Is Apple crazy for not making a compatible iPhone for CDMA networks?

[her209]

1. I'm assuming not much additional work is needed for Apple to create an iPhone that is compatible with CDMA networks.
2. Remaining an AT&T exclusive phone, Apple is limiting themselves in market share dominance and are reliant upon AT&T's market share and network.
3. Apple's absence from the other carriers, allows users to experience Android and webOS and possibly grabbing and holding market share.

So is Apple crazy?

 

[erwos]

Two words: revenue sharing. No one's going to share revenue with Apple unless it's the exclusive of the decade - which the iPhone has been, so far. The second Apple takes the phone to other networks, AT&T is going to cut off that revenue share agreement. Without it, the iPhone becomes WAY less profitable.

Ironically, this may be better for AT&T in the long run...

 

[gorcorps]

I think it's pretty safe to assume that Apple isn't hurting for sales by not getting on the CDMA boat. Even if they never make one (and I'm thinking they will at some point) they'll be fine.

 

[Deeko]

-People that want an iPhone are very likely to switch carriers.
-The amount they would gain from those on other carriers that won't switch but would buy it is in all likelihood much less than the amount they get from AT&T as a part of the exclusive deal.

 

[ChAoTiCpInOy]

They don't do revenue sharing anymore...

 

[Pliablemoose]

You'e assuming Apple gives a rat's ass about the US market.....

That would be an incorrect assumption

 

[blackangst1]

Especially considering Apple's 4th quarter earnings are higher than expected, with iPhone sales up 7%.

 

[her209]

Originally posted by: Deeko
-People that want an iPhone are very likely to switch carriers.
-The amount they would gain from those on other carriers that won't switch but would buy it is in all likelihood much less than the amount they get from AT&T as a part of the exclusive deal.

I had the choice to switch to the iPhone and iPhone 3G. I didn't switch because:

1. When the first iPhone came out, it was ridiculously expensive even when subsidized.
2. The cost of the monthly plan was too higher compared to other carriers even when comparing family plans.
3. AT&T service is horrible.

 

[slag]

Originally posted by: her209

Originally posted by: Deeko
-People that want an iPhone are very likely to switch carriers.
-The amount they would gain from those on other carriers that won't switch but would buy it is in all likelihood much less than the amount they get from AT&T as a part of the exclusive deal.

I had the choice to switch to the iPhone and iPhone 3G. I didn't switch because:

1. When the first iPhone came out, it was ridiculously expensive even when subsidized.
2. The cost of the monthly plan was too higher compared to other carriers even when comparing family plans.
3. AT&T service is horrible.

Regarding #3, I guess that depends on your definition of service and horrible. I get much better reception with AT&T all around than I ever did with TMobile or Sprint. As far as customer service, well, they all 3 suck donkey balls. Pricewise, I cant complain at all with the corporate discount I get.

Overall, I'm happier with AT&T so far than I ever was with Tmobile or Sprint.

 

[erwos]

My service with AT&T so far has been about as good as Sprint's. It'll be up to par completely when they release the microcell so I can get decent reception in my basement.

OTOH, my wife apparently actually got some AT&T signal down in the DC metro now, and her phone works in the basement, so it appear to be a big step up for her.

 

[Phynaz]

Originally posted by: her209
1. I'm assuming not much additional work is needed for Apple to create an iPhone that is compatible with CDMA networks.
2. Remaining an AT&T exclusive phone, Apple is limiting themselves in market share dominance and are reliant upon AT&T's market share and network.
3. Apple's absence from the other carriers, allows users to experience Android and webOS and possibly grabbing and holding market share.

So is Apple crazy?

Has any other carrier made the commitment to implement the features Apple needs, such as visual voice mail?

From what I read only ATT would make the network investment.

 

[Pliablemoose]

LOL, I was evidently wrong...

Apple stock is up a bunch today, took a bit, but I found out one reason why: Bigger News for Verizon Than Motorola?s Droid

My sources have confirmed that Apple and Verizon have been testing a CDMA iPhone on Verizon?s 4G LTE network. Yes, you read that correctly, Verizon and Apple have been testing the first 4G phone on Verizon?s 4G network. The tests have been taking place for the last couple of months but with no confirmation on the release date. If you read the article by Reuters above, it would make good fiscal sense for Apple (and Verizon) to release the first CDMA iPhone right here in the United States running on Verizon?s new 4G network, with announcement expected in 2010 at Apple?s WWDC.

:shocked:

 

[corkyg]

Originally posted by: her209
3. AT&T service is horrible.

As a 3G traveling user, I have to agree. The evidence is quite clear. I have used Sprint aircards for several years, and they are excellent in most places. I later added a AT&T Quicksilver 3G USB device, and found it much slower than Sprint, and the coverage not so good. Here are the network coverage maps:

Maps

One area in particular that I frequently visit is Pasadena, CA. Sprint is dead, AT&T is moribund, and I am about to try Verizon's Mi-Fi unit and see how that works.

Bottom line - your service depends entirely on where you are when you use it.

 

[her209]

Originally posted by: Pliablemoose
LOL, I was evidently wrong...

