Dems and the iPhone July 11 2007
I guess Congress is all out of things to worry about.
The iPhone “highlights both the promise and the problems of the wireless industry today,” said Rep. Edward Markey, D-Mass., chairman of the House Subcommittee on Telecom and the Internet. “This cutting edge technology breaks new ground … [but] consumers can’t use this service with other wireless carriers” and those in areas not reached by AT&T cannot use the iPhone at all, he said.
Apple signed an agreement with AT&T to serve as the sole cell phone service provider for the iPhone. Those who purchase the iPhone, therefore, must switch to AT&T in order for their phone to work, incurring cancellation fees from current providers and locking themselves into a two-year contract with AT&T.
“Consumers feel trapped,” Markey said at a hearing about regulation in the wireless industry.
“The iPhone could still change the world and be available for any consumer on any network, but we won’t know until 2012, the year that AT&T’s American exclusivity runs out,” said Rep. Mike Doyle, D-Pa. “I think it’s time the consumer becomes a decider, not the cell phone carriers.”
Michigan Republican Fred Upton has a sensible rejoinder.
“Competition spurs carriers to innovate and build a better mousetrap,” he said. “The iPhone is the newest mousetrap and now other carriers will be working to top it.”
Amen… and I say that as an iPhone owner.
Possibly Related...
Comments, compliments or complaints?