), I would imagine it would be on June 30th (or whatever the original launch day was).

[oammi2]

AT&T has every right to have an exclusivity agreement with apple. They helped apple develop the first iPhone as well as the 3G.
The other thing is almost every other country which carries the iPhone, apple has made an exclusivity agreement with one of the carriers.
To those people wanting tethering and voip over 3G, that is not just an AT&T thing. All the U.S. carriers have the same restrictions unless you shell out more cash for the added feature. AT&T has discussed allowing it but with a price. The fact is AT&T was the first one to agree to work with apple in creating a phone, which is why they are exclusive. So don't get mad at apple or AT&T, your feelings should be directed at verizon, T-mobile or one of the other U.S. carriers for not thinking it was a project worth working on.
For the record this information was obtained through both apple and AT&T employees that I know.

[Warbrain]

I hope you're wrong. I'll use an iPhone no matter who the carrier is but since I live in NY, I would prefer Verizon. They have the best reception out there period. They're building LTE where AT&T is still building out 3g. It would also hurt the viable options for an unlocked iPhone considering T-Mobile is just not good enough. There will also be no competition with iPhone data pricing.

Verizon's coverage is best on the East Coast so that's understandable why you would want it. But here in the Midwest and most of the nation at&t is best. Verizon is shoddy here and in most other places with pockets of good reception. at&t is usually good.

The big thing people are missing here with the exclusivity contract is this - there is no other GSM provider in the U.S. that would be able to use the phone with a traditional GSM frequency band for GPRS, EDGE, and 3G. T-Mobile uses an entirely different band that would kill connectivity in most parts of North America. The only viable option is for Apple to remain with at&t. It's just a matter of whether or not it's exclusive to at&t or will Apple be allowed to develop phones for other networks and actively sell them.

I don't really get why so many people think Verizon is more consumer friendly that other US carriers. Ever noticed how Verizon phones are missing features found in the same model of another carrier? Verizon is more controlling than Apple. Remember, it was Verizon who told Apple to go away when Apple initially presented them with the iPhone opportunity. Since then Verizon's prez has said it STILL would not put the iPhone on its network as it is currently configured.

I'm not saying ATT is fantastic, just that they are no worse than the others. Anyone who isn't buying an iPhone JUST because it's on ATT is silly unless for some reason ATT reception is bad in your area.

I think Apple will go with whatever carrier(s) give it the best deal AND allow Apple to keep control of the phone features and OS.

Verizon's actions and desire to control the features of the phone down to the most minute aspects is what drove Apple away from Verizon to at&t. at&t was more than willing to give and take on the iPhone and they most likely will continue to be in order to keep on raking in the money.

[nilk]

If Apple really wants to own the cell phone market, the way they own the portable music player market, then they have to make the iPhone available for all (or at least more) carriers.

[andiwm2003]

apple will not allow anyone have any influence on the iphones hardware and software. if apple decides to go with multiple carriers they will make sure that the iphone experience and use (including music downloads, screen appearance, app store) are EXACTLY the same between carriers. everything else would be completely against apples "make it simple" philosophy.

if stupid verizon is willing to give up their stupid policy of customizing the phone software, locking the phone (not the sim card) to the service, giving up revenue from music sales via phone, simple contract structure, voicemail and all that then there is a chance. and even that has technical problems since verizon is on a different system.

but cell phone companies and thier managers in the US are greedy, stupid and incompetent. just like the music and movie industry.

so I'm not very optimistic that the iPhone will be on verizon. more likely on some smaller carriers that buy bandwith from other companies.

[hashholly]

If Apple really wants to own the cell phone market, the way they own the portable music player market, then they have to make the iPhone available for all (or at least more) carriers.

This assumes that Apple cares about market share, and to a big extent they dont, as an example, i give you OSX.

If Apple sold their macbook for $500.00 they could probably double their market share of OSX overnight, they haven't, and they wont. Apple could allow OSX to be installed on any computer, again their market share of computers runing OSX could easily double, but again they wont. Why? Apple cares about $$ not market share. Right now Apple has a pretty sweet deal with AT&T and i guarantee you that Apple will negotiate for more $$ on those data plans and stay put.

For Apple, this is about $$ and control over their product, and im sure AT&T will do whatever it takes to get as many extensions on exclusivity as they can.

[W1LLk]

AT&T Mobility has stated that they intend on upgrading to LTE as their 4G technology, but will introduce HSUPA and HSPA+ as bridge standards.
("AT&T develops wireless broadband plans". http://www.telecoms.com/itmgcontent/tcoms/news/articles/20017502859.html. Retrieved on 2008-08-25.)

[nefan65]

Verizon's coverage is best on the East Coast so that's understandable why you would want it. But here in the Midwest and most of the nation at&t is best. Verizon is shoddy here and in most other places with pockets of good reception. at&t is usually good.

The big thing people are missing here with the exclusivity contract is this - there is no other GSM provider in the U.S. that would be able to use the phone with a traditional GSM frequency band for GPRS, EDGE, and 3G. T-Mobile uses an entirely different band that would kill connectivity in most parts of North America. The only viable option is for Apple to remain with at&t. It's just a matter of whether or not it's exclusive to at&t or will Apple be allowed to develop phones for other networks and actively sell them.



Verizon's actions and desire to control the features of the phone down to the most minute aspects is what drove Apple away from Verizon to at&t. at&t was more than willing to give and take on the iPhone and they most likely will continue to be in order to keep on raking in the money.

Exactly. It makes no difference to me, as Verizon in my area is horrible anyway. As is Nextel/Sprint. T-Mo was ok, but AT&T is 5 Bars/3G all the time. I do support Verizon and other BlackBerry's for my job. The T-Mo and AT&T are fine, but the Verizon BB [relatively the same model; 8800] is downright ugly. Both in looks, and use IMHO. I mean T-Mo and AT&T add their own theme, but the Verizon is that awful VZ menu system, etc. I'd hate to spend $200 or $300 on a new iPhone/VZ, only to find out mine has some crippled, ugly menu on it.

[L3X]

Verizon easily Trumps AT&Ts more bars in more places.

I was on Verizon for about 4 years and NEVER lost service in my area, Virginia Beach / Norfolk, VA area.

I lose service with AT&T every so often, and specifically in buildings.

[gibbz]

Verizon easily Trumps AT&Ts more bars in more places in my particular location.


Fixed that for you :)

[squirrellydw]

Please bring it to Verizon, this will get a lot more people on it. And yes they would make it for CDMA, remember they wanted to go to Verizon first.

[Xenious]

I hope you're wrong. I'll use an iPhone no matter who the carrier is but since I live in NY, I would prefer Verizon. They have the best reception out there period. They're building LTE where AT&T is still building out 3g. It would also hurt the viable options for an unlocked iPhone considering T-Mobile is just not good enough. There will also be no competition with iPhone data pricing.

I hope he's right. The problem here in the US is the splintered mobile cellular technologies. UK and Europe are much better that they only have one cellular technology and instead carriers differentiate by value added services. We should instead move Verizon and Sprint to GSM family technologies.

[W1LLk]

Verizon's coverage is best on the East Coast so that's understandable why you would want it. But here in the Midwest and most of the nation at&t is best. Verizon is shoddy here and in most other places with pockets of good reception. at&t is usually good.


I agree, I live in San Antonio and friends of mine always complain about their Verizon coverage. It doesn't help their case either that AT&T was headquartered here for a while (now in Dallas) so the AT&T infrastructure in Texas is pretty strong. The company I work for has also had AT&T throw up new antennas and 3G/HSUPA and HSPA+ boxes.

My point is that anywhere you go, opinions and coverage are going to vary. So regardless of living in the largest US city, or the 7th largest, it all boils down with who makes the sexiest deal with Apple.

[Sehnsucht]

But AT&T's exclusive deal to carry the iPhone in the U.S. expires next year, according to people familiar with the matter, and Mr. Stephenson is now in discussions with Apple Inc. to get an extension until 2011.

