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

Verizon

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.'
 
eldervovichka said:
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
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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....
 
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.
 
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.
 
PhotoPhoenix said:
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.
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Verizons data plans arent cheaper.
 
No more exclusivity

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

Come on, Verizon! Be smart! Pick up this awesome phone!! :D
 
jimmygb102 said:
Verizons data plans

you get this from At&t for 90.00.........99.00 with tax.
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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.)
 
formerpc said:
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.)
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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????
 
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.
 
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.
 
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>
 
ipedro said:
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.
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love it.. Apple takes on the world.. not a bad plan though really :)
 
Fraghax said:
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?
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maybe this newbie is trying to get up his posts so he can have an avatar..
 
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.
 
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.

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