AT&T’s wireless division has seen a large number of new subscribers and just overall positive sales numbers thanks to Apple’s iPhone, so it’s no wonder AT&T is working hard on extending the iPhone’s exclusive contract.
According to a Wall Street Journal article, AT&T’s chief executive Randall Stephenson is in discussions with Apple to extend the exclusive offer until 2011. AT&T’s current deal with Apple expires next year.
Extending the contract with Apple would not only guarantee more business, but it would also keep the popular device away from other carriers like Verizon. Many current iPhone subscribers have become overly displeased with AT&T’s current service, but most remain with the carrier solely because they want to keep using their iPhones.
AT&T plans on heavily investing in its mobile division with or without the iPhone, but it would make everything easier for them to just throw tons of money at Apple and let the iPhone do its thing.
I can already hear the wishful Verizon customers groaning at the thought of having to wait even longer to get their mitts on the iPhone.
Yup. It’s why I left Verizon in the first place. I got tired of waiting. At&t service isn’t as good as Verizon’s, but they have the IPhone…so what can you do?
Can’t wait for this to hit Verizon. I will likely be waiting until 2015, but that can’t stop me from looking forward to the day that Apple unleashes their beast upon VZW. Oh, but if it doesn’t have WiFi, I’ll stick with my AT&T version.
No worries. If the rumors are true and Apple does in fact release a CDMA version specifically for China, all you sprint/verizon loyalists will be able to pick it up on eBay for $200 more than regular cost — and with some hacking and sweet-talking of sprint/verizon representatives, you’ll be another one of the millions of iPhone customers
Keep your heads up non-AT&T’ers
If AT&T had universal coverage across the U.S., it might make sense to let them continue to be the exclusive carrier. What would be idea is a combination GSM / CDMA phone with peering arrangements between AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and perhaps U.S. Cellular. That would provide robust coverage for the user and some income sharing among carriers. Otherwise, you need to let each carrier have their own version of the iPhone.