The Untold Story: How the iPhone Blew Up the Wireless Industry
I always wondered why Apple chose AT&T’s sub par network for such a data heavy device… Might have to do with the $20 / iPhone user PER MONTH that apple receives. Unbelievable. I’m a firm believer that Apple’s allure is part superior product and part elitism (engineered by the man himself, Steve Jobbs). That said, the iPhone definitely falls under the technical appeal. It really is a cut above the other devices on the market today.
I’m not a Mac fanboy by any stretch, but I absolutely love the iPhone. The device itself is great, but even more so I’m in awe at what it’s done to the industry (the article above is spot on). It was a much needed jolt to break us out of the anti-data paradigm. Coupled with Verizon’s open access announcement and 700 MHz spectrum auction, I think the American consumer will have unparalleled choice for the next few years.
I see the US cellular industry as having gone through four stages:
- Analogue
- Early Digital
- “Take a picture for tha camera phone!”
- Early 3G
- True 3G (today)
For years my Dad had an analogue Motorola set with a bright orange keypad. It was the size of an overstuffed pita with a big long extendable antenna. I used to use a UHF tv and listen into some of his conversations. Ah, the good old days.
Nokia 5160… 
Enough Said.
These were the first “fashionable phones.”
Walled garden internet and lots of text messages.
Pictures, Videos, and data packages.
