AT&T–Apple iPad 3G deal to Keep Verizon Waiting?
5/08/2010 09:14:00 PM - 1 comments
Everybody were almost sure that AT&T’s exclusivity as a carrier with Apple Inc. will end this year, as Verizon seemed fairly close to seal the deal. However, it seems the AT&T’s iPad deal has offered the carrier company a new lease of life as reports suggest that AT&T's iPad deal might delay Verizon iPhone. So, does that mean that the Apple iPad 3G deal will help clinch AT&T another year of iPhone exclusivity?Well, as analysts are busy evaluating on the iPhone's future, fresh reports indicate that the U.S. telecommunications giant AT&T might continue to have carrier exclusivity for the iPhone until at least 2011 as Apple extends AT&T exclusive contract. Thanks to the iPad 3G deal it has cut with Apple early in the year; this will delay Verizon iPhone Release Date until 2011.
How did it all happen….
This change of events was indeed not much expected a few months ago as Apple hasn't been happy with AT&T's network performance for the iPhone. However, AT&T’s strategy to offer generous and recurring monthly data program for the iPad (in a bid to secure the Apple phone exclusivity for US) did seem to work well to keep rival Verizon Wireless off Apple Inc.
Taking the customer reliability factor into account, both the telecommunication giants AT&T and Verizon are found to be considered 99 percent reliable, according to a recent analysis made by Global Wireless Solutions. Therefore, if you take into account the gist of this study, it was a well strategized step from AT&T to actually cut the iPad deal with Apple – probably one of the best ways to keep away Verizon for a while.
Missed Verizon iPhone by a Whisker?
Earlier, Apple had announced its interest in roping in Verizon Wireless for distribution and marketing of iPhone. However, Verizon lost the exclusivity deal later to AT&T; and the rest is history. AT&T reached the pinnacle of business after it was offered exclusivity for Apple iPhone.
Yet sometime later, some consumers complained of poor service from AT&T and the company had launched a 100 days campaign to revamp its image. And, it does seem to work as they have succeeded in impressing Apple to the extent that Apple have agreed to give it six more months as it seals the iPad 3G deal with AT&T, giving Verizon iPhone miss by a whisker.
Posted: Seuli.B
Stupid AT&T. Crappy service and high-end monthly prices, and now I have to wait another year to get myself an iPhone. With Verizon in the picture, AT&T would be forced to lower their monthly rates and improve their service to compete, and we, the consumers, would all benefit. Bad move, Apple. You just lost hundreds of thousands of dollars from countless people wanting a Verizon iPhone, including me. Good job.