AT&T disregards customer cries for iPhone plan pricing
By Triston McIntyre
Though AT&T has positioned itself for a rapid rise to the top of the cell phone market with its 5 year exclusivity contract for the iPhone, the way it is conducting its execution of the iPhone launch is not at all becoming of a possible market leader. AT&T is refusing to release any information regarding pricing for the iPhone’s unique contract to interested customers, which is both frusterating customers who need to plan for their upcoming purchase, and creating the impression that AT&T is not out for its customers…its out itself.
True, any company must function in a profit-minded way, but AT&T is more than aware of the number of potential iPhone buyers that have already expressed determined interest in owning iPhones; the company has nothing to gain by withholding plan pricing. By refusing to release information on the phone’s plan, they are only discouraging customers from preparing for their rather large purchases, which can only detract from sales of the iPhone.
AT&T has admitted they are afraid Apple won’t be able to meet the demand for the iPhone, and that units will be sold out across the country within the first day of sales; though withholding pricing might decrease shortage numbers when interested buyers see the plan pricing, AT&T is only damaging its reputation in the eyes of customers who have already committed to an iPhone purchase…a reputation that AT&T needs, regardless of its flagship device.
After all, the new device is only part of the equation for AT&T’s success; the rapid move to acquire Cingular and become AT&T wireless has left the newly joined carrier without a strong reputation of its own. Of course the AT&T name has long been respected, but could AT&T’s conduct of the iPhone’s release be exemplary of the way it will handle its new wireless service?
In the end, AT&T stands with nothing to gain by withholding iPhone plan pricing except a negative image of elitism and exclusivity; though Apple has long held an image of uniqueness and diversity from the norm of technology, the conduct surrounding the iPhone’s release could change the face of both AT&T and Apple for a long time to come.
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on Thursday, June 21st, 2007 at 1:35 pm
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June 23rd, 2007
Have you considered that Steve Jobs is running the show? “In the end, AT&T stands with nothing to gain by withholding iPhone plan pricing except a negative image of elitism and exclusivity …” How about Apple having a contract clause that opens up AT&T to penalties and contract termination? Verizon walked away from the iPhone just because of these requirements. You must be a Verizon Wireless customer, huh?