Will You Switch Carriers if There Are More Choices Next Year for the iPhone?
Image Source: http://blog.the3gdatingagency.com/2008/10/
Apple’s worldwide single-carrier exclusivity model for each nation is seen as fleeting, as a new report suggests the iPhone could be available for carriers other than AT&T in the U.S. within a year.
There have been rumors around for ages that Apple would soon be looking at ending its exclusive relationship with AT&T in the US. Recent reports “ including this one at Apple Insider “ seem to indicate this is more and more likely, especially as recent customer surveys show that US iPhone users are exceptionally happy with the device, and not too happy at all with AT&T.
The same recent survey that showed that no less than 99% of iPhone users were satisfied with the iPhone, also highlighted that
But the iPhone’s U.S. carrier, AT&T, was seen as the product’s biggest pitfall. When iPhone 3GS owners were asked to rank what they dislike about the product, 55 percent chose the AT&T network.
I ‘ve been fortunate in my experiences with AT&T and the iPhones I ‘ve owned. 3G coverage here in Austin has always been fairly good, and is very strong now. Both data and voice coverage for me have been consistently good. My wife and I are also on a pretty good family plan that has worked well for us for many years. So we are not likely to look at Verizon or another carrier even if Apple does open things up next year.
Having said that, I would still welcome it if Apple does decide to move away from a single carrier system in the US “ just so that there is a bit of healthy competition to “ hopefully “ keep the carriers servicing iPhone users a little more on their toes.
What about you all? Are you just waiting on a chance to jump away from AT&T or another carrier if you ‘re outside the US?
It all depends on how the new carrier compares in pricing to AT&T. Verizon is better than AT&T, but people will be in for a surprise if they think they will no longer get dropped calls and poor coverage. Pricing will be the big factor as well as policy for when new phones come out (discounted pricing?).
Yup – it will / would be interesting to see how pricing and subsidies and such play out.
Does it really matter? All wireless carriers are agents of Beezlebub so it's a matter of "the devil you know" or a whole new mess of problems with Verizon. While I like the stability of their network (MUCH fewer dropped calls and coverage), I do not like their approach to nickel and dimeing you for every little thing (especially when it costs them nothing to offer it)
I agree that most of the time all the carriers seem quite alike in their overall treatment of customers. A lot of it comes down to where you live, what the coverage is, and what your own recent experience is with a particular carrier. Mainly, I think the competition element would help.
Well, the only carrier I would be able to switch to would be T-Mobile, unless I was willing to purchase a new iPhone. That isn't all that appealing.
Verizon and Sprint both use CDMA (or something that isn't GSM which is what the current iPhone works on).
So, I definitely wouldn't pay to get out of my contract with AT&T. After my 2 year contract is up (bought a 3GS), I would definitely see what the competition is offering.
If the iPhone came to Verizon or Sprint – I really don't think many people would switch out of an existing contract. I think people purchasing new iPhone would surely consider non-AT&T carriers.
The other issue for me is that my whole family is on AT&T and I love the free mobile to mobile minutes (not to mention rollover).
I would also seriously consider not being able to use 3G and talk on the phone at the same time.
Too bad I won't have to make this decision anytime soon.
I'm also on a two-year re-up from the 3GS, and also on a family plan – so my feelings are similar. I do hope others get some choices next year though.
i'll probably switch just cuz i can get broadband w/ verizon or sprint but not at&t