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16 Apr 2009
AT&T is reportedly looking to extend its exclusive US carrier deal for the iPhone. The company was the first to strike a deal with Apple when it announced in 2007 that it would provide service for the handset through newly-acquired Cingular.
Reports in The Wall Street Journal suggest that AT&T is now seeking to extend the deal to provide exclusive service for the iPhone until 2011.
AT&T has generated major revenues from the millions of iPhones sold in the US. However, the company is also said to be paying handsome subsidisation costs to carry the handset.
The practice of locking the iPhone into a single carrier has long been a point of contention with Apple's customers and carriers.
Consumers in Europe have decried the company's exclusive deals with O2, T-Mobile and Orange. In France, Orange was forced to offer unlocked handsets, while T-Mobile had to go to court to retain its exclusive deal.
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Do you agree?
The IPHONE should be with Verizon!
Ive had Verizon for 8 years now. The service is great and I rarely lose reception. The best phone on the market should be matched up with the best service.
Posted by: Jim Howard 23 Apr 2009
AT&T can't stand on its own
The only reason they want a lock on the iPhone is because customers won't choose AT&T if given a choice of carrier. AT&T's customer service record isn't great, and thus the need to lock potential customers in. As Devo would say, "Freedom of Choice".
Posted by: EJ 17 Apr 2009
Want the iPhone...Don't Want AT&T.
Come on Apple, open it up to other carriers. I have to walk down the street to get enough bars to talk with AT&T. No problems with other carriers at my residence. I want the iPhone but don't want AT&T. Can't we have a choice?
Posted by: Tony 16 Apr 2009
NO!!!
Please do not accept this deal Steve J! I do not have an iPhone for precisely this reason. I refuse to use AT&T for cellular service. I have waited long enough...
Posted by: janay 16 Apr 2009
Apple Please do NOT extend AT&Ts contract.
I am planning on getting an iPhone in June. I am currently with Verizon so I will need to make the switch to AT&T which I am not happy about. Lately I have been paying attention to the sound quality when I am on the phone with someone who has AT&T or Verizon. There is no comparison. AT&T had static in the background while Verizon was crystal clear every time. Yeah I can live with the static but it's annoying. When Verizon gets the iPhone I'll switch back even if I have to pay an early termination fee.
Posted by: Jarom E 16 Apr 2009
I want to switch!
I would like to see the iPhone opened to other cellualar companies. I would like the choice to switch to another network, many of which offer plans more suited to my needs than does AT&T. Additionally, I'd like to be able to bundle my TV, moblile phone, and internet service, which AT&T does not offer in my area. And finally, I am opposed to a "monopoly" of any kind!!
Posted by: Michelle 16 Apr 2009