Yeah, I bet he is. :D

yeah but even if AT&T contract does expire verizon customers still wouldn't be able to utilize because of the sim card situation Verizon Wireless uses CDMA which does not use SIM Cards. GSM like AT&T and T-Mobile are the only ones that use SIM Cards. wouldn't verizon have to go to a GSM setup

Or the next iPhone could be a GSM/CDMA "hybrid" handset like the "World-Edition" BlackBerrys. This seems like the most likely route (or at least the one that makes the most sense) but who knows if they'll do it? :cool:

So regardless of living in the largest US city, or the 7th largest, it all boils down with who makes the sexiest deal with Apple.

Nobody makes deals with Apple, Apple makes deals with YOU. :D

[W1LLk]

I hope he's right. The problem here in the US is the splintered mobile cellular technologies. UK and Europe are much better that they only have one cellular technology and instead carriers differentiate by value added services. We should instead move Verizon and Sprint to GSM family technologies.

Exactly, and thats the goal of the 3GPP (LTE) initiative, to standardize and increase the strength of wireless technology using internet based protocal--all-IP flat architecture system. The best part is that MOST (if not all the major) carriers in the US are upgrading from GSM/HSPA to the new LTE at some point.

[shiseiryu1]

Apple needs to make them bend on things for the privilege to exclusively carry the iphone.

-Tethering
-VOiP on 3G
-Sling Player

I totally agree with this. Apple probably won't get VOIP or Sling...but at least they could get AT&T to bend on tethering. I mean, come'on...we're paying for the data plan anyways...stop trying to double-charge us AT&T! Put the squeeze on them Apple!

[W1LLk]

Nobody makes deals with Apple, Apple makes deals with YOU. :D

:p True, but thats why I said "sexiest", because there must be some wooing involved. Somebody at AT&T said something right last time go get the deal. I don't think Apple flipped a 6 sided D&D dice and just picked a carrier regardless of terms.

But good point! :apple:

[Sehnsucht]

Vodafone in NZ you can purchase it out right with no restrictions although given we don't have another GSM/UTMS provider its pretty moot - unless when Telecom NZ move to UTMS - Apple might use NZ has a testing ground for other markets; other companies have used NZ in the past due to its small population and willingness to adopt new technology quickly.

:eek: :eek:

*buys an airline ticket to New Zealand*

:D

[dlewis23]

I don't get why so many people have a problem with AT&T.

I've been with them for about 4 years now and have never had a single problem when calling them. I don't really have any network problems unless I travel to Detroit (:mad:). The 4 times I have to call them they are always nice and fix what ever I'm calling about right away.

I called about a week ago because my bill was about $30 higher for some international calls that I did not make and they took that off right away and for my trouble they gave me a $25 credit.

[polobruce]

I hope they don't renew the exclusive.. AT&T Service sucks, I get dropped calls all the time, very slow internet speed, sometimes my phone doesn't ring at all or I get sms messages hours later.

AT&T Prices are expensive and the service sucks....

I want a choice of providers.

[sarge]

I have been none too crazy about AT&T's service. Whether we're talking customer service or coverage they are pretty lame. I went to London last year and they kept charging me the extra data plan even after I cancelled it. It took me 3 phone calls and a visit to a store to resolve the issue.

I recently went to Puerto Rico and the coverage was decent - I was happy that I didn't have to pay roaming charges because I was still on the AT&T network. Still, I'll be happy to see the competition.

[maccam05]

Please make this phone work on Verizon's network!

I'm not a fan of any particular telecom (they all have the MBA-sleeze factor). BUT...the AT&T network is clearly inferior to Verizon's. My wife and I had 1rst generation iPhones, but kept our Verizon cellphones at the same time. We are so glad we did.

I live in the suburbs of a geographically flat midwestern city of 1 million population. You couldn't ask for a better place for good wireless quality, but AT&T found a way to drop voice calls, and the EDGE was practically useless (speed wasn't the issue...it simply did not work frequently). The dream of whipping this neat little device out, and checking the weather, a website, etc. was such a pain I found myself just not doing it anymore.

Trips to rural parts of the state were much worse, where AT&T had huge coverage holes while the trusty Verizon phones worked fine.

We both turned in our iPhones, and passed on the 3G model because a friend and relative both got them, and had big problems with AT&T's 3G coverage.

Now, add to this all the features the iPhone COULD have like tethering, streaming, video chats, etc., but it can't because it would bring down AT&T's fragile network. The iPhone is being held back because of the network, and I just don't have confidence that AT&T will spend the $billions to catch up.

Please open this device up to Verizon before this is all irrelevent (i.e., other phones catch up to, or surpass, the iPhone).

[W1LLk]

:eek: :eek:

*buys an airline ticket to New Zealand*

:D

Be warned, you a terrible reception in Rohan. Even worse in the mines of Moria.

[iPhoneNYC]

Provider service varies across this huge country. ATT works in some parts and doesn't work in others. ATT, while profiting from the iPhone, has done an active job of improving service where service is poor. The best solution is to have multiple providers and let local consumers choose. What good is the coolest phone if you service sucks?

[Mjmar]

A lot of cell phone makers will be unhappy if the iPhone comes to their network...

[W1LLk]

Provider service varies across this huge country. ATT works in some parts and doesn't work in others. ATT, while profiting from the iPhone, has done an active job of improving service where service is poor. The best solution is to have multiple providers and let local consumers choose. What good is the coolest phone if you service sucks?

No, the best solution is to own a different cell phone from each carrier, and switch them out when you travel around town or between cities. Imagine how cool you'll look with a huge buldge in your pocket, and you can just say your happy.

[Sehnsucht]

:p True, but thats why I said "sexiest", because there must be some wooing involved. Somebody at AT&T said something right last time go get the deal. I don't think Apple flipped a 6 sided D&D dice and just picked a carrier regardless of terms.

But good point! :apple:

Well actually, (or at least this is how a guy I know who works for Verizon explained it to me) Apple came to Verizon with the deal first and Verizon literally told them to ***** OFF...apparently Verizon was afraid of having their VCast Music Store (where music goes for like 2 bucks per song, which once downloaded, can't be pried loose from the phone with a crowbar) :eek: annihilated by the iPhone's iTunes Store which has a much wider selection of music at $0.99 per track. The guy said, "But the iPhone is really cool...I think if Verizon had known how successful it was going to be, we would have accepted it in a heartbeat." Well, yeah, who would say no to big huge piles of cash? :rolleyes: I guess Verizon learned a painful lesson on being too arrogant. :apple:

I'm in the middle of a two-year contract with Verizon, and if Apple made a CDMA iPhone for Verizon, I'd snap it up IN A FREAKING INSTANT! :eek: :D

[kgeier82]

I have had no problems with ATT in the last 3 years, ill stay with them. GSM is the future anyways.

Not to mention it seems everyone ignores how much worse CDMA phones battery life is. Iphone no thanks.

[AtHomeBoy_2000]

Chant with me now:
Ver...i... zon!
Ver...i... zon!
Ver...i... zon!
Ver...i... zon!

[W1LLk]

Chant with me now:
Ver...i... zon!
Ver...i... zon!
Ver...i... zon!
Ver...i... zon!

I would, but I like AT&T too much to see that smug Verizon guy with the nerd glasses holding an iPhone.

[color guy]

I had to hold my breath and sign up with at&t.

terrible reception and very expensive.

I'm tired of being overcharged for cell phone service.

I'd be back on verizon in a second, also.

[ivladster]

I hope apple stays with ATT and maybe change some plans and be more flexible. I like ATT.

[twoodcc]

at&t is fine with me, but it would be nice to have choices

[The Barron]

I'd LOVE to see Verizon get a shot at offering iPhone service, seeing as AT & T's service is horrible here. Verizon is the only consistent carrier for solid "drop & echo free" service in the entire county where I reside in CA.

