Everybody hates AT&T iPhone Exclusivity. Even AT&T!
This week, I wrote a column for Computerworld about how AT&T has been demonstrating an inability to handle iPhone traffic, which puts the company squarely in line with the desires of users, the FCC, competitive carriers and even Apple to end Apple's exclusive arrangement for the iPhone.
Now, in yet another example of AT&T's inability to handle iPhone, the company announced 3G upgrades to HSPA 7.2. Unfortunately, however, the company can't yet roll out the new feature in its two biggest iPhone markets: San Francisco and New York City.
Now, in yet another example of AT&T's inability to handle iPhone, the company announced 3G upgrades to HSPA 7.2. Unfortunately, however, the company can't yet roll out the new feature in its two biggest iPhone markets: San Francisco and New York City.
7:38 AM * PERMALINK * 3 comments
Comments:
The bigger problem is the carrier model America has and the prominence of CDMA. It doesn't make sense for Apple to create a CDMA version of the iPhone when America is the only place it could be sold. It's not simply a matter of "offering it on as many carriers as possible". In the U.S. that would be two, AT&T and T-Mobile. T-Mobile's coverage, especially 3G, pales in comparison to AT&T and is still in its infancy. The solution goes much deeper than just tearing up a contract.
Something everyone needs to realize about the whole exclusivity thing....AT&T had to add and change a TON of stuff in their billing systems (at Apple's requirement) just to get the dang iPhone to work at all. They invested a humongous amount of money doing so as well. The reason other carriers aren't selling it? They would have to make the same changes and they simply don't want to deal with it, most likely.
Hogwash. AT&T's antiquated billing system was a relic and Apple simply forced them into the 20th Century. While CDMA is a problem, many of us who were once iPhoners (and miss them terribly) would put up with TMobile growing pains while picking up our devices and walking away from AT&T. They've single handedly screwed customers three sides longways, and like many, I've tired of it. Here's hoping for an EDGE network from a better company than 3G stuck with AT&T in January... and if Apple and Verizon can work out a way to get CDMA iPhones made, more power to them! But getting even ONE more competitor in, even if it's just T, would be cake for everyone.
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