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

[MacManiac76]

Verizon Had Their Chance Once Already...

From what I remember reading a while back, Verizon was Apple's first choice as carrier for the iPhone. Verizon ended up declining the offer due to the fact that Apple wanted too much control over the partnership. I'm sure Verizon is kicking themselves in the ass about it now. At least Apple came out with the iPod Touch for those that can't/won't use AT&T. The Touch has most of the features that make the iPhone great anyway.

 

[JimAtLaw]

I live in California and used AT&T Wireless/Cingular/AT&T since I've had my first cellphone and, aside from the transition from the old AT&T network to the Cingular network after the buy-out, I have never had a single dropped call, and I've only not had reception in actually remote places. Friends of mine with Verizon have had more problems than I have. From my experience coupled with that of my friends', I'd say AT&T has the better network on the West Coast.

Dude, it's already been established by more than 1 poster here that you can't even drive to L.A. on the 5 without dropping calls and substantial coverage holes on AT&T, so apparently you just don't get out much. I have had both services, Verizon and AT&T, at the same time in the same places, living in D.C., Los Angeles, and the Bay Area, and comparing your experience on AT&T to what you think your friends' experiences are is not the same as having and observing both yourself. At my current house on the peninsula in a highly populated area, my AT&T signal fluctuates wildly from 4 bars to zero and I drop calls constantly. My Verizon phone did not do this in any of the places I owned or used it, including here, and on Verizon I even had service in the subway in D.C., which AT&T did not. The coverage and reliability of AT&T's network is simply not comparable.

 

[ravenvii]

Despite all this arguing about how AT&T sucks or doesn't suck, AT&T is the best choice for a GSM/3G carrier right now. Verizon and Sprint uses CDMA, which is a dead technology, and T-Mobile's service has less coverage than AT&T. So even if the exclusivity agreement ends, I'll probably still stick with AT&T for the time being.

That is, until Verizon switches to LTE, along with AT&T. Then things will get interesting between Verizon and AT&T, and then I'll hope that the exclusivity ends, and I can choose which company actually has the best network (not just the best network using x technology).

 

[oammi2]

Despite all the bickering over what network is best we all must remember that AT&T has the most technologically advanced network currently in the U.S.
Also for the record AT&T is developing LTE as well as Verizon as stated by others. So in reality it doesn't really matter who carries the iPhone if you truly want an iPhone you will switch to AT&T for the time being.
I am reading post after post about how AT&T sucks verizon, T-mobile is better. Do you honestly have nothing better to do but act like a 5 yr. old and throw a tantrum just because the iPhone isn't carried by your preferred network.
Grow up! Act like an adult and make a valid point about why the iPhone should be carried by your network.
I have had cellphones from many different carriers and AT&T has proven the best for my needs. I know it will not for everyone. So either you want the iPhone and are willing to switch or you don't really want it all that badly and would rather stick with your current network.
On a side note those of you complaining about alot of dropped calls, if your area does not have very good 3G coverage the iPhones have a habit of dropping calls when switching between Edge and 3G. This has happened to me with all my 3G phones before I had the iPhone. My advice unless you use the internet capabilities constantly turn off 3G.

 

[iPhoneNYC]

End exclusivity - the App Store is a great example of how the iPhone has grown to have something specific for all users by many, many developers getting into the act. ATT has had two years to improve its system where it is lacking and it is very slow to improve. I think it would be best to let the contract end and have the iPhone offered by multiple carriers. Each carrier would have to accept Apple's criteria. So instead of reading how ATT sucks in this area or another carrier is better in that area the customer could have the option of switching.

 

[macaliseme]

*buys an airline ticket to New Zealand*

For a 16GB model it is around US$652.50 including GST.

 

[nt5672]

ATT Sucks

Not sure who causes which suckyness, but here it is.

1. Lost job, need to pair back data plan on iphone. NO WAY
2. Express Card failed, need to tether iPhone. NO WAY
3. 5 bars at home, receive important call, 2 bars, then usualy drop (Chicago suburbs)
4. 5 bars at client, get ready to make important phone call (5pm) NO WAY will not connect.
5. Travel out of the country, need to put local SIM in. NO WAY Pay $3.00 per minute to receive telemarketing call.

