Android, iOS & Mobile Phones

[JLeigh]

I would really like an iPhone but don't want to break contract with Verizon. They have good coverage and my whole family is on it. Will I be able to buy an iPhone that works on the Verizon network from Best Buy anytime in the near future?

Message Edited by JLeigh on 09-18-2008 03:52 PM

[scootergirl72]

I'm a current iPhone user and when they launched in June of 2007, the committment with AT&T and Apple was that AT&T would be the sole provider of cellular/data service for the first 5 years.  Interestingly enough, it was also said that only Apple and AT&T stores would sell the phones...and now Best Buy does! 

Through the internet, I haven't heard of any plans to change the carriers - it's pretty profitable for AT&T to continue the 5 year plan.  There are some new phones that are iPhone-esque, perhaps that's an alternative for you?

BTW, I love my iPhone and wouldn't dream of going back to any other device.  When the new ones launched in July of this  year I got a new one and gave my boyfriend my old one.  He's hooked now too.

[Ryan]

Unfortunately for all the CDMA cell phone users (Verizon and Sprint) as well as T-Mobile users, Apple and AT&T have a contract for 5 years from their release date of June 29 that they have exclusive distribution rights to the iPhone, and Apple is barred from developing a CDMA network compatible phone.

So to answer your question, Verizon at the very least will not have it for another 4 years, and even at that point, there is no guarantee that Apple and AT&T will not renew their agreement. Sorry!

Message Edited by Ryan on 09-23-2008 08:13 PM

[JLeigh]

Wow, that's really too bad. If the AT&T 3G Sierra Wireless aircard is any indication of their 3G network performance in Minneapolis, connectivity here is not very good. I ended up returning mine after 2 months because the network was so weak and it kept throwing errors AT&T could not resolve.

[gracep]

Any unlocked GMS phone should work on the T-Mobile network, right? 

[scootergirl72]

That's correct - any unlocked GMS phone should work with Tmobile.