Game on! :cool:

[Stately]

I am not one to argue, but I will on this. AT&T is ridiculous. They have had a phone for 3 years EXCLUSIVELY, 3 years! Does anyone else not see that as ridiculous? Since when does a phone company get to keep exclusive rights to a device for so long, in a field where people usually have carrier choices to makes their lives easier? I refuse to go back to my phone until they have some other carriers. I don't say this for arguments sake, I say it because everyone at AT&T is getting robbed, plain and simple. I looove my iphone, but people have fallen into the hype to the point where they are blind it seems. $90 a month for a regular plan which always manages to go over somehow?!? No way buddy, Apple definitely has to do better this time around. It's time for that ol' snip-snip Apple. You have made them far more than enough dough. :mad: . . . . :cool:

[Stately]

A lot of cell phone makers will be unhappy if the iPhone comes to their network...

Yeah well, if they put in the time and consideration in regards to features, OS, ease of use and making all of it as convenient and user friendly as possible i.e. (visual voicemail) and thought about aesthetics too, they wouldn't have a problem. Apple cares about the customer mostly, isn't that why we all flock lol?

[Warbrain]

Verizon will not pick up the iPhone. It's not worth alienating the customer base at this point. Just because some people whine and complain about wanting it to be on Verizon doesn't mean it's the best decision. I would rather have an iPhone on a stable at&t network now as they bolster the 3G network than deal with an iPhone that'll be dual-network as it'll need a CDMA and GSM radio to work with Verizon's network as they switch from CDMA to a GSM-evolution network in LTE (I know it's not exactly in the GSM tree but it doesn't follow the CDMA evolution).

Also, LTE won't be fully mature for years. Yes, it'll be up next year with Verizon but it's not going to be worth using until a few years down the road.

[dogzilla]

Personally, I see effectively no difference between T-Mobile, Verizon and AT&T, and I think Apple approaches it the same way. Perhaps in a few areas there are coverage differences, but on the whole (and this is how a worldwide company like Apple would see it), they all suck equally. Remember Jobs' description of cell providers as "orifices"? That's still as apt today as it was when he first said it.

What Apple has done is huge - they've effectively commoditized the cell providers. The iPhone needs a particular set of services bundled in a particular way - you either provide them and get the phone or you don't and you don't. Verizon had the opportunity and turned it down, and they've paid dearly for their stupidity. You can bet they're coming on bended knee to Apple now, but I don't see Apple offering exclusivity to anyone new - either they extend AT&T's exclusivity, or they allow anyone whose network is "iPhone ready" to sell it, or they dump all the carriers altogether and resell their own service.

The last is, to me, the most interesting option, because frankly, there is no way that Apple could do a worse job than the current cell carriers and would almost certainly do a much better job in every respect, on top of which they would offer true innovation in the services they offered instead of true innovation in how to screw customers, which is all existing cell providers seem to be able to do.

[Stately]

Honestly, our bills should generally be more in the $55 range with data and should work it's way up from there depending on how much of what you need. If companies as a whole were more honest and fair, they should actually start off much lower than that, including everything and then working their way up. What I mean is people really should have REAL choices instead of all this pigeonholing to squeeze money from us. Carriers should really look at PEEK mobile as an example. Believe me, the would make more money in the long run, because people would have no reason to leave. I guess greed is prevalent nowadays.

[Warbrain]

The market is not right for Apple to now start their own cell service, either as a MVNO or their own true service. Save the cash, do it later if desired.

Here's the other thing that nixes them moving to another GSM provider - T-Mobile: their 3G network is poor.

Verizon would have to develop and install the necessary architecture to support many of the iPhone's features.

Sprint is dead in the water and in love with Palm...silly move.

[techfreak85]

remember all you people who say u like ATT, apple isnt going to leave them, just expand to other carriers.

and its also possilbe a little selfish to say u hope it stays ATT only when many others cant have/dont want ATT. good. then u can stay with them. :cool:

[darthraige]

Come on Apple, you can make a ton more money if you expand to other networks like, VERIZON! :mad:

[PlaceofDis]

i see a lot of verizon talk, but they had a chance already and they shot down the chance to be the exclusive carrier in the US. if any other carrier would get the phone after AT&T it would be T-Mobile since they have a GSM network as well. then maybe apple would consider a CDMA port of the phone. maybe.

but i thought that the exclusiveness was for five years, and this was back in 07, so wouldn't that mean that AT&T are safe until 2012? hmmm wonder if things changed when they changed from a revenue sharing to subsidized model.

[Warbrain]

Come on Apple, you can make a ton more money if you expand to other networks like, VERIZON! :mad:

And again, east coast bias. Verizon sucks in most other parts of the country.

[Stately]

Personally, or they dump all the carriers altogether and resell their own service.

The last is, to me, the most interesting option, because frankly, there is no way that Apple could do a worse job than the current cell carriers and would almost certainly do a much better job in every respect, on top of which they would offer true innovation in the services they offered instead of true innovation in how to screw customers, which is all existing cell providers seem to be able to do.

Now that, sounds about right to me. Apple should definitely do something like this. I think it would be the perfect step for Apple as they would have complete control over all they do from start to finish. Also they do and always have made quality products and have looked out for the customer first and foremost. I think that they would be extremely fair with regards to pricing plans if they were to take your suggestion up. :cool:

[Stately]

The market is not right for Apple to now start their own cell service, either as a MVNO or their own true service. Save the cash, do it later if desired.



Maybe so, but they definitely need to sometime. I really see them in that arena, it just makes sense.

[nxent]

should be interesting to see what apple does here... at this point i think it's clear at&t needs apple much more than apple needs at&t-

and yeh, i've been less than impressed with at&t's service-

[maccam05]

It would be easy to read this long thread and come away with the impression that all the wireless carriers have problems, so what's the big deal? Folks, I can't emphasize this enough...AT&T's network is like really, really, bad (compared to Verizon). I not only base this on my 1-1/2 year experience with AT&T here in Columbus, but also my sister who lived in Louisville, KY, but moved to Washington DC. Same spotty 3G coverage and dropped calls in both places. My brother-in-law in Denver travels for his job and actually needs wireless. He dropped AT&T after a few months. I honestly cannot remember the last dropped call I've had on Verizon. Seriously...it's that rare.

I suspect this whole issue will go away on its own in a year or two. the iPhone will not be king-of-the-hill forever, and there will be some viable (or even superior) alternatives coming our way, but on a better network. When this happens, will we actually hear the whooshing sound of AT&T wireless customers jumping ship?

[bedifferent]

I would, but I like AT&T too much to see that smug Verizon guy with the nerd glasses holding an iPhone.

Ditto on that. As an ex-Verizon customer of almost a decade, I can honestly state Verizon is NOT the best mobile phone service provider. In fact, I lost count of how many times Verizon screwed me on my bills. The last straw was Verizon inability to modify my plan after I phoned and spoke with customer service representatives who assured me that the changes would take effect on my next bill. The next bill came and my charges were close to $500. After phoning Verizon they claimed no one had been informed of any changes. The last time I recorded the conversation with the representative, and when accused (politely) Verizon denied it and claimed "I" had no right to phone the conversation without informing the other party. Nice eh. After the third time in a row, I broke my contract and never looked back.

Also, does anyone recall the Motorola v710 fiasco? Yeah, I do. Verizon sold the new Motorola phone as advertised with full functionality. When asked about Bluetooth, I was assured numerous times that full Bluetooth support would be implemented. Well, I got the phone home only to discover that Verizon crippled ObEx on the phone in order to charge customers use of their "Get it Now" service. When asked about this move, Verizon stated it was in their interest to utilize this service as first, they claimed it was because bluetooth was not a secure feature and secondly as "Get it Now" would be easier for customers to utilize. The result: Verizon faced dozens of lawsuits, one large one in California, resulting in them having to pay millions in court settlements. I switched to then Cingular years ago as they did not cripple any of their phones. I has the Motorola RAZR for years and loved it. Plus, with rollover I NEVER go over my monthly plan, and have thousands of any time minutes left if I were to exceed my monthly limit.

