AT&T iPhone Exclusivity Ending?
In a conference call with investors, AT&T Mobility CEO Ralph de la Vega strongly implied today that the companies exclusivity to sell the iPhone in the US is ending. When asked what AT&T plans are should the iPhone deal end, de la Vega indicated that while the iPhone is a good source of new subscribers, it’s only part of AT&T’s smartphone portfolio.
“We have a legacy of having a great portfolio…that will continue after the iPhone is no longer exclusive to us,” de la Vega said. “We think we will continue after the iPhone…to drive [results]….”
It’s been forever rumored that Verizon would be next in line to get a shot at the iPhone. This will certainly add fuel to the fire.
[Computerworld via Engadget]
Tags: iPhone, Ralph de la Vega, Verizon
This guy’s hair is hilarious!
Finally! Get the iPhone a network with some backbone already..
AT&T had a huge opportunity with this exclusive deal. It gave them a chance to build up their customer base (with Apple or iPhone loyalists…who have been shown to spend money) while imporiving their network/service. Everybody that signed up for an iPhone knew of the poor relative service compared to other providers, but they wanted an iPhone bad enough to put up with it for a little while.
Now, the exclusivity deal is ending. But guess what…AT&T’s service simply hasn’t improved. Calls are routinely dropped, even in major cities. Because of the lack of improvement, people simply won’t stay once their contract is up.
GREAT deal for AT&T at first. And an opportunity for them to build and keep a large customer base. I’m afraid they are likely going to miss out when it comes to retention, though.
I was with AT&T for a few years before the iphone came out. They’ve always treated me fairly and I’ve had great service. However, where ever the iphone goes, so does my money. I’m so happy with this phone that I am willing to change to what ever carrier has the rights to carry it. I really think AT&T will lose a huge customer base if they don’t fight to keep their exclusivity.
AT&T has indeed dropped the ball with this one. They need to beef up their network NOW in order to keep a decent portion of their customer base. Their 3G is sparse in Ohio, though I rarely drop a call.