Report: Strained Apple-AT&T Partnership is Nothing New

[Michael Essany]

The new August 2010 issue of Wired magazine has people talking about the publication's article titled "#ATTFAIL Inside the iPhone Network Meltdown." The content provided portrays the long history of AT&T's partnership with Apple as a regularly strained tech-marriage of convenience.

In the article, Apple CEO Steve Jobs is said to have come close to a breaking point on various occasions - heated moments where a break in the iPhone exclusivity agreement almost took place. According to the report, Jobs considered a switch to Verizon as early as 2007. The relationship, however, was strained in the eyes of both parties as Apple was stubborn about not limiting the Internet capabilities of the iPhone, while AT&T was consistently burdened by the new demands of Apple's smartphone being exclusively available on its already over-burdened network.

In total, Apple is said to have come close to severing ties with AT&T on at least a half-dozen unique occasions. The report cites one unnamed source who claims that Cupertino once dispatched some of its engineers to Qualcomm's offices with the explicit intention of exploring a CDMA iPhone. Ultimately, however, the company determined that rebuilding the iPhone would be required of that move - a choice that, at the time, would have proven far too expensive and time consuming to pursue. The story is told, however, as a reference point to today's persistent headline of
Qualcomm reportedly working with Apple on a chip that, eventually, would allow the iPhone to call both AT&T and Verizon home.

Showing the lighter side of Cupertino's corporate atmosphere, one anecdote recalls an AT&T representative suggesting to one of Steve Jobs' underlings that a suit would be proper attire for a scheduled AT&T board meeting he was to attend. The rep was promptly told: “We’re Apple. We don’t wear suits. We don’t even own suits.”

The new issue of Wired is now available although the article in question isn't yet viewable on Wired's website.

ZDnet
Wired

[NiteStar]

“We’re Apple. We don’t wear suits. We don’t even own suits.” LOL

[ALAN523]

stop complaining all people do is complain. incredible!

[rhekt]

As long as current AT&T iPhone subscribers can continue with AT&T or be able to switch to verizon without any fees regardless of contract. Than I'm ok with that.

[Truckinlow]

still not sure why apple doesnt have the iphone available for all carriers. i would think the more iphones used by people the more apps sold, the more money he makes.

[kuhndsn]

Its ATT's fault... They bit off more than they can chew... Whooo look at us T-mobile, Verizon, Sprint, we got the iphone... But you cant do half the crap with it because we are still working out of our trailer home... We will just chock our iPhone customers charge them more and perhaps in five years we will update our system and stop lying about our coverage area....

Yes I have ATT. But it seems like as each day goes buy they get ruder and more expensive. Reminds me of the 1st golf war when they were the only kids on the block in Saudi and they were charging and ripping off military members... Hope I am wrong but looks like they will never change their business model...

[aqan]

“We’re Apple. We don’t wear suits. We don’t even own suits.” LOL

I wore jeans to my marriage dinner and the rest of the apple staff was in shorts.

[dbizzy1]

As if it's gonna be better on Verizon's network. People think it will be until over half of their network gets the iPhone and then, same s**t different toilet. Mark my words on that

[joey00760]

[dbizzy1]

I'd pay to see this fight...my money is on Joey, and no I don't know him but I bet he would kick whoever he's talkin to's ***! Lol

[GranDaddyPurp]

As long as current AT&T iPhone subscribers can continue with AT&T or be able to switch to verizon without any fees regardless of contract. Than I'm ok with that.

This would be good but knowing AT&T, they'll probably charge.

[klouud]

I hope they do sever EXCLUSIVE ties with AT&T! If the iPhone was on multiple networks then everyone would win with more competitive pricing and data packages.

[Shishir G]

More Networks = More iDevices sold = Steve Jobs gets to show his *** to Bill Gates.

I don't understand why they don't just make it for all networks?
I have T-Mobile and iPhone 3GS, It's all good, but it'd be helpful if they make it public

[eg6motion]

woo, guess we couldn't go another day or two without another Verizon Report... which is made of all rumors.

I hope they go to Verizon along with ATT. Many people will switch and it will take a load off ATT while allowing people to select and iPhone that will work best for their location. If it's "about the customer" than they need to go to both carriers.

[eg6motion]

More Networks = More iDevices sold = Steve Jobs gets to show his *** to Bill Gates.

Steve Jobs will never catch up, ever. Apple's Market share is still under 10% for their OS, keep dreaming.

[Bluemoldycheeze88]

“We’re Apple. We don’t wear suits. We don’t even own suits.” LOL

lol classic

Again... Almost one is every new post... First for what? Coming out of the closet?

******* pwned

[TheOnlyest]

Can we just ban people like this? they provide NOTHING positive to this forum, and quite frankly, i'm getting sick of seeing this crap.

[Shishir G]

Apple says they want to everything they can for their customers, then why the hell don't they make it so ATT, Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint etc, can sell iPhone's with reception? It's just pure ********, ATT sucks ***.

[cymolia]

Then what ?

[mortopher]

I think you spelt twat wrong.. This is not Youtube and will never be Youtube. We don't need people like you doing this sort of thing in the forums

Okay, at least one of you was funny about it. In all seriousness though, his "first" post is insignificant if people quite whining about it. 1 annoying post isn't as bad as the 15 whiny posts that comment on it.

Steve Jobs will never catch up, ever. Apple's Market share is still under 10% for their OS, keep dreaming.

Take a look at market capitalization. They're neck and neck with Microsoft. I do think Microsoft regained the lead recently though with the decline in Apple's stock the past couple of weeks but i'm not certain about that.