Length of AT&T's exclusive contract revealed

[Dmac77]

I'm currently with Verizon, and I have to agree that their customer service sucks. But unfortunatly I can't switch to AT&T, because I have two evil things called parents. (Only 4 more years, and I can go to AT&T)

I would love for the iPhone to come to Verizon, as long as verizon doesn't cripple it as they do with almost all of their other non-smart phones. With my RAZR , they lock down bluetooth file transfers, video recording, and try to push the "Vcast" sh*t on me every time I turn on my phone. Verizon released a firmware update last year that allows BT transfers, but wanted to charge me $50 to update the firmware.

I really doubt that Verizon will get the iPhone as long as Steve is alive, because his ego was hurt, and he will make Verizon pay for their incompetence.

Don

 

[lsvtecjohn3]

the iPhone will go on Verizon there both going to LTE (4G) with ATT Apple about making money. Verizon Sprint and ATT didn't even see the phone when Apple when to them. Verzion and Sprint past but there not fools if giving the opportunity to the iPhone again they'll jump so fast

 

[Beric]

I'm currently with Verizon, and I have to agree that their customer service sucks. But unfortunatly I can't switch to AT&T, because I have two evil things called parents. (Only 4 more years, and I can go to AT&T)

I would love for the iPhone to come to Verizon, as long as verizon doesn't cripple it as they do with almost all of their other non-smart phones. With my RAZR , they lock down bluetooth file transfers, video recording, and try to push the "Vcast" sh*t on me every time I turn on my phone. Verizon released a firmware update last year that allows BT transfers, but wanted to charge me $50 to update the firmware.

I really doubt that Verizon will get the iPhone as long as Steve is alive, because his ego was hurt, and he will make Verizon pay for their incompetence.

Don

I don't know what you are talking about. My parents use AT&T (as do I, on their contract), and we have not been happier. Their fees are very low, their customer service is excellent, and their coverage is quite good. The only thing they don't have are all the best phones.

They truly are "America's most reliable network". The only reason to go to AT&T is the iPhone, and that's not sufficient for me.

 

[dante@sisna.com]

seriously?
ATT's customer service is incompetant. I think we all know that when trying to find information about the iPhone from them. Verizon's customer service is a million times better. If/When the iPhone comes to verizon, I'm switching back.

In the old days (like three years ago) I would have agreed with this. I've had ATT for the past 8 years. Six months ago, I got my parents a Verizon plan in Rural NE PA (ATT does not work there). So in addition to my ATT iPhone, I had a two phone Verizon plan at the same time. Currently I also have a Verizon wireless card for my MBP.

All I can say is this: ATT now rises to the occasion each time I call or need them. Verizon, on the other had, has been terrible with long hold times, rude operators, and deceptive billing. I am much happier with ATT.

 

[Dmac77]

I don't know what you are talking about. My parents use AT&T (as do I, on their contract), and we have not been happier. Their fees are very low, their customer service is excellent, and their coverage is quite good. The only thing they don't have are all the best phones.

I was talking about Verizon service, and I meant that my parents are unwilling to switch to AT&T, below are my beefs with Verizon.

They truly are "America's most reliable network". The only reason to go to AT&T is the iPhone, and that's not sufficient for me.

When my family couldn't get service anywhere in our town (Saline, which almost always has great service) we went to the Verizon Store, where almost 20 other people from our town were complaining, and we were told by the manager that it was because there were leaves on the trees, but it could also be because the past few days had been overcast and our phones couldn't communicate with the Verizon satellites. When we got home, my Mom called the Verizon support line and talked to a guy that told us that he would call back within 24 hours, 7 months later we still haven't been contacted by Verizon. Yes our phones are working again. On another occasion, we were getting charged for downloading ringtones, and texting and other crap that no one had done, My Mom called the Verizon support line and were told that they would cancel the charge, but if they ever disputed the charge with AMEX, Verizon would sue us.

