How does AT&T still have exclusive rights to the iPhone and even think that it's possible to extend it? Even France now has competition with the iPhone. When I look at situations like this I wonder what the heck happened to the old system of competition in the US. The Republicans loved scrapping the system and letting their friends take control but why have Democrats let them continue? Competition used to be the hallmark of the US system and now it's considered old fashioned and better left behind. Maybe it's time to go retro again.
When Randall Stephenson became AT&T Inc.'s chief executive, the company had just started offering the iPhone. The blockbuster device has since reeled in millions of new customers and helped revitalize the telecom giant's brand.And exclusive rights helps consumers how?
But AT&T's exclusive deal to carry the iPhone in the U.S. expires next year, according to people familiar with the matter, and Mr. Stephenson is now in discussions with Apple Inc. to get an extension until 2011.