Lastly, Verizon doesn't even offer a full GSM network. Sure, they have a few dual band phones, but their rates are even more exorbitant that AT&T's. So Again, why do people love Verizon so much?

[fishkorp]

Never had Verizon, but was on Sprint before the switch to the iPhone....

In my area (DC/MD/VA) I think I would be better served by maybe Verizon in the end.

But in the end I think that having the ability to choose between ATT, Verizon, TMobile, and Sprint could lead to lower pricing for services....

Everywhere I go between Baltimore and DC I rarely have less than 3 bars (except this one small stretch near I95 for about 1/4 mile). Most places, including my house, is full 3G signal all the time. T-Mobile was horrendous when I had them here. Can't compare Verizon or Sprint, but I am VERY happy with AT&T coverage here.

[ProwlingTiger]

Given that AT&T has never issued an OS update to the iPhone, or any kind of update for that matter, I don't think that will be an issue.

The only thing AT&T does with the iPhone is give it service and tell customers what they can't do with their phones. I know that any other carrier that may carry the iPhone will be doing the same thing.

There won't be some Windows Mobile looking crap os on the iPhone, EVER.

And that is something Verizon will never agree upon, I fear. I could see them trying to get a CDMA version with less functionality. From a Verizon user perspective, the iPhone-AT&T concept is revitalizing.

[nefan65]

And again, east coast bias. Verizon sucks in most other parts of the country.

I live in Northern New England, and Verizon in my area is horrible. AT&T gives me 5 Bars and 3G all the time.

I always chuckle at the Verizon commercial when the Verizon guy says "You have 3G here" and waves his arm around. I know the map isn't in my area, but if it were, he'd have to say "You have 3G here, but not here, or here, kinda spotty there, definitely not here, but ok here..." :D

[bedifferent]

It would be easy to read this long thread and come away with the impression that all the wireless carriers have problems, so what's the big deal? Folks, I can't emphasize this enough...AT&T's network is like really, really, bad (compared to Verizon).

I do not agree. I had Verizon (see my post below) for over a decade, and then switched to Cingular/At&t. Both were good in NYC (were I lived) and both were good in upstate NY. However, I had terrible service experiences with Verizon when traveling to others parts of the country (and of course Verizon did not offer international services capabilities with their phones, and only does now with a few select dual band handsets). I have had little to no issues with At&t's service, neither with the 2G or 3G iPhone. With At&t's rollover minutes, I have never gone over my monthly plan. I also find their customer service representatives to be much friendlier and knowledgeable. With the exception of Apple's insistence on crippling the iPhone's Bluetooth ObEx, At&t doesn't cripple their handsets as Verizon does in order to charge customers extra fees. Sorry, my friends and family will never return to Verizon.

[GregND]

AT&T will not sell a plan in much of the middle of the country. I would have switched in a heartbeat to get an iphone but they refused to let me buy one. Maybe this will be my opportunity?

All I ask is that Apple allow carriers in all corners of the US to carry an iphone. It's been terrible to deny this device to all of us out of reach of AT&T's corporate cell towers.

[powers74]

I have no problems with AT&T. They all suck equally for what its worth.

Exactly

All the iPhone being exclusive to AT&T is doing is making other companies pay out to get hi-end exclusive phones. It is not forcing manufacturers to produce a better phone. That will happen even if the iPhone is offered by every single wireless company.

Exactly. Besides that, you'd think plan rates would come down as well if iPhone spread to other carriers. Now that they all have "an iPhone" maybe not.


Now that Apple has become an established player in the mobile field, they no longer need AT&T. They could become their own cell provider in the US by buying bandwidth from other cell companies (and eventually building out their own cell tower infrastructure).

Being a 3G or 4G Internet & Phone service provider could be a very powerful tool for Apple. It would allow all their mobile Mac's to access the internet anywhere without worrying about WiFi, and would allow Apple to finally grab a share of the TV pie with AppleTV providing live television (news/sports) to compliment iTunes purchased TV shows and Movies.

MobileMe could be extended to function as a control panel for all your Internet, Phone and TV needs. Apple also already has the brick and mortar infrastructure nationwide to begin offering this type of service.

I'm sure this has come up as an option and if I were Apple, I would be considering it seriously.


I don't doubt for a second that this is how they are wanting to play. They're just getting their cards in order.

[FoxyKaye]

Let it go, AT&T, so that better carriers can offer the iPhone.

[slffl]

While I hate all cellphone companies because of their support for the right-wing, I hate Verizon the worst. They give the most money to Republicans.

Hey, AT&T gave Apple a shot while Verizon said 'screw you!' (probably because their tech guys are the usual anti-Apple zealots). I'm all for keeping it exclusive to AT&T.

[RaZaK]

yeah but even if AT&T contract does expire verizon customers still wouldn't be able to utilize because of the sim card situation Verizon Wireless uses CDMA which does not use SIM Cards. GSM like AT&T and T-Mobile are the only ones that use SIM Cards. wouldn't verizon have to go to a GSM setup

I'm sure the potential profit margins from selling to Verizon and Sprint customers will spur Apple to develop a CDMA-based iPhone; that's assuming Apple doesn't have the designs in place either from its earlier prototyping or from preparation to use other carriers in 2010. :D

[kdarling]

...The last straw was Verizon inability to modify my plan after I phoned and spoke with customer service representatives ...

It's a lot easier to just change your plan on the web. Verizon lets you do that (and register phones) as much as you'd like.

Also, does anyone recall the Motorola v710 fiasco? Yeah, I do.

Wait. So you are one of those still pulling up the time that Verizon left out OBEX in one of their dumbphones... and yet you bought an iPhone in which Apple had crippled Bluetooth FAR, FAR MORE than anything Verizon ever did ?

Sorry, but these old anti-Verizon stories are getting worn out. Especially ones where people bring up the common Verizon dumbphone UI (which they don't apply to smartphones).

You can tell who's had smartphones for years, and who's only had dumbphones.

[bedifferent]

While I hate all cellphone companies because of their support for the right-wing, I hate Verizon the worst. They give the most money to Republicans.

Hey, AT&T gave Apple a shot while Verizon said 'screw you!' (probably because their tech guys are the usual anti-Apple zealots). I'm all for keeping it exclusive to AT&T.

I do my best to conduct business with companies that stay out of politics, especially after so many that donated millions to defeat equal rights by supporting Prop 8 in California (and other similar measures in Arizona and Florida). I was extremely disappointed to learn that more multi-million/billion dollar companies such as The Home Depot, Dominos (owned by a right wing conservative), Urban Outfitters, etc. have donated the most money towards politics and the most money towards the RNC. I do not believe that publicly traded companies should be placing earnings towards politics, however it's their company. As such, they will not have my business (and before any one jumps/assumes, I am a moderate and I also do not approve of companies funding Democratic causes).

[iMacoo7]

I hope Apple realizes that there are a lot of us who would like to have an iPhone but find the monthly data plan prohibitive. I really hope they negotiate some plan flexibility so that I can finally carry one item instead of an iPod Touch and a crappy AT&T phone.

I know I am dreaming, so please no responses to that effect... :)

Actually you are not dreaming my friend. ATT will be lowering the data plans sometime between June - August,
This is to attract more subscribers as well as keep consumers happy.
Allot of Carriers have been said to be "lowering" their plans a wee bit ,
the biggest complaint most have is that the iphone's data plan has gone up and for those who do not live in 3G coverage area (Like myself) are paying for a service that they cannot use.
That being said, From a few reports from a few good friends that are up on the totem pole within the ATT organization have said that there will be some sort of plan pricing adjustment here in the near future.

[bedifferent]

Wait. So you are one of those still pulling up the time that Verizon left out OBEX in one of their dumbphones... and yet you bought an iPhone in which Apple had crippled Bluetooth FAR, FAR MORE than anything Verizon ever did ?