That is why I say Verizon customer service sucks. I would fly to AT&T if I could get the iPhone without any credit and if they let minors signup for contract based service, but that won't happen anytime soon, and my parents won't switch to AT&T anytime soon, so I would love it if Apple would let Verizon sell the iPhone, but I don't think that it will happen within 4 years, and by then I'll be with AT&T because I'll be 18 and be building my credit.

I also agree with all of those who say that cellular phone companies are out to screw us all over.

Don

 

[tmiw]

Where was ATT? Enough said. [/I]

At least they're not Sprint? (they're ranked even lower than AT&T)

Note: I'm with Sprint now, and I haven't had problems. Although I don't really see them lasting more than 5 years as a mobile provider. If they had just gone with LTE like the other carriers instead of WiMax, they might have had a chance. And T-Mobile 3G is on a frequency that's not used anywhere else in the world, so there goes them. I guess when the inevitable happens and Sprint goes under, I'll probably end up on AT&T, despite my objections with them.

 

[Geckotek]

Verizons 4G will be GSM.

Obviously a statement from someone who knows nothing about wireless technologies.

Verizon has selected LTE to run on the new 700MHz spectrum they recently purchased. LTE is an evolution of UMTS. Yes, UMTS is the same data platform used by many GSM providers. However, this does not mean Verizon's network will be GSM. However, it's unclear to me if their voice will stay on CDMA or go VOIP on the LTE network.

 

[drtyrell]

I hope you're listening Steve, you will be dead and in the ground before I ever pay for AT&T's horrible service.

 

[phalewhale]

Lots of negatives here...
I've decided NOT to get the iPhone over here in England because I don't want to be tied to an 18 month contract to O2. I did test the phone for 12 days before returning to cancel the contract and obtain a refund for the handset and I enjoyed using the phone.

The more mobile operators that are able to sell the phone mean better deals for us customers. If people vote with their wallets/purses, these companies listen. It's been rumoured in the UK that Orange may soon be getting the handset. This can only be good for the customer.

If Apple really wants to make more money, they should make their handset available on their website too - unlocked so that the customer may choose a carrier. I know of lots of folk who are specifically holding back on the iPhone because either they don't like O2/AT&T, the tariff, or the coverage in their area, etc.

 

[Philberttheduck]

What's the update on the whole ETA fee = illegal? For those who don't know, California declared early termination fees illegal and forced Sprint to reimburse those who had to pay these. What's the update for AT&T because I see a HUGE disadvantage for the evil corporation that is AT&T

 

[phalewhale]

I hope you're listening Steve, you will be dead and in the ground before I ever pay for AT&T's horrible service.

Much anger I sense in him...

 

[lamadude]

I am really happy regarding the news! I love the fact that since AT&T is the exclusive carrier in the U.S., less people will have the chance of acquiring the phone. Maybe I am being a little selfish, but I would rather another "Razr" episode did not occur; people who can afford a product paying $800 when it first comes out (because of exclusivity), and then it becoming available for free with a two-year contract. Talk about unfair...

Man why does it matter how many people use the iPhone? Why is it better when "less people will have the chance of acquiring the phone?" As long as you enjoy your phone that's all that matters. I wouldn't mind if the whole world had an iphone and a mac pro.

 

[andreab35]

This just ruined my day.

AT&T is not the best in my area. Verizon and Sprint are for me.
If Verizon said yes to the iPhone deal, maybe things may work a bit better and there would be less problems, that is, for those who have great Verizon service in their area.

And what is Verizon doing now? Putting out 5,000 phones to compete with the iPhone.

 

[gkarris]

Already talked about this....

https://forums.macrumors.com/posts/5810865/

AT&T will do everything to keep being the EXCLUSIVE provider of Apple cell phones...

And you wonder why people think Apple's customers are stuck up snobs? Please keep those comments under wraps. Burry them deep, deep down as you are giving us all a bad name.




Quoted for truth. ATT was my first carrier. Way back when they were ATT. Then Cingular happened. I was with them until the end of my contract and then ran as far I could. ATT's customer service used to be there to help. If you had an issue, you got a credit. Cingular will never give you a credit even if they over bill you. Talk about killing the name of a great company. (oh and they fired most ATT staff and brought their own in.) Good company, huh?



