All Hands to Be on Deck at AT&T for iPhone 5 Launch

[Michael Essany]

AT&T is reportedly planning for the iPhone 5 release with excessive attention to detail and all that will be required to make the mad rush a seamless experience for those looking to obtain what is poised to become the hottest smartphone release since... well, the last-gen iPhone was released in 2010.

Following the lead of Apple and Sprint (which have reportedly blocked employee vacation time within the release zone), AT&T has begun doing the same. One source at an AT&T retail location in downtown Chicago, Illinois confirms the vacation blackout period to me, which spans the first two weeks of October, beginning October 3rd, the eve of the iPhone 5 introduction.

At this time, however, it isn't clear if the iPhone 5 will be available for purchase at AT&T the following day, later in the week, or at another time. With regard to Sprint, which is supposedly getting the iPhone next month here in the US, we can't yet confirm if the iPhone 5 will arrive on the Sprint network this year. Several conflicting reports suggest that the iPhone 4 will arrive first with the iPhone 5 to follow in early 2012.

Another logical reason for the reportedly over-the-top preparations being made by AT&T is that Apple may release more than one new iPhone. More specifically, we've heard so many rumblings about a possible low-end iPhone 4 model (maybe the iPhone 4S) that it makes sense for AT&T to carefully plan for the customer rush that could easily overwhelm an inadequately prepped retail outlet.

[Colby21]

whatever... AT&T can go **** themselves!

[gcastro723]

whatever... AT&T can go **** themselves!

u mad bro?

[Striknine]

Why would you waste your time writing that and everyone's time reading it. You need to go lay down now.

[jinman]

u mad bro?

AT&T has never handled an iPhone launch very good
They might get it right this time tho !

[delutedsoul]

Best buy can't handle a release well either. Maybe between the two,one will get it right

[Jahooba]

C'mon 5th gen Touch! I may be the only one in the world rooting for you at this point. You could be oh-so-much more if you only had 3G wireless access! Or GPS. Either/ or would be nice.

[RICO_]

All hands on deck? No way! I thought for sure they would totally blow off the announcement and be completely UN-prepared for the launch.

[maddawg05]

Duh!

[thazsar]

Except for a few, most of you are trolls. Say something useful or get out!!! Essany is writing the news...leave him alone....haters!

BTW, you guys are ruining MMI!!! Good job...

[smoothcreak]

C'mon 5th gen Touch! I may be the only one in the world rooting for you at this point. You could be oh-so-much more if you only had 3G wireless access! Or GPS. Either/ or would be nice.

Kinda pointless. Get an iPad, much better.

[bigliquid530]

whatever... AT&T can go **** themselves!

+1

[chris4851]

If your Verizon theres no need to prep as there will be NO LINE waiting for the iPhone 5.

[RICO_]

Breaking News: 6 days to iPhone announcement. Still no new details. Apple still planning to release new iPhone. More details that you've already heard at 6:00.

[unklbyl]

nice of them to take the (potential) customers into account though! Glad i live inGermany where you can get the unlocked version through O2! i'm looking forward to getting the 5 Jail broken!