Sorry, but these old anti-Verizon stories are getting worn out. Especially ones where people bring up the common Verizon dumbphone UI (which they don't apply to smartphones).

You can tell who's had smartphones for years, and who's only had dumbphones.

Sorry, no. When I purchased the Motorola v710 from Verizon in 2005, I was informed numerous times that ObEx would not be crippled. Selling a device with false advertising was NOT my fault. It was not advertised as a Smartphone so what do smart phones have to do with this? I have had Palm devices so no, I am not "knew" to smart phones. As other mobile phone providers sold the same phone with full Bluetooth support it was obviously a business decision with Verizon. As such, if it truly was not Verizon's fault, then why did they lose dozens of court cases and millions in settlements? I knew the iPhone did not support ObEx when I purchased it, however I also knew iTunes would allow music and photo's on the device so I would not need ObEx.

Why the acerbic tone? Is this a personal issue for you?

[RaZaK]

While I hate all cellphone companies because of their support for the right-wing, I hate Verizon the worst. They give the most money to Republicans.

Hey, AT&T gave Apple a shot while Verizon said 'screw you!' (probably because their tech guys are the usual anti-Apple zealots). I'm all for keeping it exclusive to AT&T.

I didn't realize Verizon was pro-Bush :mad:. In spite of their political affiliations and crappy attitudes, they do have the best network hands-down. i travel all over the country for work, and when I'm in the most remote places, my co-workers have no service with their networks while I'm at least roaming like a champ on my Verizon Crackberry.

So, my work phone is Verizon while my personal phone is an iPhone. i would personally love Verizon to get the iPhone so that I can have just one device and get all my work and personal communication in one device.

[vision85]

1st time posting here.

I had Verizon for the longest time. That's all my family ever used to rely on. That was when I was 16. I never had a 3G phone but I loved the call quality of it. I also loved the fact that I had bars in most basements and could actually hear the calls decently (not perfectly).

I'm now 23, and about 2 months ago, went into a Mac store, played with an iPhone and fell in love with it. Now I'm with AT&T.

I had a tough decision to make, I WAS a Verizon fanboy before. I still like them, but I loved the iPhone more, and I've also heard MANY bad stories about AT&T before. But again, love of the phone just made me switch.

The funny thing is that, I don't regret it. AT&T service isn't bad at all for me. I don't get the most number of bars as I used to with Verizon BUT they are there and I can communicate if I need to.

Would I still prefer Verizon? YES!!! But as of right now, I'm happy with AT&T.

[mccldwll]

It would be easy to read this long thread and come away with the impression that all the wireless carriers have problems, so what's the big deal? Folks, I can't emphasize this enough...AT&T's network is like really, really, bad (compared to Verizon). I not only base this on my 1-1/2 year experience with AT&T here in Columbus, but also my sister who lived in Louisville, KY, but moved to Washington DC. Same spotty 3G coverage and dropped calls in both places. My brother-in-law in Denver travels for his job and actually needs wireless. He dropped AT&T after a few months. I honestly cannot remember the last dropped call I've had on Verizon. Seriously...it's that rare.

I suspect this whole issue will go away on its own in a year or two. the iPhone will not be king-of-the-hill forever, and there will be some viable (or even superior) alternatives coming our way, but on a better network. When this happens, will we actually hear the whooshing sound of AT&T wireless customers jumping ship?


The above poster signed on today to make a couple anti-AT&T comments, which at the moment equals a couple anti-iPhone comments. Why do these people bother. These attacks are way too coordinated.

[nefan65]

I didn't realize Verizon was pro-Bush :mad:. In spite of their political affiliations and crappy attitudes, they do have the best network hands-down. i travel all over the country for work, and when I'm in the most remote places, my co-workers have no service with their networks while I'm at least roaming like a champ on my Verizon Crackberry.

So, my work phone is Verizon while my personal phone is an iPhone. i would personally love Verizon to get the iPhone so that I can have just one device and get all my work and personal communication in one device.

How can anyone say this carrier is the best, handsdown, or that carrier is the best, handsdown? It's such a global statement, with absolutely no way to back that up, other than "This one is the best, because I use it/like it". Maybe they're the best, handsdown for you, in your location. However, I think Verizon is horrible. They have little to coverage where I live. Their plans are outrageously high [compare a BB Verizon, unlimited data plan to say T-Mobile BB unlimited data] compared some carriers.

Get the phone/carrier that best suits your needs/location. But saying any of these are the best is crazy. Unless someone has traveled across the country, using all carriers, with different phones, then a comment like that is bogus...

[chinarider]

I miss verizon...

[Plutonius]

Verizon has CDMA and they are never going to let Apple tell them what they can do. Please stop the talk about the iPhone on Verizon. It's never going to happen.

[Digital Skunk]

And that is something Verizon will never agree upon, I fear. I could see them trying to get a CDMA version with less functionality. From a Verizon user perspective, the iPhone-AT&T concept is revitalizing.

At that point, I would hope Apple would never cave in.

Verizon hopefully has learned it's lesson. When Appple knocks, open the F*#@ing door, poor drinks and turn on the soft soothing music while providing back rub to Steve Jobs.

[Blue Fox]

I don't get why so many people have a problem with AT&T.

I've been with them for about 4 years now and have never had a single problem when calling them. I don't really have any network problems unless I travel to Detroit (:mad:). The 4 times I have to call them they are always nice and fix what ever I'm calling about right away.

I called about a week ago because my bill was about $30 higher for some international calls that I did not make and they took that off right away and for my trouble they gave me a $25 credit.

I agree with you 100%. I've NEVER had an issue with AT&T or it's service. I'm actually quite happy with AT&T. I had Verizon before and to be honest, really never had that big of an issue with them either, but I can't say I miss them.

Most people who complain about AT&T have never had it, they just hear someone else complain (who probably never had it either) and they figure they'd jump on the bandwagon. But, I'm naturally an easy going guy that doesn't act like every other customer on the face of the planet that complains about wanting everything, but not wanting to pay for it. The iPhone is a PREMIUM phone, not an entry level phone......so we all can't expect to pay entry level prices for it.

[Harun]

Absolutely, I'd prefer T-Mobile though, I like their customer service and they don't seem to want to nickel-and-dime me to death like Verizon.

I'd be all over a T-Mobile pre-pay plan. However I think there is only about a 1% chance of it happening. I won't do business with AT&T's cell phone division.

Apple could care less about what AT&T get's out of the deal. They want to sell a bunch of phones where they can sell a bunch of apps. While I think they will renew it a year, after that I highly doubt iPhones will be exclusive to AT&T.

To the poster above I HAVE had AT&T through work and personally had Cingular, it was a disaster. If you don't mind simply paying them tons of money I guess it is a fine option for you.

[Digital Skunk]

I agree with you 100%. I've NEVER had an issue with AT&T or it's service. I'm actually quite happy with AT&T. I had Verizon before and to be honest, really never had that big of an issue with them either, but I can't say I miss them.

Most people who complain about AT&T have never had it, they just hear someone else complain (who probably never had it either) and they figure they'd jump on the bandwagon. But, I'm naturally an easy going guy that doesn't act like every other customer on the face of the planet that complains about wanting everything, but not wanting to pay for it. The iPhone is a PREMIUM phone, not an entry level phone......so we all can't expect to pay entry level prices for it.

I agree, but sometimes the complaints are legit.

And for some it's more about the missing features and services. For me, it's insurance. For others, it's tethering. Then someone may have some other features as well.

[Digital Skunk]

Apple could care less about what AT&T get's out of the deal. They want to sell a bunch of phones where they can sell a bunch of apps. While I think they will renew it a year, after that I highly doubt iPhones will be exclusive to AT&T.

I honestly don't think it will matter by that time. Apple won't be inundating the cell market with iPhone's like they did with the iPod at all this time.