ATT customer service is horrid. I repeat, h o r r i d . Good luck trying to get any help from them or even getting a hold of them. Apparently I am not alone. Here are the customer satisfaction ratings from 2007.

Study results by region are:

Northeast Region: T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless rank highest in a tie. T-Mobile performs particularly well in service plan options, customer service, cost of service and billing, while Verizon Wireless performs well in brand image and call quality.

Mid-Atlantic Region: Verizon Wireless ranks highest overall, performing well in call quality, service plan options and brand image.

Southeast Region: Alltel and T-Mobile rank highest in a tie. Alltel performs well in service plan options and billing, while T-Mobile performs particularly well in cost of service, brand image and customer service factors.

North Central Region: T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular and Verizon Wireless tie to rank highest in customer satisfaction. T-Mobile performs particularly well in cost of service and billing, while U.S. Cellular performs well in customer service and Verizon Wireless performs particularly well in brand image and call quality.

Southwest Region: T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless rank highest in a tie. T-Mobile performs particularly well in cost of service and billing, while Verizon Wireless performs well in call quality and brand image.

West Region: T-Mobile ranks highest, performing particularly well in billing, service plan options, customer service and cost of service.

Source: JD Power and Associates.


Where was ATT? Enough said.

ATT is the only reason why I don't have an iPhone. I have an iPod Touch and will use that. If they add a mic, speaker and a VOIP app, I will upgrade to a new iPod Touch. No iPhone until I can use it with a half way decent carrier.

Interesting how T-Mobile's done well.

I talked to a CR rep when the iPhone came out and she said that her company tried hard to get it also, but lost out to AT&T. They did get it in their home country and parts of Europe.

Sorry, folks, it's AT&T and Apple in the US from here on out, unless we pass laws to get rid of "handset exclusivity".

 

[bobbleheadbob]

I was with Verizon b4 switching to ATT last year to get the 1st iPhone. My experience with Verizon was (1) great reception almost anywhere and (2) horrible customer service. There was always something messed up with our bill. Trying to talk to anyone there was frustrating and usually useless. With ATT my experience has been the opposite. The customer service has been fine, but the reception has been hit or miss. The network just isn't as good.

Here's hoping that someday, someone gets them both right! But I'm not holding my breath for it!

 

[michelepri]

If microsoft did something like that with ATT everybody would be screaming. But because many of us Apple users are "fanboys" we decide to ignore all the filthy business. I find it disgusting that Apple keeps doing that in complete disregard of business ethics and consumer opinions. They take advantage of the fact that their telephone is very desirable and also that they have developed a series of monopolies, starting from ITunes.

 

[lucky3killer]

T-mobile users would unable to get 3G on att based iPhone due different spectrum, 850/1900 MHz for att and 1700 MHz for t-mobile.

 

[robanga]

There is no evidence that Sprint ever passed on the iPhone. Indeed this would have saved them as they are in a spiral right now. Verizon's CEO did say they "passed on it" whatever that means it might have just been a CEO-speak way of saying. "We could not get the deal we wanted".

Even the line between technologies is blurring. Some 3G is actually "WCDMA". To say that CDMA is dying is not really accurate either, sure GSM based stuff is much more world-wide but a form of CDMA is primary in Japan.

By the time 4G, LTE etc arrives the lines will be further blurred.

 

[plantdude]

I use Verizon and they have incredible coverage on my phone here in Northern California. I had AT&T/Cingular and vowed I would never go back to that carrier. I had Palm Treo problems, billing problems, reception problems (LG,Motorola phones on my family plan). I spent hours on the phone with AT&T support. I could not believe the bad support that I received from AT&T. There were times that I could not even use my phone. I ended up paying a huge penalty for switching to Verizon (I had a family plan). I am glad that some people have had good support from AT&T and hope they have cleaned up their act. My Verizon's coverage is great and I am amazed that my phone works when I go camping and my friends AT&T and Sprint phones have no coverage. I am thankful that Apple released the ipod touch. I love it and it goes with me everywhere! If AT&T were the only mobile carrier...I would not have a mobile phone.