I'm sorry but I bought the phone. So please provide the following:
a. tethering
b. unlocking (or unlocking after 12 months, or just something.)
c. I could care less about exclusivity, but unlock the phone for international travelers. Paying ATT when not even using their network is highway robbery.
d. Fix the fr@#$% network.

 

[3282868]

Despite all the bickering over what network is best we all must remember that AT&T has the most technologically advanced network currently in the U.S.
Also for the record AT&T is developing LTE as well as Verizon as stated by others. So in reality it doesn't really matter who carries the iPhone if you truly want an iPhone you will switch to AT&T for the time being.
I am reading post after post about how AT&T sucks verizon, T-mobile is better. Do you honestly have nothing better to do but act like a 5 yr. old and throw a tantrum just because the iPhone isn't carried by your preferred network.
Grow up! Act like an adult and make a valid point about why the iPhone should be carried by your network.
I have had cellphones from many different carriers and AT&T has proven the best for my needs. I know it will not for everyone. So either you want the iPhone and are willing to switch or you don't really want it all that badly and would rather stick with your current network.
On a side note those of you complaining about alot of dropped calls, if your area does not have very good 3G coverage the iPhones have a habit of dropping calls when switching between Edge and 3G. This has happened to me with all my 3G phones before I had the iPhone. My advice unless you use the internet capabilities constantly turn off 3G.

This quote should be posted for every thread. Especially threads pertaining to Mac OS X vs. Windows OS and anything to do with politics (I am so tired of the ridiculous comments on YouTube, it makes my head spin and heart hurt to see the nation divided by bipartisan politics to the point where every one is fighting each other).

 

[ohiomacfan]

Confused on Exclusive Length

Where does this 2010 date come from? Apple knew when they were negotiating with ATT that customers would sign up for a 2 year deal. That was June 2007. Then a new iPhone in 2008. An extra year for exclusive with ATT? So really we are looking at June of 2010, not six months from the June 2009 release of the new iPhone? So for those of us not wanting ATT, we have to wait another year and two months A few have implied that January 2010 would open the flood gates to other carriers. . . Do I have to wait 8 months or 14?

 

[butterfly0fdoom]

Dude, it's already been established by more than 1 poster here that you can't even drive to L.A. on the 5 without dropping calls and substantial coverage holes on AT&T, so apparently you just don't get out much. I have had both services, Verizon and AT&T, at the same time in the same places, living in D.C., Los Angeles, and the Bay Area, and comparing your experience on AT&T to what you think your friends' experiences are is not the same as having and observing both yourself. At my current house on the peninsula in a highly populated area, my AT&T signal fluctuates wildly from 4 bars to zero and I drop calls constantly. My Verizon phone did not do this in any of the places I owned or used it, including here, and on Verizon I even had service in the subway in D.C., which AT&T did not. The coverage and reliability of AT&T's network is simply not comparable.

Verizon having service in the subways has more to do with the properties of CDMA; it's part of why Verizon is generally a better option for places like New York where buildings can mess up the cell signals.

That said, I go between Socal and Norcal often (being that I go between home and school often enough). Among things, I sure as hell don't stare at my phone while driving (there are more important things to do, like drive), but I actually have never encountered an area along the 5 were I had signal problems. I live just north of San Jose, I go to school near the northern city limits of San Diego. In both locations, I only have signal problems when I'm in any sort of basement. My own experience has been problem-free for the most part. And just like there are people with issues with AT&T, there are people with issues with Verizon. Clearly, in your experience, Verizon's network worked out to be better for you.

 

[aristobrat]

Verizon having service in the subways has more to do with the properties of CDMA; it's part of why Verizon is generally a better option for places like New York where buildings can mess up the cell signals.

FWIW, in regards to Verizon in the DC Metro (subway), here's a press release from about two months ago that explains how Verizon got that contract in the first place, and how all carriers will be providing service in the DC Metro.

http://wmata.com/about_metro/news/PressReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=2479

Four major cell phone companies -- Verizon Wireless, Sprint Nextel, AT&T and T-Mobile -- will build a new wireless infrastructure in the underground rail system during the next four years.

