AT&T’s Exclusivity of the iPhone

The F.C.C is looking into the exclusive deal between Apple and AT&T as a hope to understand why this should be legal, or if it just should be illegal all together. I believe that if it weren’t for AT&T’s deal with Apple to sell the iPhone exclusively, AT&T would be out of business. Everyone can agree that AT&T has horrible service compared to its closest competitor – Verizon Wireless. 

Verizon Wireless has grown significantly over the past few years and they have definitely stolen a lot of customers from AT&T. Many analysts believe that if the iPhone was also allowed to Verizon, that AT&T would definitely go bankrupt because there would be no reason to stay with AT&T and their mysterious service. This is why some believe that these exclusive deals are vital to any wireless carrier’s success. 

I used to be a customer with Verizon Wireless for over 4 years, but about 2 months ago, I switched over to AT&T to get the iPhone. Luckily, my contract with Verizon was up so I wasn’t charged a termination fee. Now, I have wanted to iPhone for years, but I just never had to the courage or motivation to buy it and actually switch service providers. I love the iPhone, but sometimes the service is just terrible. I wish I could have the iPhone on Verizon because the only pro for Verizon, in my opinion, is that they have excellent service. 

Most people probably look for service as their reasoning for choosing a wireless carrier, but the iPhone has appeared to change this. Now, even though people know Verizon has better service, people (like me) are switching to AT&T because the iPhone still far surpasses any other phone and it makes up for the lack of service in some areas. 

What do you think? Do you think that if Apple allowed Verizon to have to iPhone, AT&T would go under? Remember, Apple went to Verizon first and asked if they were interested in the iPhone but Verizon denied the offer so Apple took the offer to AT&T whom accepted.