And to be honest, without derailing the thread into an "X" phone vs. iPhone thread, the competitors caught up pretty quick with the "Same functionality in different package phones." Since not everyone is a Mobile Me or Mac user, some people will find the other options "OKAY" enough to forget about owning the iPhone.

[iPhoneNYC]

Before my iPhone I had a Razr that I could shop around and get what was best for me in my part of the country: why can't I do the same with the new iPhone??? Also, the new iPhone will have possible options like tethering or VOIP over 3G that the prices would come down if there were competition or something like VOIP over 3G/Edge could be allowed. Some people want subsidies some want lower monthly bills - let the loyal Apple customer decide. Oh, and by the way, ATT is the devil.

[NoExpectations]

1. The quality of your Wireless Service is dependant on local factors. All carriers have good and bad coverage areas. Hence, for every person complaining about AT&T, there is another person complaining about Verizon.

2. All carriers have exclusive contracts with cell phone manufacturers. This benefits both parties. Carriers can attract new customers (who may want to switch) and the manufacturers can achieve a larger "kickback" from a sole provider. If every carrier sold the same phone, the "kickback" would be far less.

3. Please remember, the higher the "kickback", the more the customer will pay (in monthly service fees).....he $s have to come from somewhere. So, in the end, the customer will pay more...which is why Fact 2 (above) exists.

4. Supply/demand impacts exclusive carrier contracts. If Apple can only make a certain amount of phones each year (a factory can only make so many) and if all of them can be sold via a single carrier (within a specific country), then why would Apple open up to more carriers (and end up with a smaller "kickback")?

5. Someone at Verizon committed the Business Blunder of the Decade by rejecting the iPhone offer from Apple. Apple approached Verizon first. Verizon said no.

[kdarling]

As other mobile phone providers sold the same phone with full Bluetooth support it was obviously a business decision with Verizon. As such, if it truly was not Verizon's fault, then why did they lose dozens of court cases and millions in settlements?

I totally agree that they were right to get in trouble for leaving it out and not adjusting their specs accordingly.

But it has nothing to do with Verizon and smartphones, which is the topic. To discuss it, we need pertinent facts and history about smartphones, not dumphones.

Verizon doesn't radically modify WM or RIM smartphone UIs. They don't remove WiFi. (Although the casual viewer can make that mistake because of GSM versions of a phone that have it, whereas CDMA versions might not.) They don't cripple Bluetooth, unlike Apple which left out stereo, keyboard/mouse, serial, data exchange and other BT profiles.

Verizon HAS often crippled smartphone GPS (a policy they claim to be reversing). They've been known to lower the amount of RAM/ROM. And they take darned near forever to certify new models. These are valid concerns.

Sprint would probably be a better choice for a first CDMA iPhone. They're desperate and they like to pile on features.

[nefan65]

Apple could care less about what AT&T get's out of the deal. They want to sell a bunch of phones where they can sell a bunch of apps. While I think they will renew it a year, after that I highly doubt iPhones will be exclusive to AT&T.

To the poster above I HAVE had AT&T through work and personally had Cingular, it was a disaster. If you don't mind simply paying them tons of money I guess it is a fine option for you.

Again, another personal experience, with global implications. "I had this, and it was horrible, so it has to be horrible for everyone else too, right?"

At a previous employer, part of my IT responsibilities included supporting BlackBerry's. We had all the carriers, because of a large sales force that traveled all over, and were located across the U.S. Of all those, AT&T and T-Mo were the easiest to work with. They never had an issue with returns, licensing [BB], etc. Yet every time someone walked in with a Verizon or Sprint BB, and said they had a problem, we all cringed. Returns were difficult, customer service was abysmal, and created frustration for all involved.

My point? Others will have the exact opposite experience. Again, if it works for you, good. If not, find another product that will better suit your needs...

[skellener]

I'd love to see the iPhone on T-Mobile. For me, I have never had a single issue with T-Mobile. It has always worked fine here in L.A. for me. Probably some of the best customer service of any company I have ever had. Reasonable plans too. The main reason I do NOT have an iPhone - AT&T. I really do NOT want to ditch T-Mobile.

[bedifferent]

I totally agree that they were right to get in trouble for leaving it out and not adjusting their specs accordingly.

But it has nothing to do with Verizon and smartphones, which is the topic. To discuss it, we need pertinent facts and history about smartphones, not dumphones.

Sorry, but this thread is not about smartphones only, the issue is mobile service providers. As the topic is discussing AT&T's exclusivity with regards to the iPhone, the topic of Verizon, T-Mobile and/or Sprint providing mobile service for the iPhone is being discussed. Additionally, when does any topic have to be dictated to personal wants?


Verizon doesn't radically modify WM or RIM smartphone UIs. They don't remove WiFi. (Although the casual viewer can make that mistake because of GSM versions of a phone that have it, whereas CDMA versions might not.) They don't cripple Bluetooth, unlike Apple which left out stereo, keyboard/mouse, serial, data exchange and other BT profiles.

Verizon HAS often crippled smartphone GPS (a policy they claim to be reversing). They've been known to lower the amount of RAM/ROM. And they take darned near forever to certify new models. These are valid concerns.

Sprint would probably be a better choice for a first CDMA iPhone. They're desperate and they like to pile on features.

I did not realize that AT&T removed the iPhone's WiFi, or crippled the GPS. The reason Apple does not allow Bluetooth ObEx is that Apple wants to use iTunes for exchanging music, ringtones, photographs, etc. in order to provide a uniform and stable data exchange experience with their users. Allowing Bluetooth ObEx would require reliance of Bluetooth connectivity with various hardware profiles, while USB support would almost be universal through OS's, etc. Apple is not charging for this service as Verizon had with "Get it Now".

As for A2DP, I whole heartedly agree. I do not know why Apple has crippled that and I am pissed about it. It irritates me to no end when I am at the gym and am fumbling with the wires of my headset. Wireless stereo bluetooth connectivity is absolutely needed and unless I misunderstand can be activated with the current iPhone (unless A2DP requires different hardware).

[kdarling]

5. Someone at Verizon committed the Business Blunder of the Decade by rejecting the iPhone offer from Apple.

But an understandable one. It might be hard to remember now, but almost every predicted form of the iPhone was that of a phone with a clickwheel. Like in this old MacRumor article. (http://www.macrumors.com/2006/09/13/apples-phone-revealed/) Plus...

* Verizon never got to see an iPhone.

* Apple's previous phone-iPod combo collaboration, the ROKR, was a failure at the time.

* Apple wanted to control distribution and warranties, which Verizon felt would compromise their sales partners and compromise customer satisfaction. (Later, Apple opened up to other stores once sales dropped off, anyway.)

* Apple and Verizon probably couldn't come to terms on app, ringtone, music sales.

These are all good reasons to turn down something sight unseen.

Apple approached Verizon first. Verizon said no.

According to the original WSJ history (http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB117168001288511981-euxzmjNFZTZhA_2z8OBtD6GK900_20070224.html?mod=blogs), this is not quite correct.

Apple approached Cingular (ATT) first, and then shortly afterwards reached out to Verizon. It seems possible that Apple wanted to be on both networks.

After a year of negotiation, Apple gave up and agreed to an ATT exclusive. (An exclusive is not something a maker would want on their own. )

[RaceJunkie]

I have been with Verizon for many years but I want an iPhone. I do not appreciate the exclusivity/monopoly Apple and at&t have together. I hope I will get my iPhone with Verizon. The iPhone should be available for all wireless carriers. I am getting to the point where both Apple and at&t can kiss my *#$% over this. This is a sore spot with me.

I agree with you, right now I am reaching the end of my contract with Alltel, I want an iPhone some kind of bad. BUT! I am not going to sacrifice loosing my great cell service for it. I have a few friends with AT&T and they are always out of service range when I'm not. :D

[bedifferent]

But an understandable one. It might be hard to remember now, but almost every predicted form of the iPhone was that of a phone with a clickwheel. Like in this old MacRumor article. (http://www.macrumors.com/2006/09/13/apples-phone-revealed/) Plus...