In 1993, Metro agreed to allow Bell Atlantic Mobile Systems, which later became Verizon Wireless, to build and own the current wireless network. In exchange, Verizon built a public safety radio communications system for Metro. Verizon also has been paying annual fees to Metro.

 

[JimAtLaw]

Verizon having service in the subways has more to do with the properties of CDMA; it's part of why Verizon is generally a better option for places like New York where buildings can mess up the cell signals.

That said, I go between Socal and Norcal often (being that I go between home and school often enough). Among things, I sure as hell don't stare at my phone while driving (there are more important things to do, like drive), but I actually have never encountered an area along the 5 were I had signal problems.

Nice try kid, but stretch your brain to imagine that some people actually drive with others, and I can sometimes even "stare at my phone" while I'm using it as someone else drives! Who'd a thunk it!

Of course, I don't need to stare to know there are network problems when my calls drop and/or I'm unable to make or receive one for miles at a stretch. (G-d forbid you should ever break down in one of those zones, as your AT&T service will not be there to call AAA - you'll have plenty of time to stare at your phone in vain hoping for a signal to miraculously return.) I have taken lots of long working calls on these trips, and I assure you, AT&T has substantial service issues on the 5. (Not that Verizon is completely without holes or problems nationwide, but they're a fraction of AT&T's and only very rarely have I had AT&T service but not Verizon.)

In any event, you ignored the primary point - if you haven't had both at the same time, you can't compare, you can only speculate. I have had both, for years, and experienced them simultaneously all over the country. I'm glad for you that you are lucky enough not to have experienced many of AT&T's service holes and dropped calls, but speaking as one who unlike you, has extensive simultaneous experience with both providers, AT&T's service is not comparable to Verizon's.

 

[3282868]

Nice try kid, but stretch your brain to imagine that some people actually drive with others, and I can sometimes even "stare at my phone" while I'm using it as someone else drives! Who'd a thunk it!

Real mature. Sorry, but I disagree. I've never seen any reception area's bad enough to need to comment about it. If my only issue in life is that I lose mobile reception for a few minutes, than I need to reevaluate my life.

 

[JimAtLaw]

Real mature. Sorry, but I disagree. I've never seen any reception area's bad enough to need to comment about it. If my only issue in life is that I lose mobile reception for a few minutes, than I need to reevaluate my life.

Hey, I'm not the one implying someone would only notice reception problems by staring at their phone while driving. And if you've never taken an important meeting on your phone such that losing reception for a few minutes is a problem, good for you, but some of us use our phones for work and losing our connections repeatedly is a real annoyance. (Not to mention not having service when you break down on the side of the road.) It's obvious that some folks love AT&T and don't want competition, so fine, but don't tell me AT&T is great - I've had other service, at the same time and in the same place, for years, and their connectivity is simply not equivalent.

 

[Digital Skunk]

....Verizon and Sprint uses CDMA, which is a dead technology, ....

Dead yet AT&T hasn't even begun to come close to the speeds of either of their networks.

Truth is, in the world standpoint the US has the slowest cell network of most developed countries, and in the US AT&T has a pretty slow and flimsy, swiss cheese network.

I am all for putting the iPhone on "X" network for "X" reason but on a purely network and services (not just reception) AT&T was the fourth best choice.

 

[michaelsviews]

Despite all the bickering over what network is best we all must remember that AT&T has the most technologically advanced network currently in the U.S.
Also for the record AT&T is developing LTE as well as Verizon as stated by others. So in reality it doesn't really matter who carries the iPhone if you truly want an iPhone you will switch to AT&T for the time being.
I am reading post after post about how AT&T sucks verizon, T-mobile is better. Do you honestly have nothing better to do but act like a 5 yr. old and throw a tantrum just because the iPhone isn't carried by your preferred network.
Grow up! Act like an adult and make a valid point about why the iPhone should be carried by your network.
I have had cellphones from many different carriers and AT&T has proven the best for my needs. I know it will not for everyone. So either you want the iPhone and are willing to switch or you don't really want it all that badly and would rather stick with your current network.
On a side note those of you complaining about alot of dropped calls, if your area does not have very good 3G coverage the iPhones have a habit of dropping calls when switching between Edge and 3G. This has happened to me with all my 3G phones before I had the iPhone. My advice unless you use the internet capabilities constantly turn off 3G.