 

[chuckiej]

When Steve Jobs announced the iPhone he said it was a five year exclusive. The only way that would change is if one company or the other backs out of the contract (and probably pays a huge penalty).

 

[aristokrat]

Wow, who knew there were so many cellular provider fanboys? Customer service always sucks, especially when judged by the type of people on this board, because they have to deal with so many stupid people with stupid problems that they have to treat everybody at the lowest common denominator. Only rarely do you find a CS rep who won't automatically run through the cue (not Q) cards and let you explain what you've already done.

Cellular reception is hugely YMMV, as Verizon is not very good were I live, ATT is better except for a few isolated (50'x50') complete dead zones, which is very odd.

I don't think Apple would have had any trouble making both a CDMA and GSM phone, because if they'd gone CDMA here stateside they'd had to have gone GSM to sell almost anywhere else. I think the fact that Verizon turned down Apple's offer is very telling, as they would have probably tried to charge you for visual voicemail, forced their website as your automatic locked homepage, put Verizon branding all over the phone, etc. Those were the points of contention for Apple, and the fact that Verizon didn't get the contract means that they wouldn't agree to abandon such second rate policies. I love that the iPhone has no branding, and that AT&T's presence on the phone is barely noticeable. Screw all that VCast stuff, just give me the internet, which is way better (hint: I get to do what I want to do). I don't hate Verizon, I hate all the US cell providers, but its nice to see AT&T agree to let Apple do things the Apple way.

 

[.:R2theT]

If microsoft did something like that with ATT everybody would be screaming. But because many of us Apple users are "fanboys" we decide to ignore all the filthy business. I find it disgusting that Apple keeps doing that in complete disregard of business ethics and consumer opinions. They take advantage of the fact that their telephone is very desirable and also that they have developed a series of monopolies, starting from ITunes.

How are they taking advantage? You don't like ATT don't get the iPhone. You don't like iTunes don't get an iPod. You don't like underpowered, overpriced portables don't buy a MacBook.

We are paying for a complete package. The end-to-end design. We choose to live in this ecosystem. Consumer options? Your kidding right? With Apple? I don't think if Jobs ever talks about consumer options. He says things like "we think people are going to love this". He doesn't care if you don't, Apples got $20 billion in the bank because of the people that do. Like Henry Ford said, "The customer can have any color he wants so long as it's black."

They take advantage of the fact that their telephone is very desirable? You mean they charge for it. I have the original iPhone that I bought for $399 and it was and is worth every penny. But I am not willing to pay the increased data fees for the 3G, it's just not worth it to my wife and me. How is Apple/ATT taking advantage of anything? I don't have to buy it! And neither do you.

 

[z0n3x]

There is NO way the iPhone will ever make it to Verizon. Manufacturing two distinct chip sets for CDMA networks defeats the purpose of economies of scale. Also, since the iPhone is more or less sold out and has been a "hot selling" item since its release why would they change anything? I doubt Tmobile will get it when the exclusivity agreement drops because of their 3g band. I wouldn't expect anyone else here in the US to get it until the 4g standard is figured out. It sucks, ATT is way too expensive in relation to other carriers.

 

[skellener]

USA Today article about ATT CEO's iPhone deal

Summary: Originally two years, ending in 2009. Extended one more year, to 2010, because of the current subsidy.

Bummer.

 

[skellener]

Customer service always sucks, especially when judged by the type of people on this board, because they have to deal with so many stupid people with stupid problems that they have to treat everybody at the lowest common denominator.

With all the complaints about customer service, I have to say, I have never had a problem with T-Mobile. Never had a billing problem, my old RAZR phone's bluetooth is completely open (can do anything with it - file transfers, headset pairing, connect to other unlocked phones and devices), coverage in my area works just fine, and whenever I call to ask question, it is answered immediately. I am always surprised at how good their support is because I am always expecting some sort of run around. But it never happens. I have no desire to leave. I've had them now for about 6 years. Even the iPhone couldn't get me to switch to AT&T at this point. If I got one, I'd hack it and use it on T-Mobile with edge or simply no data plan - just as a phone with iPod Touch.