* Verizon never got to see an iPhone.

* Apple's previous phone-iPod combo collaboration, the ROKR, was a failure at the time.

* Apple wanted to control distribution and warranties, which Verizon felt would compromise their sales partners and compromise customer satisfaction. (Later, Apple opened up to other stores once sales dropped off, anyway.)

* Apple and Verizon probably couldn't come to terms on app, ringtone, music sales.

These are all good reasons to turn down something sight unseen.



According to the original WSJ history, this is a myth.

Apple approached Cingular (ATT) first, and then reached out to Verizon at the same time. It seems likely that Apple wanted to be on both networks.

After a year of negotiation, Apple gave up and agreed to an ATT exclusive. (An exclusive is not something a maker would want on their own. )

Out of curiosity, do you work for Verizon cause you're awfully quick in coming to its defense?

[richmonddjs]

I hope Apple realizes that there are a lot of us who would like to have an iPhone but find the monthly data plan prohibitive. I really hope they negotiate some plan flexibility so that I can finally carry one item instead of an iPod Touch and a crappy AT&T phone.

I know I am dreaming, so please no responses to that effect... :)

Having a phone like the iphone and not having unlimited data, text is just a waste. You don't need the iphone.

[bedifferent]

Having a phone like the iphone and not having unlimited data, text is just a waste. You don't need the iphone.

Um, you do have unlimited data with the iPhone.

[ghostface147]

Here in Houston, AT&T has decent service, albeit not always consistent in it's 3g connectivity. Funny how I drive one simple road (Briarforest) all the way home (6 miles) and drop from 3g to Edge and then back to 3g. It's a simple straight shot home. Granted Briarforest has a lot of trees, but still. I also average about 5 dropped calls a month. Overall, AT&T is good enough, but if Verizon ever gets an iPhone in a couple of years, I will be moving over.

[kas23]

Apple approached Cingular (ATT) first, and then shortly afterwards reached out to Verizon. It seems possible that Apple wanted to be on both networks.

Or, Apple just wanted to up the ante and play them off each other, a sort of auction of Apple's iPhone exclusive rights.

[Blue Fox]

I agree, but sometimes the complaints are legit.

And for some it's more about the missing features and services. For me, it's insurance. For others, it's tethering. Then someone may have some other features as well.

True. I do agree that some of the complaints are legit, BUT all the complaint's I've heard from people here in my office are "Oh, AT&T sucks", and when I ask why and they usually reply "Well, I've never had them, but someone told me."

[GenNovE]

Apple needs to make them bend on things for the privilege to exclusively carry the iphone.

-Tethering
-VOiP on 3G
-Sling Player

Yeah because apple would approve an app like sling player to attack one of their profitable business models. THE ITUNES STORE.

If you have sling why even bother buying tv shows from the itunes store.

[carlvz]

There are many options if the exclusive contract ends, including buying a phone and using it on a "pay as you go" plan with numerous, good service providers. (PagePlus is excellent & uses the Verizon network).

If you want Apple to end the exclusive agreement with ATT, tell them. They need to hear how many of us would buy the iPhone if we weren't locked into ATT with it's crappy customer service and absurd surcharges.

Give Apple feedback at: http://www.apple.com/feedback/iphone.html

[Bearxor]

I'm kinda ok with AT&T. I think it's a bit pricey for data and text, but I came from Sprint, so it's a big jump. The downside is that the AT&T provider for my region, Comporium Communications, does not currently have 3G towers. They're in the process of getting them up and should have them up by the end of the summer. At that point, I think I'll be much happier.

Having said that, if I could get one on Sprint and use my SERO plan ($30/mo for 500 minutes, unlimited data and unlimited text), I would switch back as quickly as I could, even paying the AT&T ETF if I had to. Especially if the Sprint version had WiMax.

[dextermorgan]

If you care about competition and what it can do to lower prices, then opening up the market to carriers other than ATT would be best.

Verizon? They are MCI who I fired a year ago when they doubled wired phone charges. If Apple really is serious about cornering the market, then iPhone should be an option with each carrier, not just one. Until then, thanks, but no thanks. It's a cellphone and I do NOT have to have it. I would never be an ATT (Bell) customer - again.

Um... actually Verizon is Vodaphone. Sprint would be MCI.

[JimAtLaw]

AT&T's coverage sucks, sucks, sucks in California compared to Verizon.

I've had more dropped calls, more places where my signal swings wildly from 5 bars to zero to 5 without moving, more headache with AT&T in 8 months than I had in 5 years with Verizon, by an order of magnitude.

For christ's sake, there are substantial coverage holes on I-5 between the Bay Area and L.A. - if you can't cover the major freeways, what in the hell can you cover? If Apple is listening, I strongly suggest that you not renew AT&T's exclusivity. I am going to give my iPhone 3G to the wife soon as her phone is in need of replacement, and I will not be buying another Apple phone because of AT&T's poor coverage.

[ProwlingTiger]

At that point, I would hope Apple would never cave in.

Verizon hopefully has learned it's lesson. When Appple knocks, open the F*#@ing door, poor drinks and turn on the soft soothing music while providing back rub to Steve Jobs.

Yeah, I can say first hand that nothing, and I mean NOTHING Verizon offers will be able to rival the iPhone. I mean, just try getting one of these phones to play music. They offer clumsy interfaces, high prices on the store, and horrible experiences. Now a phone combined with an iPod...that's the land of milk and honey for the cell industry.

Seriously. The Storm. While I use it, it's more of a tolerating. I enjoy it, love some of the features. But it's just not the iPhone. Never will be. In fact, from what I hear, they're already prepping a Storm II. Storm I was a failure, in my eyes. Now we have Palm trying to enter the scene with the Pre. It's like good Lord! Apple took years, from what I understand, developing the iPhone. And it appears lightyears ahead of any other American phone.

All these people trying to rush out their phones. At least RIM made an honest effort. But Verizon is getting suckered into all these random devices that now are disproved iphone "killers." Hah! That term gets me every time.

With each contract signed between these 2 companies, the bond grows and these companies become richer and attract more customers. I enjoy watching them prosper, as it's good to see some quality products and service in these times.

[nutritious]

meh...I don't care. I'll be ditching my iphone when my contract is up. The iphone has become too much of a young/hip/diva/urban symbol for me to want to keep anymore.

[Digital Skunk]

True. I do agree that some of the complaints are legit, BUT all the complaint's I've heard from people here in my office are "Oh, AT&T sucks", and when I ask why and they usually reply "Well, I've never had them, but someone told me."

That is rather frustrating. I get that with the Pre a lot. Given that it's not an available phone yet, I understand that my liking it is based on the plethora of vids and hands on reviews of pre released models. But to have the arguments against it come from people with the same background, or even worse, claiming an unreleased software update will close the gap is also quite annoying.

Out of curiosity, do you work for Verizon cause you're awfully quick in coming to its defense?

He actually makes some sense. Defending Verizon or not.

[Petrochik]

:eek: :eek:

*buys an airline ticket to New Zealand*

:D

Buddy, i think that people have the impression that only 1 or 2 countries sell authorized unlocked iphones. For everyone here is the list:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1937

[840quadra]

As others have indicated, I welcome this and hope that Verizon will be one of the carriers.

The only request I have, is that Verizon does not cripple the phone like they do with so many high end handsets they work with.

http://forums.macrumors.com/image.php?u=47064&dateline=1165207334&type=profile

[jellomizer]

I have no problems with AT&T. They all suck equally for what its worth.

True but at least if they piss you off that much you can switch, while keeping your phone.

[richmonddjs]

Um, you do have unlimited data with the iPhone.and text and 3000 shared minutes on a family line with my wife who also has an iphone.

[MacVixen]

AT&T's coverage sucks, sucks, sucks in California compared to Verizon.

I've had more dropped calls, more places where my signal swings wildly from 5 bars to zero to 5 without moving, more headache with AT&T in 8 months than I had in 5 years with Verizon, by an order of magnitude.