Welcome Newb

This is a forum, and people post what they want and see, experience and more. For some people AT&T's network is horrrible. There 3G is so limited next to Verizon's that it will be a long time before they catch up.

There are people that have AT&T for 1, reason and that is the iPhone. If you do not like the opinions and experiences of people voicing this on here, than what was the purpose of signing up? Are you an AT&T rep? Maybe a forum TROLL.

Have a great day and enjoy AT&T's limited network. More bars in more places, No its call force the older GSM carriers to sell with false promise's of AT&T coming in and making the network better and than finding out that they cant do it like they thought.

Google is your friend.

 

[kdarling]

What's the point of U.S. exclusivity ?

If a tree falls in the forest with no one to hear it, does it make a sound?

Likewise, if Apple doesn't intend to make a CDMA version for Verizon or Sprint, then what's all the hullabaloo about an exclusivity contract with ATT?

Seriously... just to keep it out of T-Mobile users' hands ?!?

Sounds more like a PR gimmick.

 

[Boneoh]

I live in So. Cal. and have had just about every cell provider at one time or another. There are problems with all of them. With regard to cell phone coverage in my area, AT&T has been by far the worst in my experience. I have settled on Verizon a couple of years ago, and have great coverage in the area. I bought my wifey an iPhone a couple of years ago, she has problems all the time. Sometimes she has to go on the back porch to make a call.

If/When Apple decides to go with Verizon, I am in. Until then, it's just wait and see...

 

[rjohnstone]

I am all for putting the iPhone on "X" network for "X" reason but on a purely network and services (not just reception) AT&T was the fourth best choice.

From a coverage perspective here in Phoenix, Verizon and Sprint/NextHELL absolutely blow.
AT&T and T-Mobile have far better quality of service.

As with all cell providers, it all depends on where YOU are at the time you are using the service.

 

[cjm3113]

Dead yet AT&T hasn't even begun to come close to the speeds of either of their networks.

Truth is, in the world standpoint the US has the slowest cell network of most developed countries, and in the US AT&T has a pretty slow and flimsy, swiss cheese network.

I am all for putting the iPhone on "X" network for "X" reason but on a purely network and services (not just reception) AT&T was the fourth best choice.

In my area AT&T is far and away the best choice. People would laugh at you for even considering Sprint or T-Mobile and Verizon can go either way depending who you talk to.

It is 100% relative to where you are.

 

[zephyrnoid]

ATT is the premier telecom spy channel for the US Gov. I will wait to buy an iPhone till a carrier not associated with espionage on Americans gets the contract for service.
I'm compiling a list of the carriers that were complicit in sharing private phone traffic data with the NSA et alia as part of the so-called war on terror.

 

[None Such]

6 people in my family, myself being one of them, would have an iPhone if it wasn't exlusive to AT&T. It's not just the data plan, it's the rate plans overall. The big sticking point with my wife is the mins. Not nearly enough for her. we can get 1000 shared mins with sprint to sprint for $60. AT&T is 450 mins individually for $50. Plus the "free nights and weekends" starts at 9 instead of 7 like we have with Sprint. And the nights and weekend mins are limited.

With the Palm Pre coming out and other carriers closing the gap that the iPhone once had, Apple needs to open the iphone up to other carriers to increase/hold it's sales. Apple has put their phone on the map now, they can set their terms. Verison etc.. isn't in a position to demand it's interface on the iPhone. Carriers will bend to Job's will to get the iPhone. I desperately want an iPhone but if Apple is going to keep it exclusive on a network that has expensive rate plans, that don't offer many minutes, then I'll just buy a Pre.

 

[butterfly0fdoom]

Carriers will bend to Job's will to get the iPhone.

