AT&T exec kinda/sorta acknowledges the end of iPhone exclusivity someday

Vague, yes. But even so, the merest acknowledgment on the part of AT&T regarding the end of its exclusive iPhone offering still seems to qualify as news. And why not? Whenever the subject’s come up in the past, the carrier practically stuck its fingers in its ears and sang, “I can’t hear you, I can’t hear you.”

Not so this time. In fact, AT&T Mobility CEO Ralph de la Vega didn’t dodge the issue with some trite, canned statements. He hit the topic head-on with analysts via conference call this week, saying that the carrier has a “legacy of having a great portfolio...that will continue after the iPhone is no longer exclusive to us," and that AT&T's success "will continue after the iPhone.”

Them’s tough words, chief. De la Vega sort of realized it too, and softened his approach as the call progressed. He toned it down with phrases like "even if we lose exclusivity," and then called up a bit of flattery: “Others will try to emulate them [Apple], but that device by far is the best in terms of ease of use.”

Does it reveal any new facts? Not really. At best, maybe it suggests that AT&T really does see the writing on the wall. And given the excellent Q3 numbers the carrier pulled in, which were largely attributed to the Apple device, no wonder its chief execs are a bit tense about possibly losing it.

[via Engadget Mobile]

Comments & Opinions

roley33 @ Oct 26, 09 1:00 AM

if u look at apple's track record, apple has always done things their own way its never been about the money with them. Plus idk why but i just dont see apple with verizon ever. its funny how apple with one single phone is going head to head with other major carriers (verizon wireless). On the other hand t-mobile does look like the next iphone provider. P.s. Droid is just another supposed iphone killer just like the 20 before it.

Spam

SoCal_J @ Oct 26, 09 1:30 AM

Don't kid yourself, Apple just like every other company does things for the money. If they could work out a deal with Verizon they will do it. This is business and you can't let hurt feelings stop you from going with the largest cell provider in the country. AT&T is the exclusive Iphone carrier in the US but Verizon is far ahead of AT&T in the amount of customers they have as well as having a superior network. You can't tell me you think Apple would turn down putting their phone on Verizons network if the two could come to a deal, that would be exposure to many millions more Iphone buyers. Honestly once their deal with AT&T is up I see Iphone on all 4 major us networks.

artz1986 @ Oct 26, 09 11:11 AM

Verizon won't get the iPhone cheers to V-cast w/ Rhapsody. An iPhone that only syncs to Rhapsody, or an iPhone that has both platforms [Rhapsody and iTunes] in it's system, do you think that will ever happen? Nope.

SoCal_J @ Oct 25, 09 8:30 PM

Iphone on sprint would be great for both companies. Sprint has great service, especially out here in the west coast where AT&T is awful. With the great pricing plans Sprint has and a phone like the Iphone it would be a win/win for both companies. I'd buy an Iphone if it were on sprint but I won't touch it as long as it's on AT&T

sancho @ Oct 25, 09 4:42 PM

Verizon's main focus at this point is Android, I doubt they'll pick up Iphone.
1) Apple won't let anyone mess with their baby. The reason why Verizon said no to Apple in the first place.
2)Droid Does and "There's a map for that" commercial have reflected Verizon's attitude towards AT&T and Apple.

I don't want Verizon to get the iphone. I believe Verizon's strong suit is their network, followed by their selection of great phones. I'm proud that Verizon doesn't have to rely on one great device in order to stay competitive, unlike another carrier.

PhxBlue @ Oct 25, 09 1:44 AM

I get angry every time I see this dudes picture.

Deanwrd @ Oct 24, 09 3:01 PM

I think AT&T should concentrate more on it's coverages and network. That will keep the current customers put while attracting new blood. It's great to have a nice brand new fancy phone, but with dead zones and dropped calls the shiny new smart phone doesn't seem so smart. ~D

haaku1279 @ Oct 24, 09 2:53 PM

plus if it did go to verizon they would have to have sim cards which verizon wouldnt do but the iphone could go to tmobile

Austin Gregory @ Oct 24, 09 10:55 AM

Verizon and Apple better make some sort of compromise so that all the millions of Verizon customers(including myself) can finally have an iPhone. and if that does happen Verizon better not make the iPhone one of those phones where you have to pay for the stupid data plan.

Jebediah @ Oct 24, 09 2:52 PM

it probaly wont be on verizon after wat they did i already told you that

izzyknowsyou @ Oct 24, 09 3:21 PM

I don't think the iphone will come to verizon anymore after the stunt they pulled, or at least not for a long while. I think its going to sprint.

stalllion1 @ Oct 23, 09 7:57 PM

wow

edrompa @ Oct 24, 09 12:46 AM

Ban this guy from ever posting again please.

Austin Gregory @ Oct 24, 09 10:53 AM

yes. plz do so.

stalllion1 @ Oct 24, 09 11:00 AM

guys i am sorry for the long comment and not putting things in. what hapened was i was just going to write "wow" and nothing else. i am sorry i made a mistake. i am truly sorry