ATT had a multi-year exclusivity agreement. Once that expired/was terminated it was in Apple's interest to get them to any carrier that could afford them. (Remember Apple sells them at full boat to cellcos).
I imagine what we'll see happen here is the main Cellcos will always get the newest model on launch day and the MVNOs will follow on a delayed basis -- 3 or 6 months later. Or some MVNOs may opt only to buy the previous models b/c they'll be less expensive.
For example, let's assume Boost does start with the iPhone 4 and iPhone S in Sept just as the iPhone 5 (or whatever it's called) launches. Boost would not carry the iPhone 5 for many months after its launch.
And I would assume that because of what you said, these iPhones will be sold at a much higher price because there is no contract, it would make no sense for the pre-paid carriers to subsidized if there's no user commitment to their service.
And by September there will be the older iPhone 4 and 4s, available at a lower price as the new iPhone would be the star of the show.
The only problem for me is that I wouldn't switch to Sprint. Their service and coverage are terrible in my area.
And I have been waiting for T-Mo to carry the iPhone for several years already, and I'm getting tired of waiting. Plus, their service seems to either be degrading or they are just not committing enough resources to 3G and I just need to upgrade to a 4G phone. I barely have coverage where I live, and I have not requested a Micro-Cell Unit to avoid committing to a 2-year contract, as I dont' know if I will stay with them or switch to an AT&T iPhone.
----------
First AT&T then Verizon, then Sprint, then Cricket and now Boost?
I would like to know what the hell T-Mobile's problem is. Why is the iPhone still not offered?!?
I read a while back that T-Mobile is waiting for the new iPhone, as it is supposed to be compatible with their 4G or whatever is called new service.
I know the feeling, I've been waiting for years, and hopefully this will be the last year of our wait.