Apple stock is up a bunch today, took a bit, but I found out one reason why: Bigger News for Verizon Than Motorola?s Droid

My sources have confirmed that Apple and Verizon have been testing a CDMA iPhone on Verizon?s 4G LTE network. Yes, you read that correctly, Verizon and Apple have been testing the first 4G phone on Verizon?s 4G network. The tests have been taking place for the last couple of months but with no confirmation on the release date. If you read the article by Reuters above, it would make good fiscal sense for Apple (and Verizon) to release the first CDMA iPhone right here in the United States running on Verizon?s new 4G network, with announcement expected in 2010 at Apple?s WWDC.

:shocked:

If true, probably won't launch until June 2010.

 

[DivideBYZero]

Originally posted by: her209

Originally posted by: Pliablemoose
LOL, I was evidently wrong...

Apple stock is up a bunch today, took a bit, but I found out one reason why: Bigger News for Verizon Than Motorola?s Droid

My sources have confirmed that Apple and Verizon have been testing a CDMA iPhone on Verizon?s 4G LTE network. Yes, you read that correctly, Verizon and Apple have been testing the first 4G phone on Verizon?s 4G network. The tests have been taking place for the last couple of months but with no confirmation on the release date. If you read the article by Reuters above, it would make good fiscal sense for Apple (and Verizon) to release the first CDMA iPhone right here in the United States running on Verizon?s new 4G network, with announcement expected in 2010 at Apple?s WWDC.

:shocked:

If true, probably won't launch until June 2010.

And LTE != CDMA. Not only that, but Verizon have been testing mule LTE handsets from many manufacturers already, Apple isn't 'first', so this article is just a bit of a fanboy-frenzy stretching the truth.

 

[Pliablemoose]

Originally posted by: DivideBYZero


And LTE != CDMA. Not only that, but Verizon have been testing mule LTE handsets from many manufacturers already, Apple isn't 'first', so this article is just a bit of a fanboy-frenzy stretching the truth.

Once again, DBZ, care to put some $ on that?

$100 says Apple announces an iPhone on Verizon within a year.

 

[jersiq]

Originally posted by: Pliablemoose

Originally posted by: DivideBYZero


And LTE != CDMA. Not only that, but Verizon have been testing mule LTE handsets from many manufacturers already, Apple isn't 'first', so this article is just a bit of a fanboy-frenzy stretching the truth.

Once again, DBZ, care to put some $ on that?

$100 says Apple announces an iPhone on Verizon within a year.

I wish I could take you up on that. I'm broke though. How about bragging rights?
Now Apple will come out with a similar device (I'm hearing a tablet style device, pure speculation) that will use the LTE network, however LTE buildout is going to take a few years to hit all the POPs they currently have. Does Apple want to wait for that market penetration to occur?

In fact the first test "phones" were actually large boxes with the appropriate chip sets in them. Pretty fast too.

 

[erwos]

Originally posted by: DivideBYZero
And LTE != CDMA. Not only that, but Verizon have been testing mule LTE handsets from many manufacturers already, Apple isn't 'first', so this article is just a bit of a fanboy-frenzy stretching the truth.

The first phones to use a 4G technology will be using some sort of 2G/3G technology with them, guaranteed. It's not out of the realm of possibility that Apple could be producing a dual-mode CDMA/LTE handset. Heck, maybe it's even a CDMA/LTE/WiMax handset - I've heard mutterings that the radio hardware for LTE and WiMax is basically the same.

 

[Spineshank]

Im pretty sure all the major US carriers are going LTE. I know Sprint and Verizon announced it..im pretty sure T-Mobile announced it. AT&T is the only one i dont recall saying anything. And i think CDMA phones are harder to make or more costly.

 

[blackangst1]

Topic: Is it too late with the emergence of the webOS and Android-based phones?


I believe so. With a slew of new Andriod/Andriod 2 phones coming out on all carriers in the next 12 months, I think we'll see a decline of iPhone sales.

 

[erwos]

Apple has a certain cachet that's simply not going to be replicated by Android, even the apparently far-superior Android 2.0.

Or, more simply put, without a credible iTunes competitor for Android, Apple will always have a certain segment of the "I need my phone to play iTunes music" market. It's a little sad that Microsoft didn't try this play with the Zune, but there you go...

 

[shortylickens]

Originally posted by: erwos
My service with AT&T so far has been about as good as Sprint's. It'll be up to par completely when they release the microcell so I can get decent reception in my basement.

OTOH, my wife apparently actually got some AT&T signal down in the DC metro now, and her phone works in the basement, so it appear to be a big step up for her.

My mom was just on the Metro and she said the same thing, AT&T is now accessible.

As for my opinion on the main issue: I like Android but it hasnt been the iPhone killer we were hoping it would be. They didnt push the Google name enough when they marketed it, and people dont think of Google as a cellphone name anyway.
I suspect the Apple brand would convince a lot of folks to switch to AT&T even if they didnt care much for them. So no, Apple isnt really losing too many sales. Though I have no doubt Sprint and Verizon would kiss their balls for a CDMA version of the phone. They dont even need to sell the things to them. Just have unlocked versions available on Amazon and the nerds would figure out what to do.
Of course "apple" and "unlocked" is like "oil" and "water". So that aint gonna happen.

 

[MDE]

Originally posted by: Spineshank
Im pretty sure all the major US carriers are going LTE. I know Sprint and Verizon announced it..im pretty sure T-Mobile announced it. AT&T is the only one i dont recall saying anything. And i think CDMA phones are harder to make or more costly.

Sprint is going with WiMax. AT&T and Verizon are going LTE, and T-Mobile will decide on a 4G network in five years.