If Apple extended to becoming a mobile phone carrier/network - Nice little poll!

[diane143]

I would as long as it wasn't ungodly expensive and worked as well as Verizon does in my area.

BTW I had an Apple Credit Card in the 1990's

 

[Tilpots]

No, it doesn't. They've never been an infrastructure company. What infrastructure have they acquired for the development of their existing products?

Uh, yes, it does. What do you think that massive Data Center in NC is? Connectivity is the next step. First hardware, then content, now mobility and next connectivity. Apple is the vertical integration model. There's not much other room to grow. It's the one part of the Apple experience they don't control.

How, exactly? Where are these iPhone buyers that you imagine coming out of nowhere? Where are the numbers to back up your assertion that there are buyers that aren't buying the iPhone because Apple isn't a carrier? It would mostly shift sales from existing carriers to this hypothetical Apple carrier.

iPhone? It's not just for the iPhone. It's also for the iPad, Mobile and desktop computers and, yes, wait for it... TV. Think bigger than cell service. The next space for Apple is connectivity. They're not stockpiling all that cash just to reserve a few components. Google's already making the move in Kansas. Apple's not far behind.

 

[iDuel]

Absolutely. And I would subscribe to an Apple ISP, cable service, and land line telephone.

I would buy an Apple fridge, washer, dryer, dishwasher, car, microwave stove, lamps, and beds.

I would buy Apple insurance, go to an Apple hospital, get an Apple credit card, and go to the Apple store.

I would happily contribute my income and sales tax to Apple so they can build and maintain the roads and sidewalks I use every day.

If it could happen, I wish the universe were Apple.

You broke my sarcasm detector.

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I think much as we would all want Apple to become a mobile service provider, I personally do not see it happening.

For all of the infrastructure that they will need to do what? Market one phone?

What would happen to At&t and Verizon, would they pull the iPhone from them?

 

[wesk702]

+1


Don't ever see it happening.

Of course it fits their business model. Apple likes to control the ecosystem for their products to provide a synced user experience. Service is a big part if this. Imagine their profits and being able to cut out competitors all in one big can of whoop ass. Imagine Verizon, AT&T, sprint not being able to sell any newer models after apple buys up a carrier with their huge cash reserves. That would tear sh+t up.

 

[Stealthipad]

You might be drinking the Apple Koolaid but the FCC is not.

Apple would not even WANT to do such a thing.

 

[vitzr]

I think it's good to have choices.

The problem if one of those choices was Apple as a carrier, they'd be one step closer to controlling everything in your tech life and not far from dictating, oops that's right. Phew!

The new CEO doesn't fit the profile of a Dictator. Yes!

Tim Cook looms large, experienced, smart, wise, and the best thing to happen to Apple in a very long time.

 

[HitchHykr]

I think some people are assuming that Apple Wireless would offer unlimited data/voice for a buck fifty.

To see what may happen we should take a look at the iTools/MobilMe/iCloud saga.We may end up with a bunch of orphaned emails accounts, multiple accounts that you can't consolidate, features that you had paid for no longer available or neutered, etc., etc.

 

[DryEyez]

I got to say I personally feel it's the one area Apple doesn't have control. Give it 10 years, I think it will happen at some point.

 

[vitzr]

BTW I had an Apple Credit Card in the 1990's

BTW I opened my Apple Stock Portfolio in 1991 with a mere 500 shares.

Having substantially increased the number purchased year after year, I'm glad I refused to bail out during the dark days when Michael Dell said Apple was finished.

Today it's value still shocks me

 

[antman2295]

They're two completely different industries. You don't see carriers making phones do you?

Correct me if im wrong, but doesn't At&t make a smartphone themself? The impulse 4g? http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-ph...T&T+-+Black&q_sku=sku5370241#fbid=HHSujxx2B9G

 

[MaxxTraxx]

I would proceed by dumping all Apple stock.

 

[xraydoc]

Correct me if im wrong, but doesn't At&t make a smartphone themself? The impulse 4g? http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-ph...T&T+-+Black&q_sku=sku5370241#fbid=HHSujxx2B9G

It's just a rebranded LG or something.

 

[wesk702]

I would proceed by dumping all Apple stock.

You must not have any.