Say it ain't so.

[Willie5566]

I have been wanting an iPhone more and more lately and do not want to switch from Verizon. Please tell me I do not have to wait another year+ to get one. Is it September 2009 that the deal with AT & T is over?? Ahhhhh!!!!

[PG4G]

Apple and AT&T have not disclosed the nature of their deal, or how long it would go for. We really don't know.

[bobb-mini]

Yes they have. Unless I missed something, it's an exclusive 5 years deal, so 2012.

[deftdrummer1]

and the current iPhone only works with gsm networks, so you're screwed even In 2009 willie

[Willie5566]

Oh no!! That is horrible!! Ahhh! I have no idea where I hear 2009 but now I am really bummed. I can not believe Apple made that deal with AT&T. I could understand 2 years but 5!?!?! :mad:

[Kaspar 15]

Actually the iPhone was first offered to Verizon, but the offer was rejected due to Apple's terms (such as selling the iPhone only in Apple and Verizon stores, leaving Wal-Mart, Best Buy and other Verizon distributors out of the deal).

[jhollington]

Actually, it's uncertain whether the deal with AT&T only included the current iPhone model or all future iPhone models, so it's entirely possible a subsequent model may not fall under the same terms.

Regardless, the point about the iPhone being a GSM device is the real issue. The current incarnation of iPhone is technologically incompatible with Verizon's network. It doesn't seem likely that Apple is going to release a CDMA iPhone in the near future, so it's unlikely that you'll be able to get an iPhone that will work on Verizon's network.

You can hack and unlock an iPhone and use it on T-Mobile even now, and if the exclusivity were to change with the next model (even if that meant that Apple might simply sell the iPhone in an unlocked state), then you'd be able to legitimately use it on that network. As far as I know, however, in the U.S. AT&T and T-Mobile are the only major GSM networks, so Verizon and Sprint are definitely out, at least for the time being.

[Kaspar 15]

I now also found an article about iPhone and AT&T,

USA Today confirms that the iPhone is contractually bound to AT&T as an exclusive for a period of five years. Previous reports had varied, with one report claiming the deal as lasting through 2009 instead. Apple is also said to be prohibited from creating a CDMA version of the iPhone during this time.

http://www.macrumors.com/2007/05/22/iphone-details-5-years-on-atandt-verizons-answer/

[Willie5566]

You can hack and unlock an iPhone and use it on T-Mobile even now, and if the exclusivity were to change with the next model (even if that meant that Apple might simply sell the iPhone in an unlocked state), then you'd be able to legitimately use it on that network. As far as I know, however, in the U.S. AT&T and T-Mobile are the only major GSM networks, so Verizon and Sprint are definitely out, at least for the time being.


The problem is I would have to break my contract with Verizon and probably my wifes as well. It wouldn't make sens to not have my wife on the same network and lose my M2M. That would be about $400 in penalties and then $499 for the 16gb iPhone.

I am open to T-mobile but AT&T sounds like it is horrible. The problem still would be the $900 start up.

[bobb-mini]

U just have to "sell" it to ur wife that's all :) Show her all the cute things u can do with an iPhone!

If Apple is able to contract the iPhoneII with another carrier, then AT&T CEO is one dumb SOG.

[deftdrummer1]

Sounds like you need to wait and hope your carrier comes out with something cooler than the voyager then. That was obviously the thought process of verizon when they turned apple down from the start: "we can have a manufacturer make a device that surpasses the iPhone, we're not signing your silly contract"

[bobb-mini]

The rest of us look at it this way, if the iPhone was CDMA, I'd be complaining to no end I can't use the dang, expensive thing (and show off) during my business travels!

Better u than me! :)

[Willie5566]

Sounds like you need to wait and hope your carrier comes out with something cooler than the voyager then. That was obviously the thought process of verizon when they turned apple down from the start: "we can have a manufacturer make a device that surpasses the iPhone, we're not signing your silly contract"

I think you are right. Yeah the Voyager doesn't quite cut it. Hey-there's always 2012 right? :rolleyes:

[Dyvim]

The problem is I would have to break my contract with Verizon and probably my wifes as well... That would be about $400 in penalties and then $499 for the 16gb iPhone.
Don't forget the $499 for your wife's 16gb iPhone too (or at least $399 for an 8gb version) ;) , so that's $1300-1400 right there!

[Willie5566]

Don't forget the $499 for your wife's 16gb iPhone too (or at least $399 for an 8gb version) ;) , so that's $1300-1400 right there!

Naw-She hates that I am so into gadgets. She could careless. She would be fine with an analog phone if she could get one.

[Dyvim]

Naw-She hates that I am so into gadgets. She could careless..
That's too bad- it would probably be easier to sell her on the switch if she could get an iPhone too. ;) Of course, the iPhone is about the perfect gadget for people who don't normally like gadgets. My wife was never into smartphones at all, but she loves her iPhone. Maybe you should casually maneuver her into an Apple store and let her play around with one!

[CeeTee]

I think you are right. Yeah the Voyager doesn't quite cut it. Hey-there's always 2012 right? :rolleyes:

What is it that you don't like about the Voyager?