If I weren't in class right now, I would have burst out laughing at that comment.

Again:
- Verizon will have an LTE network that Apple will support. But coverage will be beyond spotty because it will be a newly established network and Apple is unlikely to include CDMA radios for fallback.
- T-Mobile offers Sprint-like rates, but because of their wonky frequencies, there would only be EDGE speeds at best, and T-Mobile's network is smaller than AT&T's, so that doesn't really solve network coverage issues.
- Sprint's just going off on their WiMax tangent which Apple isn't going to support.

THEREFORE. If Apple drops the exclusivity contract, until LTE rollout has matured, the only network where you'd get good coverage is AT&T. So Apple actually doesn't even need to give AT&T exclusivity; such a contract merely prohibits Apple from developing a CDMA iPhone, something even Verizon doesn't think would happen.

 

[Chip NoVaMac]

6 people in my family, myself being one of them, would have an iPhone if it wasn't exlusive to AT&T. It's not just the data plan, it's the rate plans overall. The big sticking point with my wife is the mins. Not nearly enough for her. we can get 1000 shared mins with sprint to sprint for $60. AT&T is 450 mins individually for $50. Plus the "free nights and weekends" starts at 9 instead of 7 like we have with Sprint. And the nights and weekend mins are limited.

With the Palm Pre coming out and other carriers closing the gap that the iPhone once had, Apple needs to open the iphone up to other carriers to increase/hold it's sales. Apple has put their phone on the map now, they can set their terms. Verison etc.. isn't in a position to demand it's interface on the iPhone. Carriers will bend to Job's will to get the iPhone. I desperately want an iPhone but if Apple is going to keep it exclusive on a network that has expensive rate plans, that don't offer many minutes, then I'll just buy a Pre.

I hear you... my thinking is that Apple allowing for multiple carriers would allow for competition in pricing.

My sister is loving what the iPhone can do; and I would love to add her to my account. But the individual pricing is the killer for us - we shared minutes on Sprint in the past. Data plans are a different thing though we agree. Given the current economy, ATT AND Apple needs to rethink some of their pricing plans. Given the two year anniversary of the iPhone; there are some of us that are rethinking our needs and our budgets this summer.

About the Pre and others; I have looked at some of the current offerings out there - they don't meet up to the iPhone IMO. You have a point about Verizon based on postings I have seen though. It would be a big leap for them to let Apple control the interface. But the current numbers of iPhone sales world-wide may make Verizon rethink things.

I know in my case living in the DC area; I would switch to Verizon this summer when my contract with ATT on my iPhone is over. Why? Friends and Family hopefully. But more so in our Metro subway line, Verizon is is the carrier of choice right now. Heck, I might switch back to Sprint, since under my plan I had roaming on the subway on Verizon's network.

Apple may need to look at Apps as being a reason to generate some extra $ in an iPhone sale on another network. As we are hearing in some comments about some rumors about ATT wanting an extension in terms; they are looking at their "cash cow" leaving.

 

[Digital Skunk]

If I weren't in class right now, I would have burst out laughing at that comment.

Again:
- Verizon will have an LTE network that Apple will support. But coverage will be beyond spotty because it will be a newly established network and Apple is unlikely to include CDMA radios for fallback.
- T-Mobile offers Sprint-like rates, but because of their wonky frequencies, there would only be EDGE speeds at best, and T-Mobile's network is smaller than AT&T's, so that doesn't really solve network coverage issues.
- Sprint's just going off on their WiMax tangent which Apple isn't going to support.

THEREFORE. If Apple drops the exclusivity contract, until LTE rollout has matured, the only network where you'd get good coverage is AT&T. So Apple actually doesn't even need to give AT&T exclusivity; such a contract merely prohibits Apple from developing a CDMA iPhone, something even Verizon doesn't think would happen.

producing a dual band phone is not beyond Apple's desire to make money from suckers..... I mean customers of their devices.

Don't put Apple's desire to make even more money off their cash cow into a box. Not saying there will be a CDMA phone, or it will be on Verizon, just that it's not anything but timing for Apple right now.