USATODAY: Verizon passed on the iPhone
Posted by Dr. Macenstein
When the iPhone was announced earlier this month, many Verizon customers complained at being left out in the cold. Apple’s exclusive deal with Cingular meant Verizon (and other companies) would be unable to offer the iPhone for at least 2 years, a fact that has many of their customers contemplating jumping ship.
However, according to USATODAY, Verizon was actually approached before Cingular, but turned Apple down after hearing the long list of demands and relatively few benefits that Apple offered in the deal.
While Cingular and Apple are not discussing the terms of their deal, Verizon’s VP Jim Gerace says Apple wanted not only total control over the distribution, sales, and service of the iPhone, but also a cut of monthly subscription fees. Verizon felt a deal with Apple would alienate a large portion of its other retail partners, such as Wal-Mart, Best Buy and other smaller retailers who offer Verizon Wireless phones and plans.
“…such as Wal-Mart, Best Buy and other smaller retailers who offer Verizon Wireless phones and plans.”
Small Retailers? I don’t think you could find larger retailers – anywhere…
ha ha, right you are Eric.
We were under the impression thos were “store within a store”businesses, and not officially Wal-Mart, etc.
Thanks!
-The Doc