Non-exclusive Apple-Verizon deal could allow iPhone on Sprint, T-Mobile

the8thark · Jan 12, 2011

Non-exclusive Apple-Verizon deal could allow iPhone on Sprint, T-Mobile
AppleInsider | Non-exclusive Apple-Verizon deal could allow iPhone on Sprint, T-Mobile

Apple Chief Operating Officer Tim Cook revealed on Tuesday that his company's agreement with Verizon for the CDMA iPhone is non-exclusive, meaning the new handset could also appear on Sprint's CDMA network.

EndlessMac · Jan 12, 2011

I'm hoping that will happen. The more competition the better but I really just hate the concept of exclusivity for phones. As consumers we should be the ones to choose which phones we want to use on which networks rather than the wireless networks telling us what we can have.

Ecgþeow · Jan 12, 2011

EndlessMac said:
I'm hoping that will happen. The more competition the better but I really just hate the concept of exclusivity for phones. As consumers we should be the ones to choose which phones we want to use on which networks rather than the wireless networks telling us what we can have.

I agree, but I hope the user experience is the same across networks (by that I mean the carrier doesn't stick on some non-removable bloatware etc.)

MYmacROX · Jan 12, 2011

EndlessMac said:
I'm hoping that will happen. The more competition the better but I really just hate the concept of exclusivity for phones. As consumers we should be the ones to choose which phones we want to use on which networks rather than the wireless networks telling us what we can have.

Yeah, exclusivity for phones is kind of lame. ...BUT it keeps the prices of the hardware down for the consumer. Do you really want to pay $600 for an iPhone 4 just so you can use it on T-Mobile or Sprint? Maybe some don't mind, but I just couldn't afford that. And even if I did have that kind of money, I would spend it on better things than a phone. $:\$

the8thark · Jan 12, 2011

Ecgþeow said:
I agree, but I hope the user experience is the same across networks (by that I mean the carrier doesn't stick on some non-removable bloatware etc.)

Apple will not allow it. They have not with AT&T or Verizon or any international carrier. All the crapware garbage you have to get from itunes and can choose not to download it if you want.

baggss · Jan 12, 2011

I think T-Mo would be a likely candidate since they just use a different frequency band for data than AT&T, their system is still GSM and and the current crop of AT&T iPhones will work on their network just fine.

Sprint is another story though since their 4G network isn't going to the same standard as VZW and AT&T (LTE vs WiMax) that in itself would require another handset. Then again, why not?

EndlessMac · Jan 12, 2011

MYmacROX said:
Yeah, exclusivity for phones is kind of lame. ...BUT it keeps the prices of the hardware down for the consumer. Do you really want to pay $600 for an iPhone 4 just so you can use it on T-Mobile or Sprint? Maybe some don't mind, but I just couldn't afford that. And even if I did have that kind of money, I would spend it on better things than a phone. $:\$

I don't believe exclusivity is the only way to get subsidized phones. I've seen other phones get subsidized even though they are on more than one network. I believe it has to do more with the deals and contracts the networks have with the phone manufacturers. For example the iPhone on Verizon is also at a subsidized price.

I think what you are talking about is getting an unlocked phone which is different than exclusivity.

baggss · Jan 12, 2011

I think it worked initially since Apple was breaking into the market. Now that they are established subsidies will help keep existing customers as well as draw new ones for both carriers.

EndlessMac · Jan 12, 2011

I like subsidies and hope they continue. It's the exclusivity that I didn't like. I can understand at the time Apple was trying to break into the market but I'm surprised at how long the contract with AT&T was.

baggss · Jan 12, 2011

EndlessMac said:
I like subsidies and hope they continue. It's the exclusivity that I didn't like. I can understand at the time Apple was trying to break into the market but I'm surprised at how long the contract with AT&T was.

Heck, they ended the contract a year and a half early even, the 5 years would have ended in Summer 2012. Apparently AT&T forced Apple to hold off until after the Holiday season as part of the bargain to early terminate the contract. I suspect that was a contract provision that they were able to exercise. Three and a half years really wasn't that long, but it's obviouse that VZW realized their mistake as soon as the iPhone launched but had to wait out for testing and Apples contractual requirements.

EndlessMac · Jan 12, 2011

baggss said:
Three and a half years really wasn't that long...

In consumer electronics I personally think it's pretty long but that's all water under the bridge now. It's out now and I'm curious to hear about the reviews about the iPhone on the Verizon network.