Interesting read on AT&T "crisis management"

[termleech]

I saw this today and thought it was a really interesting read. http://www.computerworld.com/action/...icleId=9134267. It's basically from a guy who's firm specializing in crisis management. He's basically saying what I (and others) have been saying all along. If AT&T was smart they'd let everyone who has a current iPhone upgrade to the 3GS at the low price. That way they lock in to another 2 years which means should Apple decided to offer the iPhone on another carrier they would be getting an early term fee for anyone who switched which would make up for the difference in price now. It would also make Apple more likely to keep them for at least another two years.

[billnye97]

Originally Posted by termleech

I saw this today and thought it was a really interesting read. http://www.computerworld.com/action/...icleId=9134267. It's basically from a guy who's firm specializing in crisis management. He's basically saying what I (and others) have been saying all along. If AT&T was smart they'd let everyone who has a current iPhone upgrade to the 3GS at the low price. That way they lock in to another 2 years which means should Apple decided to offer the iPhone on another carrier they would be getting an early term fee for anyone who switched which would make up for the difference in price now. It would also make Apple more likely to keep them for at least another two years.

It seems like the no brainer thing to do, however, we are talking about the cell phone industry and AT&T at that. I don't think anything is going to change.

[termleech]

No it's unlikely that AT&T will do anything. It's so sad that if they would just step out from behind their cloak and see what people want, they would actually make a lot more money in the long run. However the only thing they know is short term gains. It's really sad. So now instead of making more money in the long run you trade it for short term money which just doesn't make sense.

[aknightstale41]

Thats interesting, i dont twitter but i would sign this petition.
Cmon AT&T, this is an opportunity to shed this image your creating as a greedy corporate company who's only interest is the bottom line.

[Eragon]

Originally Posted by aknightstale41

Thats interesting, i dont twitter but i would sign this petition.
Cmon AT&T, this is an opportunity to shed this image your creating as a greedy corporate company who's only interest is the bottom line.

AT&T, Verizon and Apple are out to make money. They really could care less about the average consumer other than how increase ARPU.

[vrsc]

dont' twitter either but I signed up for twitter just to sign this petition

[billnye97]

Originally Posted by Eragon

AT&T, Verizon and Apple are out to make money. They really could care less about the average consumer other than how increase ARPU.

The point is they would have the people in contract for an additional year and if next year Apple jumps carriers these people would have to pay an ETF but instead they will be free to move. Now you have a boatload of people who won't upgrade to the 3GS and will more then likely leave when Apple takes the iPhone elsewhere.

The big if and it is a big one is if AT&T hammer out a longer exclusivity with Apple but it seems unlikely seeing that Apple was taking jabs at them at the WWDC.

[Napoleon_PhoneApart]

I hope AT&T sticks to its guns!

After all, giving everyone the fully subsidized price would mean longer lines on the 19th, and I'm all about what's good for Napoleon_PhoneApart!

[Eragon]

Originally Posted by Napoleon_PhoneApart

I hope AT&T sticks to its guns!

After all, giving everyone the fully subsidized price would mean longer lines on the 19th, and I'm all about what's good for Napoleon_PhoneApart!

AT&T is doing a fine job sticking it to itself.

[unnecessary]

ya because if Verizon does get the iPhone next year when contracts are up, I WILL be jumping ship like a lot others.