AT&T iPhone Exclusivity Expires in 2010, AT&T Asking for Extension?
The Wall Street Journal reports that AT&T's exclusive offering of the iPhone will expire next year but that AT&T is working with Apple to extend it to 2011.
AT&T has benefited from the exclusive iPhone offering attracting 4.3 million iPhone subscribers in the second half of 2008 with about 40% of them being new to AT&T. If the agreement does expire, this could open up the iPhone to become available with other U.S. carriers. This may, however, require some variations in hardware in order to accommodate other networks.
But AT&T's exclusive deal to carry the iPhone in the U.S. expires next year, according to people familiar with the matter, and Mr. Stephenson is now in discussions with Apple Inc. to get an extension until 2011.
The exact length of exclusivity has been a bit murky with initial reports claiming as far out as 2012 but the most recent reports corroborating the 2010 date.AT&T has benefited from the exclusive iPhone offering attracting 4.3 million iPhone subscribers in the second half of 2008 with about 40% of them being new to AT&T. If the agreement does expire, this could open up the iPhone to become available with other U.S. carriers. This may, however, require some variations in hardware in order to accommodate other networks.
Top Rated Comments
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37 months ago
Apple needs to make them bend on things for the privilege to exclusively carry the iphone.
-Tethering
-VOiP on 3G
-Sling Player
-Tethering
-VOiP on 3G
-Sling Player
37 months ago
i really hope it stays Apple stays with AT&T for a long time. exclusives make the competition really high up. i mean T-Mobile literally has everything people want (like those sidekicks or custom phones) . so why not keep the iphone to ATT.
37 months ago
I hope Apple realizes that there are a lot of us who would like to have an iPhone but find the monthly data plan prohibitive. I really hope they negotiate some plan flexibility so that I can finally carry one item instead of an iPod Touch and a crappy AT&T phone.
I know I am dreaming, so please no responses to that effect... :)
I know I am dreaming, so please no responses to that effect... :)
37 months ago
Not sure how to rate this...up or down. I go UP for the possibility of the iPhone for other carriers and DOWN for a possible extension. I agree that if AT&T do get the extension, they will have to make some sacrifices for it to be granted.
All the iPhone being exclusive to AT&T is doing is making other companies pay out to get hi-end exclusive phones. It is not forcing manufacturers to produce a better phone. That will happen even if the iPhone is offered by every single wireless company.
i really hope it stays Apple stays with AT&T for a long time. exclusives make the competition really high up. i mean T-Mobile literally has everything people want (like those sidekicks or custom phones) . so why not keep the iphone to ATT.
All the iPhone being exclusive to AT&T is doing is making other companies pay out to get hi-end exclusive phones. It is not forcing manufacturers to produce a better phone. That will happen even if the iPhone is offered by every single wireless company.
37 months ago
It'll most likely remain exclusive with some give and take from both sides. There is no way that Apple will make a CDMA phone for just the US in order to go with Verizon. Sprint has the Pre. T-Mobile has Android...and their network sucks.
at&t wins.
at&t wins.
37 months ago
I have the iPhone 3G on AT&T and would switch back to Verizon in a heart beat if were to go that way. One can only hope!
Jeff
Jeff
37 months ago
I can't for the life of me understand why some here would HOPE that Apple stays with AT&T exclusive. Uh, what? Why? Just because you're on AT&T and you're cool with it? Everyone's situation is different. Expanding to other carriers would benefit the iPhone greatly, and would dramatically increase its market share, while giving people options.
Some people legitimately cannot use AT&T for one reason or another, however much they want the iPhone. I don't see how the iPhone being lmited to 1 carrier is a GOOD thing for you, or for Apple.
Some people legitimately cannot use AT&T for one reason or another, however much they want the iPhone. I don't see how the iPhone being lmited to 1 carrier is a GOOD thing for you, or for Apple.
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