For christ's sake, there are substantial coverage holes on I-5 between the Bay Area and L.A. - if you can't cover the major freeways, what in the hell can you cover? If Apple is listening, I strongly suggest that you not renew AT&T's exclusivity. I am going to give my iPhone 3G to the wife soon as her phone is in need of replacement, and I will not be buying another Apple phone because of AT&T's poor coverage.

Thank you!!! By far my biggest complaint about AT&T's California coverage. How the hell do you not have service on a MAJOR corridor through the state?! I was shocked to see my phone dropping to Edge and then no-service driving from Anaheim to Santa Cruz. No service on I-5?? The Hell?!

[Electrolytic]

It'll most likely remain exclusive with some give and take from both sides. There is no way that Apple will make a CDMA phone for just the US in order to go with Verizon. Sprint has the Pre. T-Mobile has Android...and their network sucks.

at&t wins.

T-Mobile's network does not suck, they have 3g & they don't rip off their customers... For the major carries tell me where you can get 1000 min, free nights weekends 400 txt msg, 3g unlimited data plan for $65 a month...

Or Unlimited voice min for $59 a month?

[nutritious]

Thank you!!! By far my biggest complaint about AT&T's California coverage. How the hell do you not have service on a MAJOR corridor through the state?! I was shocked to see my phone dropping to Edge and then no-service driving from Anaheim to Santa Cruz. No service on I-5?? The Hell?!

Yeah, man, I know. I live in california, too, and most of the time I don't even have a 3G connection. The phone being 3g really isn't even a feature if there is no 3g connection 70% of the time.

[bradl]

It seems to be easy how the masses forget.

Remember that Jobs pitched the iPhone to Verizon before ATT. Remember, Verizon execs laughed him out of the building. Verizon screwed up in not taking what Jobs had to offer, so why should Verizon get a second shot at something they were stupid enough to pass over the first time?

Verizon blew it. If anything, if Apple were to pull in another carrier, it would be T-Mobile. LTE/4G won't be completely available to the masses until about that time anyway. Rollout is happening (with Embarq/Sprint, IIRC), but no-one else is going to get that or see that for a long time.

BL.

[ajmac25]

As long as iPhone stays with AT&T, I will stay with my Blackberry and T-Mobile. AT&T service is bad, over-priced, and their greed is silly. Competition is what we need. Let AT&T keep iPhone, but let others have it too and see who wins out.

[ProwlingTiger]

It seems to be easy how the masses forget.

Remember that Jobs pitched the iPhone to Verizon before ATT. Remember, Verizon execs laughed him out of the building. Verizon screwed up in not taking what Jobs had to offer, so why should Verizon get a second shot at something they were stupid enough to pass over the first time?

Verizon blew it. If anything, if Apple were to pull in another carrier, it would be T-Mobile. LTE/4G won't be completely available to the masses until about that time anyway. Rollout is happening (with Embarq/Sprint, IIRC), but no-one else is going to get that or see that for a long time.

BL.
Exactly. Until Verizon changes its ways, I hope it goes the way of Sprint. I know that sounds a bit like anti-trust stuff, but oh well. I hope the next iPhone knocks Verizon, Microsoft, and especially the jerk known as Steve Ballmer backwards in their high back leather chairs and into the electronic walls and MS Surface tables. Not that Verizon and MS are related...just thought I'd get everyone in on that.

[nefan65]

As long as iPhone stays with AT&T, I will stay with my Blackberry and T-Mobile. AT&T service is bad, over-priced, and their greed is silly. Competition is what we need. Let AT&T keep iPhone, but let others have it too and see who wins out.

Again, another blanket statement. I had T-Mo, w/ BB, Unlimited, and 2 other phones on a 500 Family Plan. No rollover either. The cost per month was $130, and no texting. Now how 700 Rollover, unlimited data on 3 iPhones, each with 200 text/mo, and I pay $170. Granted it's more, but I'm also getting a lot more for that $$$. It's a choice I made. Plus, when we only had 3 bars with T-Mo and Edge, we now have 5 bars, 3G all the time.

Does T-Mo suck? No...just didn't work as well, of give as much as AT&T. I'll re-evaluate at the end of our contract to see what's changes, and if it makes sense to stay. It's not a prison sentence. No one is FORCING you to use ANYTHING.

[iPhoneNYC]

For the areas where ATT sucks, is it possible for Apple to include a bigger antenna or stronger watt power in the next Gen? Perhaps is they stick with ATT what they ned is to build a better phone to counteract their weaker provider.

[DrumApple]

Apple would have to be idiots to extend the exclusivity to ATT. Think of how much more dough they could pull in from Verizon- and what a better network it is, and how much more people they could please with having it available on both.

[JimAtLaw]

I was shocked to see my phone dropping to Edge and then no-service driving from Anaheim to Santa Cruz.
Going to Disneyland? :D

[nefan65]

Apple would have to be idiots to extend the exclusivity to ATT. Think of how much more dough they could pull in from Verizon- and what a better network it is, and how much more people they could please with having it available on both.

Better network? Again, in who's opinion? IMO [which everyone has, and we all know what everyone has...:D], Verizon and Sprint are horrible, because they don't work in my area. So IMO, Apple is best suited not to put any $/effort into trying to get the iPhone to work on either carrier.

Plus, if iPhone does make it to Verizon, say goodbye to a decent UI. You'll get that wonderful VZ red menu/icon theme...BLAH...talk about crap?!

[JimAtLaw]

Are folks having any luck using unlocked iPhones with the new T-Mobile 3G service? If so, how is it?

[MacVixen]

Going to Disneyland? :D

Yup :D
It was my very first weekend after purchasing the iPhone that we took the trip down south. The coverage was horrible. I was like, "I left Verizon after 8 years for THIS?!"

Since then I have simply reconciled myself to the fact that Verizon's coverage in Northern California and along the major corridor's is FAR superior to AT&T's. Oh well, "A few bars in a few places" seems to be working ok for now :rolleyes:

I'd welcome the iPhone on Verizon but I'm not holding my breath. I just don't think it will happen.

[macshill]

It's Rogers, Rogers, Rogers. Don't like? Can't get an iPhone. :rolleyes:

[Mr.Gadget]

I'm all Apple except my phone. iPhone for Sprint (or CDMA in general) would make my day! My entire family is on Sprint and I know 3 of the 5 users would go to iPhone right away (me being the first!). I realize this is asking alot, but... One can always dream!

[sterlingindigo]

ATT/AAPL should unlock our iPhones when we upgrade! :(

[kdarling]

Remember that Jobs pitched the iPhone to Verizon before ATT. Remember, Verizon execs laughed him out of the building.

No they didn't. Apple and Verizon negotiated off and on for a year. During that time, Verizon never saw an iPhone.

Plus, if iPhone does make it to Verizon, say goodbye to a decent UI. You'll get that wonderful VZ red menu/icon theme...BLAH...talk about crap?!

No, again. Verizon usually adds the option of a VZ theme to their smartphones, but you can use whatever theme you want.

If you're going to argue about anything, at least use facts, not myths.

[TuckBodi]

Nooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I hate AT$T! I've had them twice now and they've sucked both times. Case in point, I was barely getting adequate coverage in my house when they rolled out 3G. I went to barely 1 bar and had to walk outside alot to get a signal. I called several times and they denied it was anything they did on their side. In fact, one indiot CSR said they could only help me if I called from a landline. When I told him I only had a cell he said I should drive to my sisters, 40 miles away, and they'd try to fix it there.

Funny how one of their VP's, months later, finally admitted network wasn't ready for the surge yet their CSR's were ready for blowing off their customers with their complaints.

I had T-Mobile before and I loved them. I hope Apple allows a choice. Comnpetition is best for everybody!

[cjm3113]

If you're going to argue about anything, at least use facts, not myths.

Not saying you are not right, but I personally have never seen a Verizon phone without aVZtheme.